Making the most of volunteers and their skills
Research reports:
There are an estimated half a million individuals that volunteer within the environmental and land-based sector. Lantra's recent research has produced a report which aims to address a gap in understanding the number and profile of volunteers in the environmental and land-based sector across the UK.
Previous to this report, no research has focused specifically on the skills and skills needs of environmental and land-based volunteers. It ascertains which industries are predominantly supported by volunteers (including roles and activities undertaken) and reviews both their current skills and their future skills development.
Lantra’s volunteer skills research had four main objectives:
- To quantify the numbers of volunteers within the environmental and land-based sector
- To establish which environmental and land-based sector industries they principally support
- To assess their learning and development needs
- To establish the scope of current training provision available to them and how it meets their needs.
The findings of the research will increase Lantra’s understanding of volunteers within the sector. Determining the number and the contribution that volunteers make to the industry and comparing their potential future roles is essential to forward planning concerning their skills and training. It is essential to understand how volunteers are meeting skills shortages in the sector and what future potential demand for volunteering within the sector will be.
