The video is an animation featuring a range of animated volunteer characters. The characters are a mix of genders and ages, are from different religious backgrounds and some have visible disabilities. The characters have different, non-human skin tones such as blue and orange. Smaller characters with no discernible features are also used.
The audio consists of a female voiceover. There is a stock backing track that is not an identifiable song.
The video starts with a slide displaying the title ‘Club Matters – Recruiting new volunteers’ above the Sport England, Club Matters programme logo and the National Lottery and Sport England logos.
As the voiceover begins, 5 characters appear on a sports pitch with the silhouettes of more characters behind them. One character is a wheelchair user. The characters are a mix of genders and ages and wear formal and informal clothing.
Voiceover: Grassroots sport and physical activity relies on the support of millions of amazing volunteers.
But attracting volunteers isn’t always easy.
On screen, the text '70% of clubs and groups report shortages' is shown. The text is in the middle of a circle where pink is used for 70% of the circle’s outline and orange is used for the remaining 30%.
It takes time and effort to find, train and support new people.
The circle is replaced by a clock, which then becomes a pair of binoculars.
It can be tempting to rely on people who you know will say 'yes'. But this can lead to fewer people doing too much, making them feel overworked.
A female character appears on screen. She is clearly happy, and gives a thumbs up as a speech bubble pops up with the word ‘Yes' in it. The character then starts to look concerned, with sweat drops on her forehead. A clipboard shows a busy ‘To do list’, which the character looks at worriedly.
In today’s busy world, less 'people want to give up their time regularly.
On a blank background, the text ‘Less people want to give up their time regularly’ is shown. To the left of this, in a hexagon, a calendar is shown with most days crossed out in red but some circled in green.
Most now prefer bite-sized volunteering opportunities and responding to this is important.
A hexagon is shown on screen with the text ‘Bite-sized volunteering opportunities’ within it. A bite is taken out of the top right of the hexagon, and then the bottom left.
This video sets out 3 easy steps that you can take to help you recruit new volunteers.
A line extends across the screen upwards to become a staircase with 3 steps. Small characters with no discernible features drop onto each of the steps. On the other side of the line acting as the steps, the text ‘3 EASY STEPS’ is shown.
Voiceover: Step 1: Work out what you need.
The video zooms in to the bottom step of the staircase. The character is shown on the left of the line, whilst the text ‘STEP 1:’ is shown in the centre of the screen. Underneath, the text ‘Work out what you need’ appears.
Being proactive with your recruitment can help you thrive and grow.
The text ‘THRIVE and GROW’ is shown in a hexagon in the centre of the screen.
It can increase your capacity…
7 characters with no discernible features are shown across the screen. These are a mix of red, yellow and blue.
…enable you to meet your goals…
The 7 small characters drop off the screen as three hexagons move onto the screen. As the hexagons settle into place, the middle hexagon becomes the largest and displays the text ‘Meet your GOALS’.
…and help you attract volunteers with a diverse set of backgrounds, skills, behaviours and ideas.
The text is replaced with the silhouettes of a group of different characters. One is a wheelchair user. This is replaced with a blank screen. The head and shoulders of 3 characters pop up across the bottom half of the screen. Above them, 3 hexagons appear. One shows cogs working together, one shows a hand holding a pencil and once shows a lightbulb.
Before you try to engage new volunteers, work out what skills you need to enable you to run effectively or grow. These are likely to be many and varied!
On a blank screen, the text ‘what SKILLS you need’ is shown. This is replaced by a female character in front of a whiteboard which says ‘Communications planning’. She is clearly presenting to a group of people. This is replaced by a male character on a computer, then a male character in an official’s outfit blowing a whistle. The male character is an amputee.
Once you have done this, compare the skills you have to those you need and see where the gaps are. We have some tools on our website to help.
A clipboard is shown onscreen. At the top it says ‘Skills’. Lines are drawn across the clipboard page to represent different skills, which are then ticked off in green or a cross appears in red on the left of the page. The clipboard moves to the left of the screen and a computer appears. On the computer’s screen, the website address www.sportenglandclubmatters.com appears.
Be flexible about how people can give their time, and open to new ideas.
