Volunteering Spirit Wales: analysis report

Transcription

1 Volunteering Spirit Wales: analysis report

2 This report was written on behalf of WCVA by Helen Corkery, Research and Marketing Consultant Dip.M MBA MCIM Helen specialises in quantitative research and evaluation. She works across arts, heritage and tourism sectors helping organisations to understand more about their audiences, market potential and the effectiveness of their activities. Published by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). June Head office: Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FH. Tel: (calls are welcomed in Welsh and in English). WCVA welcomes receiving correspondence in Welsh. We will respond to correspondence received in Welsh, in Welsh. Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to delay. Registered charity number , company limited by guarantee ISBN This report is available in Welsh and English.

3 Table of Contents 1 Background and introduction Methodology Volunteer reach Previous experience of volunteering Volunteer demographics Language Volunteer working status and education Volunteer aspirations Volunteer outcomes Realised outcomes Skills development Wellbeing Attitudes and opinions Opinions about disability Opinions about volunteering Volunteers experiences Longer term impacts Suggestions for development... 16

4 1 Background and introduction Volunteering Spirit Wales (VSW) is a project aimed at improving the standards of volunteer management at public events in Wales. Hosted by WCVA and supported by Spirit of 2012, the project has involved six key partners: Disability Sport Wales Run4Wales National Museum of Wales The Outdoor Partnership The Urdd Eisteddfod Voluntary Arts Wales As part of the project evaluation, people who volunteered at each of the six events held by the partners during the project were asked to complete two questionnaires. Volunteers completed the first survey when they joined the event and the second was completed when they had finished volunteering/at the end of the event. This document draws on the responses to these questionnaires to provide insights about the types of people volunteering across the six events and the outcomes these volunteers realised as a result of being involved. It is important to note that the sample size was small throughout, with the exception of the IAAF World Half Marathon delivered by Run4Wales. The analysis offers valuable insights into the attitudes and perspectives of the volunteers involved and the circumstances of each event. The surveys were not intended to provide statistically significant data. 2 Methodology WCVA designed the survey formats with input from the VSW external evaluator and Spirit of The surveys were issued as Survey Monkey questionnaires to each of the partners. The partners were asked to encourage their event volunteers to complete the forms prior to the event and on its completion as noted above. The questionnaires included a number of standard questions including some derived from the Spirit of 2012 Theory of Change. Some partners added additional questions to the core questions. This analysis focuses on those questions that were common to all partners questionnaires. The first questionnaire included questions about volunteers demographics; their previous experience of volunteering and propensity to do so again in the future; what they hoped to gain by volunteering; their general well-being and their opinions about disabled people. Responses to these questions provide insights about volunteer reach and their aspirations. The second questionnaire included questions about volunteers experiences of the events, outcomes resulting from this and their propensity to volunteer again in future. The questionnaire also included the standard well-being being questions so that any 1

5 changes in response to these can be assessed. Both questionnaires were issued in Welsh and English. In total, 188 volunteers responded to the first, pre-involvement survey (32 in Welsh and 156 in English) and 277 to the second, post involvement survey (19 in Welsh). The breakdown by organisation and survey is set out in table 1. The table highlights the predominance of responses from volunteers involved in the Run4Wales event to both surveys, which may impact on some of the aggregate findings as weightings have not been applied. No volunteers from National Museum Wales responded to the surveys and volunteers from the Outdoor Partnership only responded to the first survey. Therefore, in drawing conclusions about the volunteers overall, we have necessarily assumed that those who responded were representative of all volunteers involved in the six events. Table 1: responses Preinvolvement survey: 1 Postinvolvement survey: 2 Grand Total Disability Sport Outdoor Partnership Run 4 Wales Urdd Voluntary Arts Wales National Museum Wales Total for 6 Events Volunteer reach To gain insights about the types of people volunteering for the six partners, volunteers were asked about their previous volunteering experience and demographics. 3.1 Previous experience of volunteering Charts 1 and 2 show the proportions of volunteers who had volunteered for a public event before and frequency of past volunteering generally. Across all the events reported, most volunteers had previously volunteered at a public event. Run4Wales attracted the highest proportion of people new to this type of volunteering with one in five never having volunteered at a public event before, whereas all the volunteers who fed back from The Outdoor Partnership had previously volunteered at this type of event. 2

