These Forums are designed to be opportunities for volunteer coordinators/managers to meet and discuss issues relating to Volunteering in Dundee. A topic is set in advance or a guest speaker is invited and attendees are encouraged to use the Forum network to share ideas and good practice.

Some topics which will be covered in 2008 include Health and Safety, Skills Development for Volunteers, Exit Interviews, Befriending and more will be added as the year progresses.

These events have previously all been held in the Number Ten but after suggestions from Volunteer Managers in Dundee, some of the Forums will now take place in Organisations in the Community – this provides a good opportunity to see first hand the work going on elsewhere in the City.

Forums will be programmed to run on different days each time which should allow fair participation for all.

The Scottish Government’s Volunteering Strategy consists of four complementary and interrelated strands - the focus of the Training and Development team within the Volunteer Centre in Dundee is on Strand 3 – “Improving the Volunteer Experience”. By providing Forums, events and learning opportunities our aim is to ensure that volunteers are welcomed and valued by organisations and that volunteer involving organisations are offered guidance, training and support to enable them to improve the experience of their volunteers.

Keep an eye on our training / events programme for the next meeting of the forum.