On a blank screen, the text ‘Be flexible’ is shown. In a hexagon to the left, a male character is shown using a paint roller. The text then swaps to ‘Be open’, to coincide with the voiceover. The male character in the hexagon is replaced with a lightbulb.
You may be surprised what skills people can offer.
Along the top half of a blank screen, the text ‘You may be surprised what skills people can offer’ appears to coincide with the voiceover. Underneath, three characters are shown. They are from different age groups and genders, and wear a mix of different formal and informal clothing.
They might not fit neatly into a traditional role but could be very useful!
The 3 characters move to the right of the screen and the text above them is replaced with icons. Above one character, an icon of a mobile phone with email, text and social media notifications is shown. Above another character, a camera icon is shown. Above the third character, a plate and cutlery is shown. On the left of the screen a larger character appears. The character is female and wearing dark glasses. She gives a thumbs up.
Thinking about tasks, not roles, can help you to identify bite sized opportunities that can be shared.
An older male character is shown mowing a sports pitch. On the pitch next to him, the text ‘Tasks not roles’ appears in white text that looks similar to the pitch markings. This is replaced by a hexagon in the centre of the screen showing the text ‘Bite-sized opportunities’. A bite is taken from the top right and bottom left of the hexagon, before it is replaced with 5 small characters, with no discernible features, linking arms.
This is a great way of engaging new volunteers and helping to reduce the workload that often sits with a core group.
The video zooms in on two of the smaller characters with no discernible features, who high five. They are replaced with a male character who is holding lots of blocks and looks worried about dropping them. The blocks disappear until the character is only holding a manageable amount. The character becomes much happier.
From above, the staircase with the three small characters on each step, and the text ‘3 EASY STEPS’ comes down onto the screen.
Voiceover: Step 2: Make it easy and attractive.
The video zooms in on the middle step, with the character on the left of the screen. The text ‘STEP 2: is shown in the centre, with the text ‘Make it easy and attractive’ appearing underneath.
This is replaced by a large number 1 in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Be flexible’ shown alongside.
Concerns about time and commitment can deter people who might want to volunteer.
A male character is shown next to a clock. An arrow appears and circles all the way around the clock, whilst the clock’s hands move round quickly. The character looks worried and concerned.
The more flexible you can be, the more likely you are to find people to help.
The clock is replaced by four smaller clocks. On each, the hands point to different portions of time which are highlighted. The character looks much happier.
Remember, the smaller the ask, the better!
Onscreen, the text ‘The smaller the ask the better is shown’ in the centre, with four arrows around it pointing inwards. The text and arrows then become smaller.
Think about if the task needs to…
…be at a particular location Or, can be done remotely.
A hexagon appears on the left half of the screen with a clubhouse shown inside it and the text ‘LOCATION’ underneath. Another hexagon appears on the right with an older female character at a computer. Underneath, the text ‘or REMOTELY’ appears.
…Has to be done on a set time or day. Or, can be carried out when best suits the volunteer.
A hexagon appears on the left half of the screen with a calendar shown inside it and the text ‘SET TIME’ underneath. One day on the calendar is circled in green. Another hexagon appears on the right with a male character inside looking happy. Underneath, the text ‘or BEST SUITS’ appears.
…Needs to be done by one person. Or, can be shared across a few to reduce the responsibility.
A hexagon appears on the left half of the screen with an older male character shown inside it and the text ‘ONE PERSON’ underneath. Another hexagon appears on the right with four characters inside. One of the characters is a wheelchair user. The characters are from different age groups and genders, and wear a range of formal and informal clothing. Underneath, the text ‘or SHARED’ appears.
Voiceover: People are more likely to volunteer if they enjoy it.
On a blank screen, a large number 2 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Make it fun!’ shown alongside.
Think about how you can make volunteering fun…
A female character is shown on screen looking happy and giving a thumbs up.
…and ensure people feel welcome, connected, and valued.
Two male characters are shown on screen looking happy and shaking hands.
Ask prospective volunteers about their interests and motivations so that you can match them with tasks or roles they are most likely to enjoy.
A male character appears in the centre of the screen. 4 hexagons pop up around him. One has art supplies in it, one has a musical note in it, one has fitness equipment in it, and one has a piece of fruit in it.
