The Big Society Web will help charities recruit more volunteers

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

After a dip in the volunteering spirit seen during the Olympic Games, a new website has been set up to encourage more people to sign up by linking charities, councils, businesses and individuals.

It has been launched by the Big Society Co-operative (BSC), which helps voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to become more sustainable. It was launched at the Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United's ground.

Speakers stressed the importance of online recruiting and predictions for reducing numbers of traditional-style volunteers.

BSC believes if the divide between what people want from volunteering and what organisations offer is not bridged, people will continue to be less likely to take part.

Caroline Hallett, BSC director, said: "The website at www.bigsocietyweb.com acts as gateway to help charities save money and achieve better results.

"Charity workers can access it for free support and advice, to advertise jobs and access events. Our goal is to spread the word and get as many civil society organisations to be involved as possible, so they can help one another deal with the myriad of challenges they face."

She added: "If you want to get involved or find out more, it is as simple as connecting a Facebook or LinkedIn account and you are up and running. It will take three minutes for an average user. Our unique matching software will then let you know when items of interest are posted on the site."

Jo Godden, community fundraising manager for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Kent, said: "My role involves providing support across a wide area and we are always on the lookout for new volunteers and supporters, so the website will be a hassle-free way to reach new people interested in supporting us with a minimum of fuss. I think it's a great initiative and I am delighted to sign up.

"We have a number of new volunteering opportunities that go beyond the realms of the traditional roles. I want to get that message out to as wide an audience as possible and the website is a really excellent tool that will enable us to do that.

"It's a really positive initiative and one I am looking forward to making the most of."

Rob Jackson, a consultant and blogger for Third Sector Online magazine, said: "The Big Society Web is an excellent resource. Volunteering is not the same as it was 20 years ago yet many organisations behave as if it is and then wonder why they struggle to engage volunteers.

"Society is changing and leaders of volunteers need to adapt and find new ways to attract and retain them."