6 Chart 2 highlights some small inconsistencies in the feedback from volunteers about their previous volunteering frequency with a quarter of volunteers for Voluntary Arts Wales indicating that this was their first-time volunteering. Notwithstanding this, there are some parallels with all volunteers for The Outdoor Partnership indicating they either volunteered now and then or every month or week. Overall, the findings suggest that across the six events, a wide range of volunteers have been involved, including: those new to volunteering and/or volunteering at public events; people who had only previously volunteered now and then; frequent volunteers, and/or volunteers who had previously been involved in these types of public events. This mix of volunteers is likely to have contributed to the high proportion of volunteers who report having gained skills working as part of team, referred to later in this report. 3.2 Volunteer demographics As chart 3 illustrates, the events have also involved volunteers from across the age groups and from each gender. Although overall two in 3

7 three volunteers were female, there was a greater tendency for the youngest and oldest volunteers to be male. When we compare the proportions of volunteers from each age group with the proportion of Welsh residents in each 1 (shown on chart 4) there is a significant overrepresentation of young adults (15-30 years) and an under-representation of both children (8-14 years) and older adults (aged 65+). The comparisons suggest that there should be further opportunity to engage more working age males and older adults from each gender, many of who may be retired and have more disposable time than other groups. Charts 4 and 5 show the age and gender breakdown of volunteers by event/organisation and highlight clear differences across these. For example, Voluntary Arts Wales volunteers tend to be predominantly older adults compared with those for Disability Sport Wales, who all report being between the ages of 8 and 30. Similarly, the gender breakdown of respondents illustrates differences between the events with those responding in relation to Voluntary Arts Wales being all female in contrast to just a third of those responding in relation to The Outdoor Partnership. Again, the findings suggest that the different events have appeal to different age groups and that together there should be opportunity to attract a diverse group of volunteers. 1 Migration/Population/Estimates/NationalLevelPopulationEstimates-by-Year-Age-UKCountry 4

8 As illustrated in chart 6 we can draw similar conclusions about the extent to which disabled people have volunteered with some events (Disability Sport Wales and Voluntary Arts Wales particularly) attracting a high proportion of volunteers with disabilities: this was influenced by specific targeting by the partner organisations. With one in four volunteers for these organisations reporting having a disability, the proportions are higher than we would expect from the population generally 2. Notwithstanding this, when we consider that just 9% of volunteers across all events reported having a disability, there should be more scope to increase this. Chart 7 illustrates the ethnic background of respondents and shows that despite differences between the events, overall the six events have attracted a diverse group of volunteers, one in eight of whom were from non-white ethnic backgrounds. At 13%, the proportion is much higher than the 4.4% of the population who report being from non-white backgrounds. 3 Overall across the events representation from Black/African/Caribbean/Black UK people is low. 2 LocalAuthority

9 [Most enjoyed ] The positive spirit, and the feeling of what can be achieved when people work together positively. I was also really struck by the number of people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds that worked together - this seems very important Volunteer for Run4Wales 3.3 Language As chart 8 illustrates there have also been differences in the first language of volunteers, with the Urdd Eisteddfod attracting a very high proportion of first language Welsh speakers and The Outdoor Partnership and Voluntary Arts Wales attracting no first language Welsh speakers. When we compare the overall 17% of volunteers who reported being first language Welsh speakers with the 11% of residents (aged 3+) who reported being able to speak Welsh fluently 4, the events have clearly been successful in engaging Welsh speakers. Chart 8 also highlights a relatively high proportion of volunteers whose first language was something other than English or Welsh, attributable to Run4Wales. Amongst these 14% of Run4Wales volunteers, the languages spoken included Chinese, French, Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese and Japanese. 4 The Welsh Language Use Survey for 2013/14 6

10 The extent to which volunteers speak or understand Welsh reflects the high proportion of first language Welsh speakers, albeit that there are again clear differences between the events with volunteers at the Urdd Eisteddfod tending to be more likely to speak/understand Welsh excellently. It is perhaps not surprising therefore that several volunteers for the Urdd mentioned practicing or learning Welsh as being an important outcome sought and gained from being involved in this event. 100% of volunteers for The Outdoor Partnership speak Welsh, with the majority (84%) speaking it either quite well, very well or excellently. Apart from one we are all retired, and all different backgrounds, there's an ex-accountant, a brickie, one of the team has recently become a lay-preacher. We have become good friends and meet up when we can for example for a meal at Christmas. There are some that I speak to every month. Volunteer for The Urdd Eisteddfod 3.4 Volunteer working status and education There are also differences in the working status of volunteers (chart 10) between the events with Disability Sport Wales volunteers mainly students and school children compared with The Outdoor Partnership and Voluntary Arts Wales volunteers predominantly working or retired. Similarly, there are differences in the educational attainment levels of volunteers between the events with the younger age of Disability Sport Wales volunteers being reflected in the relatively few who had yet attained a degree or postgraduate qualification. The findings indicate that Run4Wales and the Urdd Eisteddfod attracted a good cross section of people and that overall, the mix of events has engaged a wide range of people from across the social spectrum. 7

