What does Portsmouths volunteer centre do?

Portsmouth Volunteer Centre follows the recommended Volunteering England model. The following information comes directly from Volunteering England and tells you what we do now and what we plan to do in the future. You can find more information on Volunteer Centres nationally at www.volunteering.org.uk
The Volunteer Centre Portsmouth covers the area PO1 – PO6. At present we have over 500 volunteering opportunities in the Portsmouth area. We are an accredited centre by Volunteer England. We work in partnership with over 450 local organisations offering support, advice and training linked with our high expertise in volunteering procedures and good practice. So if you are thinking of volunteering or need volunteers, then come and see us for a chat.



What do Volunteer centres do?

1. Brokerage
   A Volunteer Centre’s primary function is to match both individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities in the local community. Volunteer Centres hold information on a comprehensive range of opportunities. They offer potential volunteers support and advice matching their motivation to volunteer with appropriate volunteering opportunities.
2. Marketing volunteering
   Volunteer Centres stimulate and encourage local interest in volunteering and community activity. This may include promoting and marketing volunteering through local, regional, and national events and campaigns. Volunteer Centres manage and promote a national brand for volunteering.
3. Good practice development
   Volunteer Centres promote good practice in working with volunteers to all volunteer involving organisations. They deliver training and accreditation for potential volunteers, volunteers, volunteer managers and the volunteering infrastructure. They also provide advice on issues such as volunteers expenses, volunteer management, and legal pointers.
4. Develop volunteering opportunities
   Volunteer Centres work in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities. Volunteer Centres understand the potential offered by local communities and work with them to realise this potential. Volunteer Centres will target specific groups which face barriers to volunteering. Volunteer Centres work creatively to develop imaginative, non-formal opportunities for potential volunteers.
5. Policy response and campaigning
   Volunteer Centres identify proposals or legislation that may affect volunteering. It will lead and/or participate in campaigns on issues that affect volunteers or volunteering. Volunteer Centres campaign proactively for a more volunteer-literate and volunteer-friendly climate.
6. Strategic development of volunteering
   As the local experts on volunteering Volunteer Centres inform strategic thinking and planning at a local, regional, and national level.