British Orienteering is supporting National Volunteer Week

Friday 1 - Thursday 7 June 2018

Throughout the early stages of 2018, British Orienteering undertook a volunteer consultation process to understand the current needs and desires of those who ensure that the sport continues to develop and grow.

The feedback received and subsequent further research with clubs has helped to shape an exciting development plan which will help to support and develop volunteers across the sport. In summary, three focus areas were identified for the plan to focus on, these are Support, Training and Communication.

The full plan will be available on the British Orienteering Website in due course with the three summarised focus areas below:

Support

• Improve the perception, understanding and expectations of volunteers.
• Ensure processes and roles are simplified and clearly defined.
• Establish a clear volunteer pathway.

Training

• Implement a training portal available with access to videos and support tools when people want it.
• Ensure all training tools are appropriate to the volunteer need.
• Provide and share best practice from clubs and external to encourage embracing change.
• Encourage clubs to train or coach it’s members, ensuring they continue to ‘Interact – Inspire – Influence’ in order to have a positive outcome and more members getting involved.

Communications

• Ensure highlighting of best practice of clubs and members is efficient.
• Implement an appropriate and valued recognition process.
• Implement an effective system to communicate key messages to club committees.
• Ensure the British Orienteering website is an easy portal for volunteers to use.

Some actions are already well underway in development. However, the plan will always stay live and we welcome any thoughts or ideas where we can help volunteers across the sport in any role. To find out more contact Peter Brooke, Development Officer:  pbrooke@britishorienteering.org.uk