11 Amongst the other qualifications mentioned by volunteers were teaching/certificate in education, City and Guilds, GNVQ, NVQ level 4, O Levels and professional qualifications. 4 Volunteer aspirations To gain insights about what volunteers wanted to gain from their volunteering activities, they were asked to pick and rank three outcomes from a list in order of importance to them. Although some volunteers ranked all the outcomes listed, the results have been adjusted to include only those ranked as 1 to 3. The results are illustrated in chart 12 which shows the proportion of volunteers who picked each outcome and the overall ranking of importance of that outcome. Supporting the cause was a popular sought outcome picked by 70% of volunteers and was also ranked of highest importance to the volunteers. By contrast, while similarly popular, enjoyment/satisfaction was ranked to be less important. Although relatively few volunteers mentioned other sought outcomes, of those that did, these outcomes were very important. They included an opportunity to participate in an event (most popular amongst Run4Wales volunteers); to see how the events were run from the inside; to be part of something big, huge or national; an opportunity to contribute to promoting the place in which the events took place; and, to gain confidence. [Most enjoyed ] Seeing Cardiff come to life and come together to celebrate so many incredible runners. Their smiles and sometimes tears upon completion were inspiring. Maybe one day I will feel confident enough to run! Volunteer for Run4Wales 8

12 Although learning new skills and using existing skills were similarly popular, amongst those that chose these, learning new skills was felt to be of more importance and whilst just one in five respondents sought outcomes related to their confidence, this was also ranked to be of high importance to those that sought these outcomes. 5 Volunteer outcomes Volunteers were asked a number of questions about how they benefited from their involvement in the events: what outcomes they had realised and the importance of these; what skills they had gained; whether their thoughts and feelings about life had changed; and a set of questions about their overall wellbeing. 5.1 Realised outcomes As in the pre-involvement survey, volunteers were asked to pick and rank three outcomes in order of importance to them, but this time focussing on the outcomes they had gained as a result of volunteering. The results are illustrated in chart 13 which shows the proportion of volunteers picking each outcome and the overall average rank of the outcome in order of importance. The chart shows that supporting the cause continued to be ranked as most important and a popular outcome for at least 70% of volunteers, suggesting that volunteers aspirations were fulfilled in this respect. Enjoyment and satisfaction was also a very popular outcome gained by at least 77% of volunteers, and whilst this also indicates that original aspirations were fulfilled, the chart also shows how this outcome has increased in importance to the volunteers (moving from the 8th most important outcome to the 2 nd most important outcome). Outcomes associated with confidence were gained by over a quarter of volunteers. The importance ranking of this has also increased from 4 th to 3 rd. Using existing 9

13 skills (an outcome gained by at least 29% of volunteers) has also increased in importance from being ranked 11 th to 5 th suggesting that the experience has increased the value placed on existing skills amongst the volunteers. This is also reflected in the high proportion of volunteers who reported outcomes gained in terms of feeling useful. I met a lot of new people who are willing to give back to their community, we worked together and tried our best to make the marathon a success. The runners expressed their gratitude to the volunteers which I am proud that I gave something back Volunteer for Run4Wales 5.2 Skills development Chart 14 illustrates the wide range of skills volunteers reported developing: trying new things and working as part of a team being most widespread and echoed in several comments. 10

14 'It was great to see how the event could bring together arts and mental health. Information was presented in a way that made it easy for people to attend and take part, with an accessible and open approach'. Volunteer for Voluntary Arts Wales Over 80% of volunteers reported gaining skills in getting things done, working with others and trying new things, demonstrating the increased capacity amongst them to support events of this kind in future. Although, fewer volunteers reported gaining problem solving skills than any other skills mentioned, two in three volunteers (65%) reported gaining these skills as a result of volunteering. 5.3 Wellbeing Chart 15 illustrates the extent to which volunteers thoughts and feelings about their life have changed as a result of being involved in the events for which this question was asked. Over three quarters (78%)of volunteers reported having more positive thoughts and feelings across the events and over half (54%) of the young people involved in Disability Sport Wales indicated that they had done so a lot. 11

15 I was amazed of the preparation of this massive event, it made me feel worthwhile and I have not felt like this for many years. Also found the race inspirational Volunteer for Run4Wales To further explore changes in volunteers wellbeing they were asked a set of standard questions before and after their involvement in the events. The results are illustrated in chart 16 which shows the average score given by respondents overall for each question; the % change in this between the start and end of their volunteering involvement; and the score we would expect from representative sample of the population (drawn from 2016 national wellbeing figures 5 ). The chart shows that compared with national scores, volunteers tended to be slightly more satisfied with life and that the things they do in life are worthwhile. They are typically happier although they also report higher levels of anxiety than the population average. the day was tiring but very rewarding and I was with some excellent volunteers, we worked well together Volunteer for Run4Wales The differences in average scores before and after involvement suggest that although there has been no significant change in overall satisfaction with life, volunteering in the events has had an impact on feelings that the things are worthwhile and volunteers overall happiness, the average score for which has increased by 7%. However, anxiety levels also appear to have increased which may