This is replaced with three characters across the top of the screen. One is a wheelchair user. Underneath them, hexagons appear with different icons in. One shows a plate and cutlery, once shows a running shoe and one shows a clipboard. Each hexagon is linked to a character by a line.
Voiceover: Being a volunteer offers lots of benefits.
On a blank screen, a large number 3 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Promote the benefits!’ shown alongside.
In your recruitment materials and conversations, talk about what volunteers can get out of giving their time and the difference they will make to help encourage them to join in.
A male and a female character are shown on screen having a conversation. Around them, four hexagons pop up with text in them. The text shown is:
- Gain confidence
- Meet new people
- Take on a challenge
- Learn new skills
On a blank screen, a large number 4 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Make it easy!’ shown alongside.
Voiceover: Getting involved as a volunteer should be as easy as possible. Keep your recruitment processes simple to encourage more people to give their time.
Three hexagons move onto the screen. As the hexagons settle into place, the middle hexagon becomes the largest and displays a hand giving a card that says ‘Contact’ to another hand. Above the hands, a box displays the text ‘Have a contact for interested people to speak to’. The hands are replaced by another hand holding up a phone. On the phone’s screen is the text ‘New number added’.
From above, the staircase with the three small characters on each step, and the text ‘3 EASY STEPS’ comes down onto the screen.
Voiceover: Step 3: Where to look and how to engage.
The video zooms in on the top step, with the character on the left of the screen. The text ‘STEP 3:’ is shown in the centre, with the text ‘Where to look and how to engage’ appearing underneath.
Voiceover: It’s time for the next step, recruitment! Think about who you can engage, where you can find them, and how to encourage them to give their time.
Three hexagons move onto the screen. As the hexagons settle into place, the middle hexagon becomes the largest and displays the silhouettes of a group of volunteers. A magnifying glass appears and sits over some of the volunteer silhouettes. Through the glass, their features become visible – they are from different age groups and genders, and wear a range of formal and informal clothing. The group of silhouettes are replaced with an arm wearing a wristwatch.
1) Ask existing members or participants.
On a blank screen, a large number 1 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Ask existing members or participants’ shown alongside.
People might be keen to help, but don’t because they haven’t been asked!
In a hexagon on the left of the screen, the text ‘Over 1 in 4 people…’ is shown. Across the screen next to the hexagon, 4 smaller characters with no discernible features are shown – one is in full colour, whilst the remaining 3 are faded out slightly. Underneath the text ‘Said they would be encouraged to get involved if they were asked directly’ is shown.
You can start with a friendly conversation. You may identify hidden talents!
A male character, who is an amputee, is shown talking to an older female character. Around them, hexagons pop up with icons in them – one shows an exclamation mark, one shows art supplies, one shows a notebook and pen and one shows a plate and cutlery.
Discover what people's skills and interests are through surveys, registration or membership forms.
On a blank screen, three icons appear. One is a page entitled ‘Survey’, which has a few lines under the title and ticked boxes down the right hand side. One is the outline of a person’s head and shoulders with a pencil next to it. One is a few pieces of paper, with the top page titled ‘Membership forms’.
Create a rota where people can commit small amounts of time. Let people know in advance so they can plan ahead.
On screen, a clipboard with the title ‘Rota’ is shown. Underneath are a list of different names assigned to different time periods throughout the day. Some are short time periods (e.g. 5-6pm) whilst others are longer (e.g. 12-4pm).
Voiceover: 2) Don't overlook young people.
On a blank screen, a large number 2 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Don’t overlook young people’ shown alongside.
They can be a fantastic addition to your team and bring new ideas and viewpoints.
Three young characters are shown onscreen, with a hexagon above them showing a lightbulb.
Young people are the leaders of the future.
A young female character is shown wearing a blazer and tie. She is adjusting her tie. Behind her, the silhouettes of a groups of volunteers are visible.
They are often keen to help and gain new skills including leadership, coaching and team-work, and it can be a great way to help them develop their CV.
On a blank screen, the text ‘Skills’ appears in bold at the top. Underneath, the text ‘Leadership’ appears on the left with a group of small characters, with no discernible features, together on the right. One character is set apart from the group as their leader. Under that, the text ‘Coaching’ appears on the left with a small character holding a megaphone on the right. Underneath that, the text ‘Teamwork’ appears on the left with a group of small characters linked together on the right. This is replaced with a young male character that is holding a page with the text ‘CV’ at the top and looking happy.
