By recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who deliver sport and physical activities before, during and after school, Active Schools can increase (and have increased) the number and range of opportunities for children and young people's participation. A few examples of volunteer led activities and clubs are: Badminton, Cross-Country Running, Football, Golf, Infant games/activity clubs and Netball. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight the valuable contribution made by volunteers and to express our gratitude to all volunteers for their continued support and commitment.
We recognise it is vitally important for volunteers to feel confident in leading activities, have the best possible resources to hand and feel valued for the work they do. In line with this we provide volunteers with on-going training and mentoring opportunities, specialist resources and equipment, and look to recognise and reward volunteers for their efforts. Only with a network of enthusiastic, confident, qualified and knowledgeable volunteer deliverers - with up to date and suitable play and sports equipment - can we hope to achieve our goals and increase the physical activity levels and thereby improve the health of the children and young people of West Dunbartonshire.
We work closely with the Club, Coach and Volunteer Development Officer to promote and develop volunteering opportunities and provide access to high quality training and qualifications. An annual Sports Club and Coach Education Booklet is produced which outlines a wide range of coaching courses that are available locally and are available to sports coaches, volunteers and teaching staff. Active Schools Coordinators promote these opportunities to existing volunteers and encourage new volunteers to attend relevant courses before leading sessions. Active Schools cover the costs of courses for volunteers involved in our programmes.
Download the Club and Coach Education booklet for 2009-10
In partnership with Sports Development and Outdoor Education, a ‘Good Practice Guide’ for working with volunteers has been published. This guides the work of our services in relation to volunteers. Active Schools Coordinators have a staff handbook which outlines their procedures and responsibilities. In addition, we have also created a volunteer handbook that informs volunteers of our policies and procedures as well as what support they can expect from Active Schools. It is through these documents, and the policies and methods contained in them, that we have the foundation for a consistent approach to the recruitment, support and retention of volunteers.
Download the 'Good Practice Guide for Volunteers' which outlines West Dunbartonshire Council's commitment to volunteers and provides a formal structure for the engagement of volunteers throughout the local authority.
Download the 'Volunteers Handbook' which provides vital information to volunteers as to the processes and support they should expect to receive from Active Schools.
If you would like more information on volunteers or would like to get involved, please contact us.
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