Guernsey Charities Report Dearth of Sustained Volunteer Commitment

Guernsey’s third sector is experiencing a scarcity of “career volunteers,” according to the organization representing charities. Wayne Bulpitt, chair of the Association of Guernsey Charities (AGC), stated that securing individuals for consistent, long-term charity support has become “difficult.” He explained on the Your Voice, Your Vote podcast that this situation has prompted charities to begin “thinking differently” and to increase their hiring of part-time staff. Michelle Le Clerc, former President of Employment and Social Security (ESS), noted that these new hires present “challenges” for charities, as many had not previously employed staff and therefore needed to establish HR practices. She concurred that finding individuals for senior positions, such as treasurers, within local charities remains an issue. Mr. Bulpitt remarked: “Research tells us these career volunteers who give up a few hours a week every week for a long time, we’re talking years, are harder to come upon. They’re much more likely to give up two hours every other week to go into schools and read to children, for example.” Earlier this year, the AGC initiated a campaign to highlight the contributions of local charities. During the podcast, which focussed on the role of the third-sector in Guernsey life, Mr. Bulpitt underscored the vital importance of local charities to the community, stating: “Without us there would be no foodbank in Guernsey, without us 200 children would not have preschool and nursery.” He urged the States to enhance its recognition of the local third sector’s work and to assist them in identifying avenues for increased funding. In 2021, Guernsey’s Policy and Resources Committee indicated its intention to allocate funds from local dormant bank accounts to support charities. However, Mr. Bulpitt commented that progress on this initiative has been slow due to “government inaction,” and the AGC is still awaiting the necessary new laws. He mentioned that government officials had assured him these new laws would be implemented before June. Earlier this year, the Government of Jersey announced its plan to provide £4.5m from dormant bank accounts to local charities over the next three years. A representative for the States of Guernsey confirmed that the draft legislation, which would enable the distribution of money collected from dormant accounts to charities, is advancing and will be introduced “in due course.”