Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) encourages its staff to give their time and their skills in the community through Employer Supported Volunteering. The policy allows staff to use some of their working hours to volunteer both individually and as a group.
VAO’s first Employer Supported Volunteering team activity took place in September, when staff chose to support Greener Orkney.
The team knew that marine litter, particularly plastic waste, can be very harmful to wildlife and that removing it from Orkney’s beaches helps to tackle this serious issue.
Greener Orkney supports community-led initiatives and activities which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, minimise waste, remove litter and enhance local nature. They also support groups and organisations such as VAO by providing the equipment and guidance needed to keep volunteers safe alongside running their own beach cleans.
On Thursday 3 September 2026, eight volunteers from VAO gathered at Scapa Beach and collected rubbish from the shore and roadside. By the end of the morning, they had picked up more than 33 kilos of waste, including rope and other plastic items as well as some clothing.
Morven Brooks, VAO Chief Executive Officer said:
It was good fun to get together outdoors as a team and do something that had a positive impact on both the community and the environment.
It is not always easy for staff to find the time to volunteer, and our Employer Supported Volunteering Policy means that they can contribute to charitable and community organisations within their working hours.
We hope that we can be an example for other employers in Orkney and show them that they can make a similar commitment to our community.
For more information about Employer Supported Volunteering Policies fill out the form below or call 01856 872 897 option 1.
