The document summarizes the results of a survey conducted with staff from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and local Volunteer Centers in North Wales. The survey found that while there is some good joint working between the organizations, relationships and understanding of volunteering could be strengthened. An action plan was developed to improve communication, referrals to volunteering opportunities, and promote volunteering. Key questions are posed about further developing local partnerships, sharing good practices, and jointly promoting the benefits of volunteering.

1. WORKING TOGETHER
Debbie Hawkes, Senior Operational Delivery Manager, DWP
Samantha Chadburn, Work Coach, DWP
Ciaran Macdonald, Work Coach, DWP

2. Our Journey So Far – What have we done?
The North Wales Survey
•Why?
-Understand staff perceptions from DWP and Volunteer Centers
-What do we need to do to work together more effectively?
•What have we done?
-Survey of DWP Staff and Volunteer Centre Staff
-Analysis of results
-Drawing together action plan for closer and more effective working

3. Who Took Part?
60 DWP staff from Jobcentre’s through the North Wales District:
•various roles
•8 Volunteer Centre's
•Conwy, Denbighshire, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Flintshire, Meirionnydd, Powys
and Wrexham

4. What Did The Survey Cover?
DWP:
•How do you find out about volunteering opportunities in the area?
• Majority of replies stated they would use specific voluntary organizations
websites or general search of internet
•How do you promote volunteering to unemployed people?
• CV, ‘Work Experience’ and improve confidence
•What advice would you give about volunteering?
• Many re-iterated response above
•How do you make a referral to volunteering?
• 13 would advise claimant to self refer
• 12 would contact organization on behalf of claimant
• 14 would look at internal systems

5. What Did The Survey Cover?
DWP:
•What information would help you make a quality referral to
volunteering?
More detailed information on placements, success stories
•What links do you have with your local Volunteer Centre?
•Majority of replies stated very limited links
•17 felt they had solid links
•What would strengthen the relationship between JCP and local
Volunteer Centers?
•Visits to VC’s, involvement in communication meetings

6. What Did The Survey Cover
Volunteer Centers:
•How do you promote volunteering to unemployed people?
• 6 visit Jobcentres
•What is the best way for JCP/DWP to find out about volunteering
options in your area?
• Volunteering Wales website
•What specific information would be helpful when approached by
DWP/JCP to find a volunteering opportunity?
• Basic details, Do they want to volunteer? Skills, Barriers
•What links do you have with your local Jobcentre Plus?
• All have links, some could provide named contacts
•What could be done to strengthen the relationship?
• For Jobcentre staff to understand the role of the VC and volunteering

7. What Did The Survey Tell Us?
• DWP responses
• Pockets of great joint working, not consistent throughout District
• Not making best use of VC’s
• Do we fully understand what volunteering is?
• The language volunteering
• Volunteer Centre responses
• Understanding the role of the Jobcentre Plus
• Better communication needed

8. Actions Taken to Date
• Action plan to launch across DWP by the end of March
• Developing referral letter
• Developing ‘A Guide to Volunteering’
• The Language of Volunteering – some terms explained

9. Questions To Consider
• What more can we do to develop closer working at a local level?
• What information would help to make a good referral?
• What can we do jointly to promote the possibilities and benefits of
volunteering?
• How should we review progress and share good practices?

10. Questions To Consider
• What more can we do to develop closer working at a local level?
• What information would help to make a good referral?
• What can we do jointly to promote the possibilities and benefits of
volunteering?
• How should we review progress and share good practices?