Capability Scotland relies on volunteers to provide feedback and insights through activities like the MIND panel and 1 in 4 poll. However, maintaining an active volunteer base is challenging. Capability Scotland could improve volunteer induction processes to clarify roles. They could also enhance recruitment by promoting opportunities to target groups like young disabled people, and rejuvenate programs like the MIND panel to include varied skills and demographics. Embracing new media tools could better connect with volunteers, while incorporating skilled volunteers could supplement staff. Overall, structured changes could help Capability Scotland recruit and retain a diverse range of assessment volunteers.

1. Assessment Volunteers
Daniel, Mark, Himanshu, Caoimhe
Daniel, Caoimhe, Mark, Himanshu

2. ‘nothing about us without us’
International Disability Movement
Why are Assessment Volunteers important to you?

3. “Gives me a
voice”
“CS is a caring
Organisation”
Why are you important to Assessment Volunteers?

4. Induction
Enhance Recruitment Opportunities
Rejuvenation
Embracing New Media
Incorporation of Skilled Volunteers
Actionable Insights

5. MIND Panel Members
1 in 4 Poll Members
Mystery Shoppers
MIND Panel Observation
Access to Justice Conference
Capability Scotland Research & Policy Team
1 in 4 Poll Manager (Scotinform)
What We Did, Who We Talked To

6. Who Are Your Assessment Volunteers?

7. Charlie
- Volunteering allowed him to use his postgraduate education.
- Volunteering helped grow experience and confidence.
- Moved into a paid role within Capability Scotland.
- Interest in MIND panel, can’t always attend as short on time.
- Enjoys his work with Capability Scotland and being able to make a
difference.

8. Hazel
- Approached Capability Scotland through contact.
- Specific project in mind.
- Became involved with Capability Scotland as a volunteer.
- Brings skills, would like to learn new ones and grow in experience.
- If more people knew what Capability Scotland do, they would be more
interested in volunteering.
“CS should change
the perception of
volunteering that you
have to stand in a
shop”

9. Gregory
- Contacted Capability Scotland to learn about managing his disability and
became a service user.
- Involved for around 15 years.
- Enjoys diverse experiences and being able to contribute.
- Was active member of MIND panel and 1 in 4 poll.
- Personal issues – health , finance and organisational changes.
“I started
volunteering because
I wanted to give
back”

10. Teenagers
Young Adults (under 30)
Parents & Carers
Who could be your assessment volunteers?

11. Themes

12. Recruit
Reach Awareness Recognition
Employment Purpose Voice
Methods Contact Paths
Clarity Induction Training

13. Changes Difficulty
Resources Expenses
Staff Travel
Retain
Communicate Networking
Feedback Voice
Mentality Pooling
Withdrawal
Constraints Situation

14. Inclusion Value
Contribution Self Esteem
In the Loop
Attention Empowerment
Activism

15. Induction
Enhance Recruitment Opportunities
Rejuvenation
Embracing New Media
Incorporation of Skilled Volunteers
Actionable Insights

16. Induction
- Should be a structured process to enter
Capability Scotland.
- Volunteers should have a clear
understanding of their roles.
11/19/09

17. Recruitment
- Opportunities
Induction
- Should target specific groups (such as young
disabled people).
- Should make volunteering opportunities
more prominent (on website/at conferences).
11/19/09

18. Rejuvenation
- Induction
- MIND Panel should be tailored for specific
skills and interests.
- Younger volunteers and Parents/Carers
should be included in MIND Panel and 1 in 4
Poll.
11/19/09

19. Embrace
New Media
- Induction
- Tools should be used to connect to new and
existing volunteers (Facebook/Twitter/etc).
- Should speak directly to volunteers to allow
a more personal approach
(Blogging/Podcasts/Youtube).
11/19/09

20. Skilled
Volunteers
- Induction
- Should use volunteers to supplement
Capability Scotland staff.
- Should match volunteer skills to specific
needs within the organisation.
11/19/09

21. Induction
Enhance Recruitment Opportunities
Rejuvenation
Embracing New Media
Incorporation of Skilled Volunteers