Understanding the Long-Term Social Value of Volunteering
Volunteering is a pivotal element in the Government’s vision for a ‘Big Society’, where communities unite to address local challenges. Amidst public spending cuts, proving the impact of volunteering programs has become crucial. The New Economics Foundation’s report, “Ten Big Questions about the Big Society,” emphasizes the importance of measuring what truly matters—not just short-term financial outcomes but also the long-term impacts on individuals and communities.
Measuring the Impact of Volunteering
Typically, the value of volunteering is assessed through immediate or short-term outcomes, often gathered via surveys and exit interviews. However, volunteering can lead to significant long-term benefits, such as enhancing employability among young people, which may not be immediately apparent. The UK faces a challenge in documenting these long-term impacts, unlike the US, which has advanced in this area through longitudinal studies like Americorps’ evaluation of volunteer service over three years.
Research and Developments
In the UK, progress is being made in understanding the long-term outcomes of volunteering. Research by Raleigh International, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Policy Research, highlights the enduring effects of international volunteering on personal development and civic engagement. However, these studies often capture only a snapshot of participant feedback rather than chronicling changes over time.
Longitudinal research is essential to evaluate the broader social value and outcomes of volunteering. Such studies allow us to observe how volunteering influences individuals and society over extended periods.
A Collaborative Approach to Measuring Long-Term Value
Vinspired is partnering with the Institute of Volunteering Research, National Centre for Social Research, and Birkbeck University to identify methods for monitoring the long-term impact of volunteering. This research aims to propose a robust and ethical methodology, drawing insights from literature reviews, interviews, and workshops with stakeholders, including young volunteers and policymakers.
Challenges and Future Directions
Recent workshops with stakeholders have underscored the complexities of developing a longitudinal research methodology. The scope of outcomes that one study can effectively capture and the feasibility of such research in the current financial environment are significant concerns.
The consortium will soon convene to deliberate on the collected data, focusing on methodology and research recommendations. A report with detailed recommendations will be published in early autumn, addressing these challenges and proposing a financially viable approach.
As the demand for sophisticated outcome measurement grows, it is crucial to refine existing tools and develop expertise in measuring long-term impacts. The Demos report, “Measuring Social Value,” points out that many organizations are not ready to measure outcomes quantitatively. However, progress is being made in measuring immediate outcomes, paving the way for future advancements in capturing long-term impacts.
Vinspired’s ongoing longitudinal scoping research is a step towards securing support for comprehensive long-term studies. Such research is essential for understanding the true social value of volunteering. For more information on this work, visit our Understanding the long term social value of volunteering page.