Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Volunteer Research

Case study: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh- Volunteer Research

Background

The Community Engagement team at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) delivers a diverse programme of activities to around 10,000 individuals and community groups each year. Since the programme’s launch in 2011, volunteers have played a central role in enabling high‑quality engagement and supporting delivery across the organisation.

As the scale of activity has grown and the operating environment has evolved, RBGE identified the need to review volunteer roles, remits and supporting systems. An initial volunteer survey provided useful insights, but the team recognised the value of gathering more detailed, qualitative feedback from both volunteers and core staff.

Scotinform Ltd has an established research partnership with RBGE, delivering the biannual Garden Survey and undertaking bespoke research across membership, education, interpretation and retail. Our recent experience consulting with volunteers for the National Trust for Scotland positioned us well to support this next phase.

Purpose

The aim of the project was to gather richer, more nuanced feedback from RBGE volunteers and staff to inform the development of updated volunteering systems and ways of working. The Community Engagement team were keen to ensure volunteers were meaningfully involved in shaping future approaches.

Methodology

To ensure accessibility and flexibility, we proposed a programme of structured depth interviews held at the Botanics Cottage. Volunteers and staff could attend individually or in small groups, depending on their preference. Discussions were guided by a topic framework developed collaboratively with the Community Engagement Managers, with full confidentiality assured.

For those unable to attend in person, alternative options were offered: online discussions, or a written response using the topic guide in survey format.

At the conclusion of fieldwork, Scotinform prepared a report summarising key findings and themes.

Impacts

The project:

  • Provided RBGE with a deeper understanding of volunteer and staff experiences.
  • Supported the development of clearer, more effective volunteer systems.
  • Strengthened relationships by ensuring volunteers feel heard and involved.
  • Offered practical, evidence‑based recommendations to guide future planning

“Scotinform supported the Community Team thorough a period of change. Helen and Viv identified the challenges and opportunities very quickly, and took the volunteer and staff team though a feedback process with great care and kindness. Everyone appreciated the space and opportunity to be heard and we have been able to create volunteer roles that are both more meaningful and better support the community programme as a result “

Jenny Foulkes, Community and Engagement Manager, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Why Scotinform?

Scotinform brought to the project:

  • A long‑standing, trusted partnership with RBGE and deep understanding of the organisation.
  • Extensive experience in volunteer consultation across Scotland’s cultural and environmental sectors.
  • A flexible, participant‑centred approach that maximises engagement and accessibility.
  • Clear, actionable reporting designed to support decision‑making and organisational development.