Pressures on volunteers in the UK.

Abstract

This chapter draws on research into volunteers in sport and in the Guide Association in the UK (GirlGuides UK) to show the importance of volunteers in these areas. It then uses the same research, as well as findings from a national survey of volunteers, to examine general pressures on the voluntary sector. It concludes with a set of research questions for volunteering. Specifically, sections cover the difficulties faced by volunteers: time pressures on potential and existing volunteers, the demand for 'professionalism', increased complexity of voluntary skills, increased choice and competition for time from other leisure opportunities, a changed attitude to volunteering, and increased geographical mobility.

Social capital in Australian sport

“…24 Although sport volunteering has not been proven to have a direct correlation to social capital, the third sector does play a key role in the development of sustainable social capital and community capacity. 25 Although community sport organizations and clubs are core components of this third sector activity, the importance of volunteers in this key role should not be over-estimated and requires ongoing analysis. It is clear that Australian sport at any level cannot function without volunteers.…”