Volunteer Strategy interim report highlights progress across Perth and Kinross
We have published an interim report highlighting our progress towards the Volunteer Strategy for Perth and Kinross 2024 – 2027, including our work to make volunteering more inclusive, better supported and more widely recognised across the area.
Our report showcases some of the work undertaken by Third Sector Interface (Perth and Kinross) since the strategy was launched, alongside examples of the contribution volunteers make to communities across the region.
Supporting volunteering for everyone
A key focus of the strategy is making sure people understand that volunteering is open to everyone, while recognising the many different ways people can get involved – from informal and micro volunteering to digital opportunities.
Through Be the Change, the TSI has supported this work by sharing information and resources for people interested in volunteering. The platform now has more than 900 registered users.
Work has also focused on widening access to volunteering. During Volunteers’ Week 2025, the TSI contributed to a volunteer fair for residents of a hotel supporting asylum seekers, welcoming more than 80 attendees and helping people discover exciting local volunteering opportunities.
Developing skills and supporting organisations
Training has been another important part of the strategy’s progress.
Through a partnership with Gannochy Trust, more than 240 people from 70 organisations have taken part in free or low-cost training and development opportunities.
Training in areas including volunteer management and volunteer endings was particularly well received, with participating organisations reporting improvements to policies, handbooks, strategies and procedures. The programme has also helped organisations develop their approach to volunteer support, mental health, fundraising, IT and governance.
Demand for training remains strong, with waiting lists currently in place for areas including Volunteer Management, Mental Health First Aid and Mediation.
Giving volunteers a voice
The report also highlights the importance of ensuring volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations have opportunities to influence wider policy.
In November 2025, the TSI facilitated a visit supporting the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee Inquiry into Human Rights in Rural Scotland.
A total of 32 representatives from volunteer-involving organisations, volunteers and service users took part in discussions around issues facing rural communities in Perth and Kinross, helping bring local voices closer to the Scottish Parliament.
Recognising the contribution of volunteers
2026 also saw the introduction of the inaugural Volunteering in Perth and Kinross Awards (VIPKs).
The awards brought together volunteers, families, volunteer-involving organisations and invited guests to celebrate the contribution volunteers make across Perth and Kinross.
Our report identifies the awards as an important step towards creating a culture where volunteering is visible, valued and recognised, with plans to build on the awards in future years.
Looking ahead
With the strategy continuing until 2027, the TSI’s next steps include developing a digital training calendar, continuing to respond to identified training needs and working with organisations to make volunteering more inclusive for young people.
A particular focus will be on understanding and reducing the barriers young people face when volunteering. Between August 2025 and April 2026, young people contributed 14,304 hours of volunteering across Perth and Kinross, demonstrating the significant contribution they already make to their communities.
The TSI will continue to work with volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations and partners to support a landscape of quality, inclusive volunteering throughout life in Perth and Kinross.
The interim report provides a snapshot of the progress made so far and sets out the next steps towards achieving the ambitions of the Volunteer Strategy for Perth and Kinross 2024–2027.