In February 2017, Volunteer Glasgow and The Trust Inverclyde (as they were known at the time) worked with Voluntary Action Scotland (VAS) and the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) to publish guidance on volunteering while claiming benefits.
This was Phase 1 of a larger piece of work to highlight the issues for claimants wishing to volunteer. This key development led to a co-branded document which was shared across the third sector interface [TSI] network and with DWP. This was the first published guidance on volunteering and benefits for approximately 10 years so was welcomed by TSI and DWP colleagues alike. Read the guidance here
This guidance has now been published on the gov.uk website, meaning that there’s consistency in the messages around volunteering for individuals in receipt of benefits across the UK. Find it here.
FVA has been leading on Phase 2 of this important area of work, and, in conjunction with Scottish Government and Volunteer Glasgow, will issue volunteering and benefits ‘masterclasses’ which can be delivered by TSI colleagues in Jobcentres across the country. There will be accompanying guidance and additional resources too.
Lookout for an update in the next few weeks as this phase of work is coming to an end soon!
If you’d like to discuss any of this, e-mail us at
The above is From Fife Voluntary Action Bulletin 08 August 2019