Publications

We are excited to share findings from our Midlothian-wide Volunteer Satisfaction Survey. The survey was created to better understand the impacts of volunteering on volunteers themselves, to enhance volunteer support, and help organisations better demonstrate their impact.

This year is our second edition of the survey, which we hope to carry out annually and build upon year after year. We were please to receive 62 responses from volunteers across Midlothian, sharing their reflections on how volunteering has shaped their wellbeing, skills, confidence, and connection to their community.

In 2025 we ran a Midlothian-wide volunteer satisfaction survey to better understand the impacts of volunteering on volunteers themselves, to enhance volunteer support, and help organisations better demonstrate their impact.

The survey insights help shine a light on the often-unseen personal benefits of volunteering—and why creating good volunteer experiences matters.

This report aims to help local Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) target their activities more directly or know where they can play a part in future volunteering infrastructure at a local level. You are welcome to use the information according to your needs, to learn more about volunteering generally, and to support your own project or funding application.

To be able to evaluate the impact on community activity, it is key that third sector organisations can articulate what their impact is. We have created a simple case study template to help organisations create valuable impact stories, that will not only benefit Community Learning & Development (CLD) evaluation but can also be used in funding applications, reporting, and wider communications.

To protect vulnerable users, maintain critical services, and reduce future costs, third-sector organisations must begin to adapt. This practical guide provides clear, actionable steps to help your organisation build resilience to extreme weather and secure the continuation of its services.

Created by MCAN in partnership with MFIN.

View or download the Adverse Weather Preparation guide.

This booklet provides essential support for organisations new to focusing on climate issues. It outlines the real impacts of the climate emergency and offers practical guidance on how to access funding to prepare for them.

Created by MCAN in partnership with MFIN.

View or download the Green Flags for Funders guide.