All Together Now – summary of voluntary matters 3 TV programme

There isn't one correct way to go about making decisions, but you need to know which methods you are using and why you are using them. Without this, it's very easy to get stuck. You also have to be clear about the level of consultation involved and who has the final responsibility for making the decision.

Three organisations are featured in the programme, All Together Now. At Cricklewood Homeless Concern many volunteers are ex-clients. Staff actively encourage volunteers to develop their ideas for improving the service, whether this involves starting a new project or making physical changes to the centre. Many volunteers have been through very difficult times and the opportunity to make decisions that have an effect on the service makes them feel more confident about themselves and their abilities.

It's hard to achieve any kind of progress without a clear decision-making structure. Inverclyde Skatepark Group had 90 young people turning up at meetings to campaign for a new skatepark, but making decisions with that number of people was unworkable. A vote was held and a committee formed with equal representation of skateboarders, rollerbladers and trail bike riders. The council is now taking the committee seriously and the park is likely to become a reality.

The value of consultation becomes clear when those involved feel more ownership of the project. Scotland Yard Adventure Centre in Edinburgh uses participatory appraisal techniques to involve volunteers, staff, children and parents. This allows everyone in a group, irrespective of their abilities and experience, to make a contribution. The process uses a variety of tools, including 3D models and mapping, to work out what everyone wants and it avoids the dangers of deciding matters by discussion only, which tends to be dominated by stronger voices.

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