16 be the result of volunteers being challenged with new situations, new skills and or more responsibilities. 6 Attitudes and opinions Volunteers were asked about the impact of their volunteering on their views about disabled people and volunteering. 6.1 Opinions about disability Chart 17 shows how the volunteers opinions about prejudice in Britain against disabled people have changed before and after volunteering. The findings suggest that opinions have become slightly more polarised with slightly more volunteers reporting both a lot of prejudice and no prejudice after the events than before being involved. This has coincided with a reduction in the proportion reporting that they didn t know, which suggests that volunteering may have helped volunteers to form or crystallise opinions. Chart 18 shows how opinions about the extent to which disabled people can lead a full life have changed due to volunteering, with more volunteers reporting that disabled people can lead as full a life as non-disabled people after their involvement. Volunteers were also asked about their views of disabled people prior to their involvement. Their responses, shown in chart 19, indicate that on the 13

17 whole volunteers had either a positive or very positive view with only one respondent reporting their views as being negative. Asked how their views had changed following their involvement (chart 20), the majority indicated no significant difference. 6.2 Opinions about volunteering Volunteers were also asked about how volunteering had impacted on their other views, illustrated in chart 21 below. The results indicate that the majority of volunteers felt that they had a stake in society, that their experience of volunteering had prepared them for the workplace and that people can take action to improve their communities. [Most enjoyed ] Simply helping to ensure the event went as smoothly as possible and the runners could enjoy it Volunteer for Run4Wales 7 Volunteers experiences Asked about their experiences of volunteering the scores provided by volunteers averaged in excess of 7 out of 10 for every aspect (chart 22). Filling in the application forms and joining the projects were rated very highly, as were working 14

18 with everyone, getting s and talking with leaders. On the whole volunteers also rated being thanked, being praised or recognised for their contributions very highly. The findings suggest that volunteers had very positive experiences which are reflected, for example, in the open comments made by many involved in the Run4Wales and Voluntary Arts Wales events and the Urdd Eisteddfod. I haven't done anything like this before and was interested to see how it would work. I am interested in the arts (I have been dancing since I was four years old) and I thought the mental health aspect was important too. As volunteers we were briefed about what to do if people were distressed, and we had contact numbers of people to contact in case of any problems'. Volunteer for Voluntary Arts Wales 8 Longer term impacts Although it is always difficult to assess the longer-term impacts of activities without conducting longitudinal studies, we can draw some insights about these from volunteers responses to questions about what actions they have taken as a result of their involvement (chart 23 below) and whether they will volunteer for the organisations again in future (chart 24 below). Whilst there are clear variations between the events, overall, well over a third of all volunteers reported getting more involved in their local communities and just under a third report starting another volunteer opportunity. These findings suggest that there will be longer-term impacts in terms of increased community cohesion and volunteer value as a result of the programme. 15

19 The longer term value of the programme and volunteer satisfaction levels are also evident in the higher proportion of volunteers who reported that they would volunteer for the organisation again in the future after being involved than beforehand (chart 24). 9 Suggestions for development Overall the analysis findings highlight the broad reach of the programme in terms of the types of people volunteering for the events and the outcomes these people have secured as a result. They indicate that we can expect longer-term impacts to be accrued realised as a result of the increased capacity, capability and propensity for those involved to volunteer for these types of event again in future. 16

20 However, in undertaking the analysis, a number of future methodological considerations are suggested as follows. The questions relating to volunteer outcomes, sought and gained appear to have been confusing with several volunteers ranking all the outcomes rather than the top 3. As such consideration should be given to re-wording these questions. The analysis required several datasets to be combined as the survey was issued separately to the different partners volunteers. Consideration should be given to issuing a single version that includes a question on the organisation volunteered for rather than issuing different surveys. The addition of an open-ended question to the Run4Wales survey asking volunteers what they most enjoyed has been the source of a lot of qualitative, unstructured feedback. Consideration should be given to including this as a standard question for all events. Consideration should be given to collecting volunteer postcodes to identify the geographic reach of the programme. Finally, there is ambiguity in some questions that cover two different areas of enquiry, yet respondents can only provide one response. (e.g. How did you find learning new things and getting support from others?) Consideration should be given to splitting these questions into two separate questions. 17