Employer Supported Volunteering Pledge
As part of the launch of the national framework to Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV), organisations and individuals are invited to make a simple pledge to support the growth of volunteering through the workplace.
Categories of pledge
Employer Organisation Pledge
We (Organisation) pledge to strengthen our approach to Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) by creating an environment that supports and encourages staff to volunteer in ways that benefit communities and align with organisational values. We will communicate our commitment clearly, make information easy to access, and enable staff to use their ESV hours through flexible processes, fair access and supportive leadership.
Individual Employee Pledge
I pledge to explore ways I can use my ESV hours to support causes, organisations, or communities that matter to me. I will consider how my skills, experience and interests can support meaningful volunteering and seek opportunities that align with my personal values and availability.
VIO (Volunteer Involving Organisation) Pledge
We (Organisation) pledge to welcome employer-supported volunteers in ways that strengthen our services, support our beneficiaries, and create positive, well-managed volunteering experiences.
TSI (Third Sector Interface) Pledge
As a Third Sector Interface (Name of TSI), we pledge to champion and facilitate local ESV by connecting employers, employees and VIOs in ways that strengthen community participation and volunteering infrastructure. We aim to promote good practice, provide clear signposting, and, where possible, offer brokerage or guidance to help organisations and employers deliver impactful ESV activity.
By making a pledge, organisations signal their intention to support, grow, or promote volunteering through work, helping employees contribute their time and skills to communities across Scotland. The pledge can also be a useful tool for starting conversations internally, particularly with senior leaders and trustees, about how volunteering can be grown within organisational culture.
Individuals can also pledge to take advantage of volunteering opportunities available through their workplace, supporting the broader ambition to increase participation in volunteering.
Scottish Government ESV Pledge
“The Scottish Government is proud to support Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV). We recognise the positive impact volunteering has on communities, wellbeing and participation, and we commit to playing our part in strengthening a culture where volunteering is valued and supported.
We pledge to lead by example, enabling and encouraging our staff to volunteer their time and skills. We will promote the value of ESV nationally, working with partners to encourage fair, inclusive and accessible volunteering opportunities for all.
Together, we will continue building a Scotland where more people are supported to volunteer through their workplace – increasing the diversity of the volunteer pool and strengthening communities.”
Volunteer Scotland ESV Pledge
“Volunteer Scotland recognises the vital role volunteering plays in strengthening communities, supporting wellbeing, and developing skills and confidence.
We are committed to supporting our employees to take part in volunteering activities that benefit communities across Scotland, while also enriching the experience and development of our workforce.
Through this pledge, we will enable inclusive employee volunteering through flexible support and trusted partnerships, and we will value its impact by ensuring it is safe, ethical, and sustainable.
By making this pledge, we aim to be a responsible employer that actively contributes to Scotland’s communities and supports a thriving culture of volunteering.”