Voiceover: 3) Reach out to parents and carers.
On a blank screen, a large number 3 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Reach out to parents and carers’ shown alongside.
Many will be happy to help with small tasks like collecting fees, helping with catering, and setting up equipment. Be clear that volunteering does not need to be a regular commitment, and try to reduce the time each task or role will take.
3 hands holding coins are shown above a collection box. This is replaced by animated food – some fruit, a bowl of salad and a glass of juice with a bottle behind it. This is replaced by a view of two characters on a football pitch. A male character is carrying a bag of equipment whilst a female character is setting out cones.
A clock is then shown onscreen with an arrow pointing downwards to represent reducing the time a task/role will take.
Voiceover: 4) Use one off events to encourage people to give their time.
On a blank screen, a large number 4 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Use one off events to encourage people to give their time’ shown alongside.
Tournaments, family open days and fundraisers can be good ways to engage new volunteers.
Across the middle of the screen a trophy appears on the left, followed by a family of characters with an older male, a female, a younger male and a dog in the middle, then a pot with coins falling into it on the right.
By giving their time once, people may be more willing to do it again. Events can also attract new people. Use them to communicate with and sign-up new volunteers.
An outdoor event is shown. There is a sign over a booth with the text ‘FUNDRAISER’. A number of characters are shown around the outdoor event, all from different age groups and genders, and wearing a range of formal and informal clothing.
This is replaced by a blank screen with two male characters on the left shaking hands. On the right, a clipboard appears with the title ‘Volunteer registration’. Lines show text underneath, with a small line at the bottom. A hand-drawn line appears in red to represent a signature.
Voiceover: 5) Ask the wider community.
On a blank screen, a large number 5 is shown in the centre-left of the screen, with the text ‘Ask the wider community’ shown alongside.
Broadening your recruitment efforts to include the wider community can help you find new people with fresh perspectives, new skills and different experiences, and increase the diversity of your volunteer base.
Characters appear on screen one by one. The video moves from left to right along the line of characters. The characters are from different age groups and genders, and wear a range of formal and informal clothing. One is a wheelchair user. One is an amputee.
Your local volunteer centre, Active Partnership, NGB and other membership organisations may be able to help. Don't be afraid to ask them!
Onscreen, the text ‘Local Volunteer Centre’, ‘Active Partnership’ and ‘National Governing Body’ appears. This is replaced by an older male character holding a sign, which shows the text ‘Please can you help?’.
Voiceover: Club Matters Top Tips.
A blank hexagon appears on screen with the text ‘Club Matters Top Tips’ in the centre.
Happy volunteers are one of your greatest assets, and they can help you recruit new ones!
3 characters appear across the bottom of the screen. They look happy. Above them, hexagons pop up with a smiley face icon in each.
Take the time to plan your approach to recruitment and remember…
A clipboard with the title ‘Plan’ appears. On the page underneath, hand-drawn lines appear to represent text.
The clipboard is removed and the title ‘Top Tips’ appears at the top of the script. As each tip is said in the voiceover, the corresponding text appears onscreen as a bullet point.
Voiceover:
- Work out what skills you need.
- Make it easy and attractive for people to get involved.
- Offer opportunities linked to people's interests and motivations.
- Be flexible and open to different ways of doing things.
- Ask people for help.
- Give volunteers a good experience so they want to continue giving their time.
Onscreen, the following bullet points appear:
- Work out what skills you need
- Make it easy and attractive
- Offer opportunities linked to people's interests
- Be flexible
- Ask people for help
- Give volunteers a good experience
Creating and promoting a strong, positive volunteering culture, where volunteers are recognised and valued, will support your efforts to attract and keep people.
5 characters appear on a blank screen with the silhouettes of more characters behind them. One character is a wheelchair user. The characters are from different age groups and genders, and wear a range of formal and informal clothing.
As the voiceover ends, the Sport England, Club Matters Programme logo is shown above the National Lottery and Sport England logos. Underneath, the text says ‘For further information visit’ with the Club Matters website address included below.
