Staff volunteer incentives, encouragement, and measures - Find a freedom of information request

I kindly request information related to staff volunteer incentives, encouragement, and measures in place within your organisation.

Specifically, I would like details on the following:

Staff Volunteer Incentives:

1. What are the current incentives or benefits provided to staff who participate in volunteering activities? Please provide a comprehensive list.

Encouragement Strategies:

2. How does the organisation actively encourage staff to partake in volunteering? Are there specific programs, campaigns, or communication channels used for this purpose?

Blockers and Challenges:

3. What common obstacles or blockers do staff encounter when considering volunteering opportunities? Please share any insights or challenges faced by employees.

Effective Measures:

4. What successful measures or initiatives has the organisation implemented to ensure that staff take advantage of volunteering schemes? Examples could include flexible scheduling, recognition programs, or targeted support.

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. Staff are able to utilise local flexi time arrangements, or discuss more formal flexible working changes that would support volunteering activities with their managers.

2. As an organisation, we encourage and support our staff to work as volunteers in activities, organisations or teams that require support. Our managers work with those wishing to volunteer directly to agree how this will be managed, and any flexibility around working hours that may be needed to enable participation.

3. Information is not held centrally on this as any workplace support to participate is agreed locally with managers.

4. Staff are encouraged to discuss their wish to volunteer and any impact this may have on their working arrangements with their manager so that we can explore together any options for flexibility that will enable participation.