Where flowers bloom so does hope?

The Still Missing Piece of NPF Flower: Volunteering?

Once again, volunteering seems to be overlooked in the new National Performance Framework (NPF) and it's new flower/petal diagram. Volunteering is the lifeblood of our society, acting as a catalyst for positive change across diverse sectors. While NPF is a pan-Scotland document to meticulously plan economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability, it fails to recognisevolunteers' invaluable contributions. This absence totallyskews our understanding of societal progress.

Yet, despite their tireless efforts and significant impact, volunteering's absence from the new national outcomes sends a disheartening message to volunteers. One reason for this gap may stem from the challenge of quantifying the value of volunteering in conventional metrics, which litter the NPF. Volunteers' contributions often defy easy measurement but are invaluable.

Moreover, neglecting volunteering neglects its social inclusion, social capital, and community benefits. Volunteering enhances mental well-being, boosts employability, and reduces healthcare costs. By excluding it, we fail to acknowledge these benefits and miss opportunities for strategic investment and policy development in the sector.

This NPF must evolve to reflect the whole nature of societal progress, one that has a starring role for the contributions of volunteers: investing in volunteer infrastructure, promoting volunteerism, ensuring equitable access to volunteering opportunities, celebrating volunteers' achievements andfostering a civic engagement and social responsibility culture.

The voluntary sector significantly contributes to social and environmental well-being. We address poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion on the front lines, complementing statutory services and business initiatives and creating a more rounded approach to tackling societal challenges. For instance, Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) support disadvantaged groups, including employability programs and skills training for individuals facing barriers to work. These initiatives are vital for breaking the cycle of poverty and enhancing economic participation, aligning perfectly with the new FM's stated objectives. Are they not worthy of a proper mention in the NPF?

Incorporating the voluntary sector properly and visibly into Scotland's NPF, as the sector has been saying collectively for years, can also unlock additional resources and expertise. Partnerships between the government, businesses, and the voluntary sector can lead to innovative solutions and more efficient resource use. CABs deliver hundreds of millions of pounds in direct financial gain and significant benefits to well-being, all delivered by volunteers for Scotland’s communities. As the Scottish Government moves forward with its new 4-pronged Programme for Government, I encourage them to actively engage with the voluntary sector and recognise its vital role in the NPF and the delivery of his priorities.

The Citizens Advice Network, alongside voluntary sector colleagues, is an essential partner in Scotland's fight against child poverty. The sector's comprehensive services address the multifaceted nature of poverty, providing crucial support that empowers and sustains. No one sector has the answer, but every sector should be recognised in the NPF.

The absence of volunteering from national outcomes is undoubtedly not just a statistical oversight; does it reflect our collective value of volunteers nationally? For the NPF to be a success, we must recognise and value the contributions of volunteers as integral. As we strive for a brighter future for all, a starring role for our star volunteers, not just a few lines in the margins of a vital policy document but a real commitment to them in every local area across Scotland,seems like common sense.