Exploring the role of volunteers in care settings for older people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the role of volunteers in care settings for older people
IRAS ID
231973
Contact name
Ailsa Cameron
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol,
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Faced with a rising demand for services, under-investment in primary care, cuts to funding and recruitment difficulties, the social care sector is increasingly reliant on volunteers, and the voluntary sector, in its endeavour to provide adequate care to older people. Although the role of volunteers in social care has been considered in previous studies (Dickinson et al 2012, Hoad 2002, Hussein 2011), the sector’s changing political and economic landscape may have altered the ways in which volunteering has been incorporated into different forms of service provision.
This study sets out to explore how volunteering is implemented and delivered in the mixed economy of social care services for older people. Using an in-depth qualitative case study design, the study will map and explore the role of volunteers in a range of adult social care settings. Using interviews, we will explore the perspectives and experiences of those: working as volunteers; managing and working alongside volunteers; service users and family/ friends were appropriate. Findings of the study will contribute to discussions and debates concerning the role of volunteers in the provision of adult social care, including their preparation and support needs. The study will also inform the planning, provision and delivery of volunteering services for older adults.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
17/IEC08/0038
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion