A 2024 study by Kerstin Svensson and Monica Larsson (link in the comments) examines the integration of volunteers within Sweden’s public sector, focusing on disability, probation, and social services. The study highlights key differences between professional and voluntary social work, particularly in qualifications, practical conditions, and tasks. Professionals are formally trained and handle complex responsibilities, while volunteers, often unpaid, focus on interpersonal relations. Despite legislative support for volunteer involvement, challenges like recruitment, lack of clear guidelines, and differing operational logics complicate their integration. The study notes a gap between political goals and practical outcomes, suggesting that more support and structured guidance are needed for effective collaboration between professionals and volunteers.
The Copper project aims to bridge this gap by equipping probation volunteers with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to effectively collaborate with professionals, ultimately enhancing the impact on those they serve.
In this vein, we are excited to share that our training course for volunteers in probation is almost ready for piloting!
Link to article:
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