An initiative of in association with

Sue Cross and Nick Ockenden

Perspectives on volunteering and University Lifelong Learning

across Europe

06.11.09

Introduction

• Workshop aim:

- To provide an overview of university - volunteering collaboration

across Europe

- To explore the barriers and opportunities in developing ULLL-

volunteering interaction

• What do we mean by University Lifelong Learning (ULLL)?

• What do we mean by volunteering organisations?

• What do we mean by collaboration / interaction?

The picture across Europe

• Based on National Reports from 8 countries

• Discusses the level of interaction between ULLL and volunteering organisations

• Presents some working models to describe different interactions

• Interested in feedback on the models, and sharing experiences

A lot of interaction Very little interaction

A lot of interaction

• Spain, UK

• Multiple examples of different types of interaction

- Accreditation for employees of voluntary organisations and

volunteers

- Courses and modules on voluntary sector management

- Training for volunteers

Characteristics

• Volunteering often a highly popular activity

- Often a long history of volunteering

- Voluntary sector undergoing professionalisation

• Government often highly supportive of volunteering

• ULLL is well established in universities

- Often focused on vocational training (e.g. linked to employability)

• Challenges often focused on problems with funding and structural issues within universities

Some interaction

• Austria, Italy, Slovakia

• Some interaction between universities and volunteering organisations is present

- Interaction most commonly focused on student volunteering (e.g.

student work placements in volunteering organisations)

- Training for volunteers

- Courses about voluntary sector management

Characteristics

• Volunteering often popular and increasing

• Government support for volunteering varies- Historical / cultural influences can be important

• ULLL present but often not popular- Regional variation and interaction dependent on individuals

- Universities often lack funding

• Government does support ULLL - but often in the developmental process

• Limited awareness of the contribution of volunteering to skills

More limited interaction

• Poland, Slovenia, Turkey

• Limited or no interaction between universities and volunteering organisations

- Interaction largely confined to student volunteering

- Includes some accreditation of volunteering (e.g. University of the

Third Age) and courses open to volunteers

Characteristics

• Lower levels of volunteering

- But a sense that there is potential for growth

• Limited government support for volunteering

• Limited awareness of how volunteering can contribute to learning outcomes

- But recent trends towards growing awareness of volunteering and

recognition of its value

Factors affecting level of interaction

• Popularity of volunteering

- Extent of government support (i.e. legislation) – but is this good?

- Historical and cultural factors

• Extent to which the link between volunteering and learning is appreciated and understood

• Enthusiasm and interest of individuals within universities

• Extent of mutual awareness (between universities and volunteering organisations)

• Level of funding

Discussion and questions

• How well do the models describe the situation across Europe?

• Does this reflect your experience?

• Is there anything else to add?