Most people think of volunteering as being part of the “Voluntary Sector” - that is working for charities, community groups etc. However, volunteers are involved in many different public (statutory) sector settings, from schools to police stations, and museums to people's own homes. Some public sector agencies which rely on volunteering include schools (governors, classroom helpers); hospitals, coastguards, police, and magistrates.

Volunteers can bring a 'personal' touch to local authority services and the NHS, and hospitals in particular have recognised the value of involving volunteers in their patient liaison services. Volunteering is also sometimes described as a way for former patients and service users to "give something back" based on their personal experience and this idea is gaining popularity.

Volunteers often contribute to additional services, and the principle of 'adding value' rather than substituting the role of paid staff is particularly important.

Good practice principles in volunteering applies to wherever volunteers are used. Portsmouth Volunteer Centre works closely with colleagues in Portsmouth City Council (which has over 1,500 volunteers), the police, local NHS Trusts, and other public sector bodies, to ensure we carry the same message and provide rewarding opportunities to our volunteers.

Links
Portsmouth City Council volunteering department
Portsmouth (NHS) Hospitals Trust volunteering
Purple Door - University of Portsmouth volunteering scheme