The pledge is an ambitious collaborative approach to volunteering over the next two years.

Its main aim is to remove barriers to volunteering amongst South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) partners and the wider third sector.

It also recognises the work of communities in supporting each other and making South Lanarkshire a great place to live and to make sure the CPP can help them to keep doing that.

Council Leader and chair of the CPP, Joe Fagan, said: “I was delighted to sign the pledge on behalf of the CPP.

“We all collectively want to change the perception of volunteering, and to make it easier to do so.

“The pledge also aims to increase the number and diversity of volunteering options within our organisations.

“We will share our knowledge and resources, ensure there is a flexible approach and learn and improve from one another’s experiences.

“And we will champion volunteering – making sure our volunteers are celebrated for the contribution they make to communities across South Lanarkshire.”

More details on the work of the CPP is available from their website.