Volunteer Learning Passport: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn, Give
5th February 2020
The Volunteer Learning Passport (VLP) was created as one of eight workstreams within the Pennine Lancashire Volunteer Strategy (2017 – 19).
In creating the VLP it was considered a priority to develop an on-line training package to widen volunteer access to high quality mandatory training. The aim was to co-design a VLP that was portable, generic, available to all volunteers, in all sectors and free to access.
A further aim was to enable organisations to monitor compliance and to reduce unnecessary duplication in face to face induction and refresher training time.
A survey across the project partnership was undertaken to establish the baseline provision of existing training. It was subsequently identified that six modules of basic mandatory training should be developed as a pilot and an e-learning provider identified to deliver the programme. E-Learning for Health (e-LfH) were chosen as the provider of choice and work to create appropriate generic content commenced in August 2018. Volunteers from across Pennine Lancashire attended workshops to test the product and contribute to the overall design. Subject Matter Experts also assessed content.
In January 2019 the VLP, was launched as a pilot with just six modules. The participating organisations from NHS, Borough Council and VCFSE sector agreed a Memorandum of Understanding to accept the passport’s validity and portability. Following excellent feedback, a further nine modules have subsequently been created and aligned to the Volunteer Certificate Standards created by Health Education England thereby creating a National Framework for Volunteering outlined in the table below.
It is recommended that the modules are mandatory in all cases except where indicated.
| Standards | Volunteer Learning Passport Modules |
| Standard 1 – Your role and responsibilities | Roles and Responsibilities of a Volunteer |
| Standard 2 – Communication | Communications for Volunteers |
| Data Security Awareness for Volunteers | |
| Conflict Resolution for Volunteers | |
| Standard 3: Respect for everyone (equality, diversity and inclusion) | Equality, Diversity and Human Rights for Volunteers |
| Standard 4: Safeguarding | Safeguarding Adults for Volunteers |
| Safeguarding Children for Volunteers | |
| Child Sexual Exploitation for Volunteers | |
| Preventing Radicalisation (Basic Awareness) for Volunteers | |
| Standard 5: Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disability | Mental Health Awareness for Volunteers |
| Standard 6: Health and safety | Health and Safety for Volunteers |
| Fire Safety for Volunteers | |
| Standard 7: Fluids and nutrition (optional) | Fluids and Nutrition for Volunteers |
| Standard 8: Basic Life Support (BLS) (optional) | Resuscitation (Basic Life Support) for Volunteers |
| Standard 9: Moving and assisting (optional) | Moving and Assisting for Volunteers |
Supported programme
In order to support more diversity in volunteering a pilot training scheme was facilitated in partnership with IMO Charity in Blackburn with Darwen to target people from the BME community. Two tutor-led programmes of induction including completion of the first six Volunteer Learning Passport modules, involved 60 delegates. Support was given for language and/or e-learning. Over 50% of delegates were accepted in volunteering or in work roles in Health & Social Care within six weeks of completing the course.
IMO students proudly showing their Volunteer Learning Passport certificates.
A further tutor-led version has been developed by the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Adult Learning team for learners requiring this additional support. The course is free of charge and following evaluation will likely be incorporated into the proposed ‘Volunteers into Health & Social Care Scheme’.
The Volunteer Learning Passport website can be accessed here.
What’s next?
January 2020 – all 15 VLP modules launched
April 2020 – launch of the National Volunteer Framework through Helpforce including the Certificate Standards supported by a Learning and Development framework for Volunteers and Volunteer Managers.
Summer 2020 – Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria ICS will continue to embed the VLP to ensure portability between sectors. Development of the ‘passport’ to its full potential to include DBS and reference checking to support rotation between sectors.