Volunteer Strategy
It makes me feel I’m making a difference “ “
Our strategy is for all our volunteers who support the Trust and who represent Devon’s communities. Whether you volunteer in our charity shops, fundraise at events or collect money boxes, this strategy is for you.
There is so much fantastic volunteer support already happening around the county and now there is an opportunity to develop this support further. Our strategy aims to harness what is already great about volunteering for Devon Air Ambulance, develop and improve where there are challenges, and transform volunteering for the future in a way that supports the Trust in its mission.
With your help, we will make Devon Air Ambluance Devon’s charity of choice for volunteering, now and in the future.
Enabling volunteers to support Devon Air Ambulance in saving lives and reducing suffering.
VISION MISSION
To create a meaningful and inclusive volunteering experience which supports time-critical care through prevention, treatment and recovery
Values
The Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s values establish the qualities and behaviours we aspire towards as an organisation, underpinning everything that we do.
We have also established our own volunteering vision, mission and values, they are bold, but achievable with your support.
We take the initiative
Because it matters that our volunteers continue to support us with passion and enthusiasm
We lead the way
Because exploring and developing volunteering opportunities is exciting and innovative.
We achieve our best together
Because building a team of volunteers that is inclusive and recognises skills will better support our service and our communities.
Our Commitment
• Value and recognise volunteer contribution
• Be supportive
• Encourage collaboration and sharing
• Use volunteer-friendly communication and listen to feedback
• Make good use of volunteer skills
• Provide opportunities to learn and develop
• Value diversity
• Be flexible
Volunteering gives me a sense of personal achievement “ “
Where we are
National research* shows that those who volunteer have positive, fulfilling experiences, and we are keen to champion the positive benefits of volunteering within our community.
We aim to ensure that volunteering opportunities are meaningful, flexible, inclusive, and meet the needs of a diverse range of people, all while contributing to our operational service.
Your time is precious. Our aim is to dispel common misconceptions that volunteering opportunities are not suited to an individual’s skill level and that they are inflexible and time consuming. Expanding our digital volunteering roles is key to achieving this, as online and over-the-phone volunteering are now ranked as the third most common places to volunteer*.
In addition to making our volunteer roles even more accessible, we are paying close attention to the cost-of-living crisis and how this impacts our volunteers.; developing schemes to ensure that nobody is left out of pocket while supporting our work.
DAA volunteers are the backbone of our charity, your commitment and dedication enable us to raise the vital funds that keep our service responding.
Time Well Spent Report 2023
Bucket Collecting
Shaking a bucket at local supermarkets to gather funds, raising awareness of our charity, and spending time with people in the community. Support could range from supermarket collections to helping with the planning and administration of collections.
Collection Boxes
The Trust has around 4,200 red collection boxes permanently sited at outlets throughout the county. Setting up a network in your area is a fantastic way to get out, meet others, and raise awareness of what we do.
Retail Volunteers (hours)
Retail volunteers are crucial in helping us create a welcoming, friendly, and accessible shopping experience in our charity shops - designing eye-catching shop and window displays, helping with stock control and operating the till, not to mention online listing and distribution (e-commerce).
Events Attended
Event volunteering is very ad hoc, it doesn’t require much commitment and is really great fun! Events provide a great opportunity to promote the work of our charity and also raise vital funds.
Breakdown of volunteer engagement (2022/23)
Talks Given
We are often asked to attend community events to present information to groups who are interested in the work of Devon Air Ambulance. Volunteers who enjoy public speaking and who can inspire and motivate people to support us are invaluable.
Future plans
We aim to be supportive, meaningful, inclusive, innovative and rewarding so that:
• It is easy for people to find out about opportunities, explore whether they are right for them, and get involved.
• People, policies and procedures are in place to ensure volunteering is well-managed.
• There is a positive approach to inclusion, equity and diversity and a proactive approach to making volunteering accessible.
• Volunteers feel supported at all times, that they are a part of the charity and that their contribution makes a difference.
• Volunteering is embedded within the overall vision, values, culture and aims of the charity.
• Volunteers are valued and there are opportunities for volunteers to develop and grow through their experience.
• There is an innovative approach to exploring volunteering opportunities across all departments.
