Employer Survey: attitudes to volunteering and impact on career progression

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1 Employer Survey: attitudes to volunteering and impact on career progression January 2009 Foreword from Terry v is an independent charity and was launched in May 2006 as a result of the Russell Commission enquiry into what it would take to bring about a step change in the quantity, quality and diversity of youth volunteering. v seeks to inspired a million more young volunteers in England aged With the economic climate making it increasingly difficult to find work, volunteering can ensure that young people remain active, develop new skills and practice existing ones, all while making an invaluable contribution to communities around the country. v is delighted to be launching the vinspired awards - a pioneering new awards and recognition scheme for young volunteers aged The inspired awards will become the gold standard for youth volunteering, recognised and valued across society by employers, education professionals, parents, carers and young people themselves. Terry Ryall v Chief Executive Published by v 5th Floor Dean Bradley House 52 Horseferry Road London SW1P 2AF

2 Introduction To coincide with the launch of the vinspired award scheme in January 2009, v commissioned a survey of employers to further explore how much and why employers value the skills that can be obtained through volunteering experiences. The results will help to feed into the debate about the benefits of volunteering for career progression. Summary Three-quarters (72%) of employers agree or strongly agree with that volunteering can have a positive effect on an individual s career progression. Nearly half (48%) of employers say that job candidates with volunteering experience are more motivated than other candidates. Two-thirds (60%) of employers feel that any volunteering experience can make a difference to an individuals career prospects. Employers believe that the three most important skills to be gained through volunteering are: team work (56%), building confidence (50%) and communication skills (39%). Respondents A sample of 500 UK employers took part in the telephone survey conducted by YouGov behalf of v, in January For the purpose of the research a UK employer was defined as UK senior managers or above who have employment responsibilities. Of the sample: Size of employers - Half (52%) were employers from small businesses (under 50 employees), just under one third (30%) were employers from large businesses (250+), and one fifth (22%) were employers from medium sized business ( employees). Sector over two thirds (69%) of employers were private sector businesses and 38% were public sector organizations Key findings The value of volunteering for potential job candidates Nearly half (48%) of employers say that job candidates with volunteering experience are more motivated than other candidates. Forty-two per cent of employers say job candidates with volunteering experience have a better attitude. Over a third (38%) of employers say that candidates with volunteering experience have better people skills, are harder workers and show strong moral values. Only one quarter (26%) of employers perceive candidates with volunteering experience as no different to candidates with no volunteering experience.

3 Three-quarters (72%) of employers agree or strongly agree with that volunteering can have a positive effect on an individual s career progression. Half (49%) of employers felt that volunteering experience is relevant when considering a job application. Half (49%) of employers feel volunteer experience is relevant even if it is not linked to what their business/organisation does. Two-thirds (60%) of employers feel that any volunteering experience can make a difference to an individuals career prospects. Employers believe that the three most important skills to be gained through volunteering are: team work (56%), building confidence (50%) and communication skills (39%). See chart 3 for more information. Almost half (43%) of employers believe the main benefit of volunteering is it provides opportunities for young people to gain extra skills on top of their formal education. The second biggest benefit is that it provides structure outside of school (14%), third, it teaches young people respect (13%) and fourth, it provides an opportunity for young people to get positive recognition (11%). The top five volunteering activities that employers are impressed by on a candidate s CV include: experience of working with people with disabilities (42%), experience of working with people with mental health issues (38%), youth work or after school activities (37%), mentoring (online, face to face, telephone) (36%), and community building activities in local areas (34%). Important work qualities Employers considered the top five important qualities to be: 1. Ability to work as part of a team (78%) 2. Interpersonal skills (61%) 3. Flexibility (54%)

4 4. Problem solving (47%) 5. Time management (40%) Employers believe the top two obstacles young people have to overcome when pursuing a career in the UK today is the demand for qualifications and work experience (30%) and the economic crisis (28%). Some employers believe that today s young work force are clueless about the world of work (44%) and lacking in relevant work experience (44%). Forty-two per cent of employers say that young people are being failed by the education system. Employers current experience of volunteering 42% of employers are currently involved in a voluntary project or volunteering in some way. Employer s main motivations to volunteer include: to make a difference (66%), to reflect their passions (53%), and to enjoy it (49%). Chart 2 provides further details. Employers past experience of volunteering Over two thirds (69%) of employers have undertaken some voluntary work 1 in their lifetime. Employers, that had volunteered, agreed that volunteering had helped them to develop people skills (50%), increase their self confidence (40%) and try different areas of work (39%). Chart 1 provides further details. Of those that have volunteered only 22% believed that volunteering had not affected where they are today. 1 For the purpose of the survey volunteering was defined as giving you time to a specific project to help the community or someone other than a family member.

5 How v is working to address these challenges v is calling on employers, not only to value the part that volunteering can play in personal and career development, but to apply that value to their human resources practices. We want employers to recognise volunteering in their recruitment practices and as a way in which staff can development. v has introduced an recognition scheme for young volunteers to make it easier to apply the experience gained through volunteering to job applications and interviews. The scheme helps young people to identify the skills they have developed through their volunteering and the impact they have had on their community. The process of gaining an award also helps young people to articulate the impact of volunteering to potential employers. The vinspired awards scheme has two levels a vfifty award if a volunteer completes 50 hours of volunteering in any 12 month period a vimpact award for completing a further 100 hours of volunteering, and for demonstrating the impact of volunteering on skills development and on the community. In 2009 we will also launch the vinspired national awards to celebrate, recognise and reward the achievements of young volunteers. The awards will culminate in a national awards ceremony.