Warning of ‘social recession’ in Scotland

SCOTLAND is at risk of falling into a “social recession” unless public services make better use of the voluntary sector, the head of a national reform organisation has warned.

George Thomson, chief executive of Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS), warned radical action is needed if volunteers are to play the part expected of them in shaping the future of Scotland’s public services.

Speaking ahead of VDS’s Annual General Meeting in Stirling on Monday, Thomson said public service providers and many volunteer-involving organisations are badly out of touch and need to change their attitudes to “unpaid help”.

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Thomson said: “Volunteers should play a central role in a new model for delivery of public service providers. They can add a unique dimension to a recipient’s experience of public services. Too often, however, they are taken for-granted, misunderstood, undervalued and ill-recognised.

“The Christie Commission report stresses the essential role volunteering has to play in future provision of public services. Indeed, it is difficult to see how Christie’s recommendations can be made to work without volunteers.

“A radical change in culture is required in public sector providers and among volunteer-involving organisations.

“Volunteering, in its traditional sense, is flat-lining at present. We see a disconnection between what volunteers want to gain from their experience and the opportunities that many organisations are offering.

“Failure to face up to the change required - and act accordingly - will cause lasting damage to our communities. Scotland runs the risk of losing out on the untapped talents and abilities of our people.”

Volunteer Development Scotland is Scotland’s Centre for Excellence in volunteering.