Bridging the Talent Gap in the Social Sector through Skills-Based Volunteering
Recent statistics revealed that there was a 29% increase in online volunteering in Singapore compared to pre-pandemic levels, amidst the growing trends of skills-based volunteering. While the scope of skills-based volunteering becomes more digitalised, volunteering remains especially rewarding and it is an option to bridge the digital skills gap in the social good sector.
A survey conducted showed that even though regular volunteering was affected by pandemic restrictions, there was an 8% increase in overall volunteering in the social good sector. This trend is not uncommon, given that needs of the social good sector are expanding, and there is a pressing need to onboard volunteers to lend their expertise.
As more services shift online, the volunteering space has also diversified, with social organisations taking in skilled volunteers lending their expertise in marketing, technology and communications. It is also worth mentioning that the pandemic has accelerated the need for digital transformation in the social good sector, which has changed how social organisations conduct more effective outreach and better serve their communities. Social organisations can also tap into specific skills, such as regular content creation by volunteers who are able to share their experiences volunteering, while at the same time, easing the workload of social organisations’ staff managing operations.
“Social organisations have an unmet demand for these critical services (corporate functions — whether in finance, human resources, or marketing)”
- Empact
These volunteer opportunities are a win-win solution for both organisations and skilled volunteers, with the volunteer talent pool steadily expanding in Singapore as more people take on projects for a good cause, as well as bridging the digital skills gap for social organisations.
About Skills for Good
Skills for Good is a youth-led initiative that matches our talent pool of skilled volunteers in marketing, technology and communications. Our mission is to empower volunteers through meaningful Skills-Based Volunteering (SBV) opportunities that help Social Organisations in Singapore to meet their operational and strategic goals.
