Volunteering - The Herefordshire Partnership

Volunteering

Information on the level of volunteering in Herefordshire is taken from the Herefordshire Annual Satisfaction Survey the measure derived for volunteering is the 'percentage of Herefordshire adult residents reporting that they have engaged in formal volunteering for an average of 2 hours a week or more over the previous year' (chart 1 below). The Annual Satisfaction Survey defines formal volunteering as 'unpaid help to groups, clubs or organisations to benefit other people or the environment'. This data is used as an indicator as part of the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) and has a target of 22% in 2007 and 2008. Volunteering levels will also form part of the 2008-2011 Local Area Agreement (LAA), but will use data from the new Place Survey, which includes a slightly different definition of 'formal' volunteering.

In 2007 the percentage of adults participating in volunteering was 17%, an increase on levels in 2006 (15%), but no improvement on the baseline figure (17%).

Chart 1. Percentage of Herefordshire adult residents reporting that they have engaged in formal volunteering for an average of 2 hours a week or more over the previous year

Source: Herefordshire Satisfaction Surveys, Herefordshire Council

More detailed results of volunteering amongst adults from the Annual Satisfaction Survey 2007 are presented below.

Table 1. Percentage of individuals who have engaged in formal volunteering, including frequency and time spent.

% of Herefordshire adult residents reporting that they have engaged in formal volunteering, at some point in the last year 37% Frequency for those who engage in formal volunteering, at some point in the last year: At least once a week 44% At least once a month 29% Less frequently 27% Time spent for those who engage in formal volunteering, at some point in the last year: Less than 2 hours per week 53% 2-4 hours per week 36% 5 hours per week or more 13%

Source: Herefordshire Satisfaction Surveys, Herefordshire Council