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Workforce Development

Volunteer Development: SMC Member Survey

SMC’s internal Volunteer Working Group did some member research by telephone questionnaire during the early part of 2003.  The group was looking at:

• working conditions of volunteers
• volunteer management
• volunteer policy
• advice sources used
• potential SMC support

21 museums took part (around a 10% sample of the membership) so the results were used to indicate trends rather than a consensus.  Below are some of the issues identified:

1. There is a lack of formal volunteer policy in Scottish museums.  SMC recommend that policies are developed, in consultation with all staff and volunteers.
2. Volunteers are largely managed on an informal basis.  While SMC feel that many organisations have effective systems in place, the Volunteer Development Scotland approach (see Volunteer Development Resources for further information) provides a useful model.
3. Members are seeking very little advice or support from volunteer related organisations.  SMC believe that it may be helpful for organisations to do so (see Volunteer Development Contacts).
4. Many museums work very much in isolation.  SMC would suggest sharing information on good volunteer practice, eg through a local museums forum.
5. Many respondents were keen to get further information on legal matters.  Volunteer Development Scotland can offer advice on this.

 

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