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UK Civil Society Almanac 2024

DATA. TRENDS. INSIGHTS.

166,000 voluntary organisations across the UK

The voluntary sector has continued to recover from the challenges brought by the covid-19 pandemic, with a small – but significant – increase in numbers of 0.5% on the previous year.

In 2021/22, the sector's total income increased by 9% to £69.1bn (after adjusting for inflation). However, the rise in expenditure was smaller, up just 2% on the previous year.

London remains the centre of the UK's voluntary sector. The spread of voluntary organisations largely mirrors population distribution, although Scotland has a higher proportion of organisations relative to population.

Micro and small organisations account for 80% of the sector, but larger organisations (income above £1m) continue to dominate in terms of income, spending and assets.

Women make up 68% of the sector's workforce

The sector also has the oldest workforce in the UK, with 28% of employees aged 55 or over. The proportion of disabled employees has increased, but the sector lags behind in terms of ethnic diversity.

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