This article outlines the changes which have come about in the last decade concerning the role, recruitment and support of volunteers. It discusses the operation of the Department of Health Opportunities for Volunteering scheme and comments on what this scheme has achieved. The author suggests that further study and research are needed to improve the understanding of the work under taken by volunteers, and to assess the influence they have on small organisations. National voluntary organisations should be encouraged to apply their marketing skills to the recruitment and retaining of volunteers.
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