Understanding the role of volunteering in social care

A new research study has been commissioned by Social Care Wales to understand how volunteering contributes to social care. The research is funded through the Wales Council for Voluntary Action’s (WCVA) Volunteering Wales Strategic Grant.

The study will run until the end of 2024 and Social Care Wales will be working with the University of South Wales, the Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care and the Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School to carry out this work.

Through this research study, they hope to learn more about the benefits and opportunities created by volunteering and to get a better understanding of the challenges of volunteering and working with volunteers in social care, particularly in adult residential care settings in Wales.

The findings of the research can influence the type of support that’s put in place for volunteering. And we can use what we learn to promote and develop a sustainable and positive model that recognises existing good practice and the valuable contribution of volunteering within the sector.

Sue Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Social Care Wales, said: “This work will give us a deeper understanding of how volunteering contributes to the delivery of social care services and to the lives of people accessing care and support. We want to highlight good practice in volunteer involvement but also understand where challenges exist and where lessons can be learnt.”

Get involved: a call for evidence

If you’re involved in an organisation or project that works with social care volunteers, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re interested in all aspects of volunteering. For example, we’d like to learn about how volunteering is experienced, managed and resourced. This means understanding who’s involved, what they do and why, and the key challenges and opportunities presented. We’re also keen to hear your examples of good practice in volunteer involvement.

If you’re happy to share relevant research or evaluations that you’ve carried out at any point since 2010, or get involved in the study more formally, contact Professor Mark Llewellyn at the University of South Wales.