At a recent Volunteering Wales Network meeting we asked a simple question: ‘What have you been reading, listening to, watching or attending recently that other volunteer managers should know about?’
The Volunteering Wales Network (VWN) is a network for national and regional strategic leads from volunteer-involving or volunteer-promoting organisations in Wales. At a recent meeting of the network we asked members to consider:
‘What have you been reading, listening to, watching or attending recently that other volunteer managers should know about?’
The discussion quickly demonstrated the strength of the network. Recommendations ranged from strategic thinking and emerging volunteering trends to cyber security, wellbeing and professional development.
What stood out was not just the quality of the resources themselves, but the breadth of knowledge and experience that exists within the network. Here are ten recommendations shared by VWN members that offer valuable insights for anyone involved in volunteer management.
1. EMERGING TRENDS IN VOLUNTEERING
Recommended by: Steve Thomas, Regional Development Manager (North) at Football Association of Wales
Time commitment: ten-minute read
As volunteer expectations, technology and societal needs continue to evolve, keeping ahead of emerging trends has never been more important. Steve highlighted this WCVA article because it provides a concise overview of the challenges and opportunities facing volunteer managers over the coming years. It is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to future-proof their volunteer programmes and understand what is shaping the profession.
Article Link: Six things Volunteer Managers need to know in 2026
2. VOLUNTEER WELLBEING
Recommended by: Dr DeAnn Bell, Engagement Lead for North and Mid Wales at Tempo Time Credits
Time commitment: six to eight hours
Volunteer wellbeing remains a growing area of focus across the sector. DeAnn recommended The Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt, a book that explores the evidence linking creativity, arts participation and improved health and wellbeing. Drawing on extensive research, the book demonstrates how engagement in creative activities can reduce stress, build resilience and improve quality of life. For organisations supporting volunteers, it offers a useful perspective on the connection between meaningful participation and wellbeing.
Book Link: Art Cure
3. PODCASTS FOR AND BY PEOPLE IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Recommended by: Carwyn Humphreys, Volunteer Centre Coordinator at Mantell Gwynedd
Time commitment: 30 to 45 minutes per episode
Podcasts have become an increasingly popular way for busy people to stay up to date, and The charity show podcast was Carwyn’s recommendation for volunteer managers looking to engage with wider sector conversations. Covering leadership, innovation, fundraising and organisational development, the podcast offers practical insights from charity leaders and sector experts. It is an accessible way to stay connected with developments across the voluntary sector during a commute, a walk or between meetings. The latest episode features WCVA’s Head of Volunteering, Flik discussing Volunteers’ Week, involving young people and families in volunteering, and how micro-volunteering does not have to be a one-off experience.
Podcast Link: The charity show podcast
4. MEASURING YOUR IMPACT
Recommended by: Tessa Willow, Third Sector Development Manager (Core Services) at Flintshire Local Voluntary Council
Time commitment: five-minute read
Measuring the difference volunteers make can be challenging, but it is becoming increasingly important for funding, accountability and organisational learning. Tessa highlighted a resource from Vision for Volunteering that encourages organisations to think more strategically about impact measurement.
Rather than simply counting volunteer hours, the resource prompts organisations to consider the wider changes volunteering creates for individuals, communities and services. It reflects a growing desire within the sector to evidence outcomes as well as activity.
Blog Link: Measuring the impact of work with volunteers
5. THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
Recommended by: Steve Thomas, Regional Development Manager (North) at Football Association of Wales
Time commitment: ten minute articles, 30 to 60 minute podcast episodes
Few names are more closely associated with volunteer engagement than Rob Jackson. Through his articles, consultancy work and the ‘Advancing the Profession’ podcast, he consistently challenges volunteer managers to think critically about practice, leadership and the future of volunteering.
His content is known for tackling difficult questions, questioning accepted wisdom and encouraging volunteer managers to see themselves as strategic leaders rather than simply programme coordinators. For many practitioners, his resources have become essential professional reading and listening.
Article/Podcast Link: Rob Jackson Consulting
6. EVENTS, RESOURCES & NETWORKING FOR VOLUNTEER MANAGERS
Recommended by: Flik Walls, Head of Volunteering at WCVA
Professional networks play a crucial role in helping volunteer managers develop their skills and confidence. The Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM) provides resources, events, networking opportunities and professional support specifically tailored to those leading volunteer programmes.
The recommendation reflects a broader theme that emerged during the discussion: volunteer management is increasingly recognised as a profession requiring specialist knowledge, continuing development and peer support.
Website Link: Association of Volunteer Managers
7. BRINGING THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN WALES TOGETHER
Recommended by: Carwyn Humphreys, Volunteer Centre Coordinator at Mantell Gwynedd
Time commitment: one day event
For many people working in Wales’ voluntary sector, gofod3 has become an annual fixture. Bringing together charities, community groups, funders and public sector partners, the event creates opportunities to learn, debate ideas and build relationships across organisational boundaries. Carwyn highlighted gofod3 as one of the best opportunities to gain fresh perspectives and stay informed about developments affecting the sector as a whole. Save the date for the 10th annual gofod3 event 16 June 2027.
Website Link: gofod3
8. SYSTEMS THINKING TRAINING
A member recently attended systems thinking training and shared a particularly thought-provoking takeaway. Too often organisations chase ‘best practice’ without questioning whether those approaches are right for their own circumstances. Systems thinking encourages practitioners to understand the wider context they work within and recognise that effective solutions are often shaped by local realities rather than generic models. For volunteer managers navigating increasingly complex environments, this way of thinking can be invaluable. It encourages reflection, curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions, rather than simply adopting what has worked elsewhere.
Website Link: Systems Thinking Hub | OpenLearn – Open University
9. CYBER SECURITY
Recommended by: Denise Lodge, All Wales Citizens in Policing Coordinator for South Wales Police
Time commitment: 15 to 30 minutes to explore introductory resources
While volunteer management discussions often focus on people, relationship-building and inclusion, Denise’s recommendation was a useful reminder that organisational resilience matters too.
Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales is a Police led organisation who works in partnerships with the four Welsh Police forces and Tarian to deliver support and guidance to business, organisation and charity communities across Wales. It offers free membership which allows access to fully funded services which include vulnerability assessments, cyber policy and continuity reviews, internet discovery and security awareness training.
Website Link: The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales
10. GETTING READY FOR THE FUTURE
Recommended by: Tom Morrissey, Volunteering Manager at WCVA
Time commitment: five-minute read
The final recommendation focused on the future of volunteering itself. A new approach to volunteering in Wales explores how volunteering can become more inclusive, flexible and responsive to changing needs and expectations.
As organisations seek to engage new generations of volunteers and remove barriers to participation, the approach offers valuable insights into what the future of volunteering in Wales could look like and how organisations can prepare for it.
Article Link: A new approach to volunteering in Wales
FIND OUT MORE
These recommendations show the value of the Volunteering Wales Network, a place where people share what they have found useful so others can benefit too. By learning from one another, VWN members stay informed, test ideas and strengthen their practice.
If you support volunteers in Wales, get connected through your local County Voluntary Council, local volunteer manager forum or the Volunteering Wales Network. Sharing learning and good practice helps strengthen volunteering across Wales.