voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Aviva Employees Volunteer at EATS Rosyth
Created: 02/05/2025
News/Events Category: Volunteering
Fife Voluntary Action arranged a day of meaningful Employer Supported Volunteering for Aviva staff at EATS Rosyth in April.
The insurance company, Aviva, is a market leader in sustainability, and the team wanted to spend their time volunteering for a cause that supported sustainability and the environment in their local area. EATS Rosyth, consisting of a community garden and orchard, and a community hub and café, was a great match for these values.
Aviva offer their staff time away from the office each year to volunteer for charities and good causes. Some of the teams choose to do a day together, as in the case of the Global Corporate Speciality Team, as a team building exercise. Emma, the team leader, said that Aviva have a strong commitment to helping communities and are keen to have their staff get involved which is why they allow every staff member 3 days a year to dedicate to volunteering.
The weather was on Aviva’s side as they all put their backs into volunteering at EATS Rosyth’s community garden. The team of eight helped move earth from an area that is being levelled out, moved the earth with a wheelbarrow, pricked out some seedlings, and watered the plants. The Aviva team also had their bring your child to work day, and so were joined by one member’s 10 year old son.
Derek Henderson, Volunteer Co-ordinator with EATS Rosyth, told us that the area where the garden now flourishes used to be an old derelict playground. The community council had a vision of turning it into a restful community space, and they have certainly achieved that, with the help of the many folks who have volunteered their time to help. The space is used by local residents, as well as several groups and corporate teams. 10 years ago, they began work on an overgrown green space just across the road, turning it into a beautiful orchard growing apples, pears, persimmons and cherries. Derrick and Mimi looked after the team from Aviva, supplying all the equipment necessary and plenty of cups of tea and coffee (and biscuits).
This is a wonderful example of Employer-Supported Volunteering (ESV), where a company’s employees take paid time off to volunteer during work hours. For employees, an ESV programme can help them to develop skills, develop themselves within their community, and give a sense of wellbeing. For companies, this can boost employee morale, wellbeing and engagement, and can boost their brand within the community. In turn, third sector organisations gain essential skills and support and raise the profile of the vital work they’re doing.
If your team or organisation would be interested in getting involved with ESV, please contact Fife Voluntary Action's Volunteering Development Team at [email protected]
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