What do voluntary organisations do?
Overview
We use 18 categories to describe the activities of voluntary organisations and provide a clear picture of the diverse work the sector carries out.
These categories are based on a modified version of the International Classification of Non-profit Organisations (ICNPO).
Some categories are broad. For example, social services covers a wide range of activities, from youth work to care for the elderly. Other categories, such as parent–teacher associations, have a more specific focus. This classification system is not perfect. In practice, many organisations engage in multiple activities that may span several categories. However, it is a valuable tool for understanding and comparing the diverse organisations that make up the voluntary sector.
The ICNPO classification uses different sampling and weighting for the main population figures than other data used in the Almanac. This means that when voluntary organisations are broken down by sector, the total number and total income may be different.
By subsector
Social services remains the largest subsector, both in terms of the number of organisations and proportion of sector income.
In 2023/24, the subsectors with the largest number of organisations were:
- social services – 19% of organisations
- culture and recreation – 15% of organisations
- religion – 10% of organisations.
The three subsectors with the fewest organisations were:
- umbrella bodies
- employment and training
- housing.
However, despite their smaller numbers, these subsectors often include organisations with significant influence and financial resources.
Top 10 largest voluntary organisations
7 of the top 10 largest voluntary organisations (by income) are in the international development, research and grant-making foundations sectors.
Save the Children International is the largest charity, with £988m income in 2021/22.
The largest charity operates overseas only. The rest of the top 10 are national charities, although three also work overseas.
Most are based in London but with two in the south of England.
Understanding the changes
Shifts in the top 10 charity rankings are often influenced by changes in funding, major donations or strategic priorities.
External factors such as global events, philanthropic trends and organisational priorities can significantly impact the financial standing of leading charities.
Some organisations continue to maintain their leading positions, while others face growing competition and shifts in funding priorities.
Large, philanthropic foundations also shape the top tier of the sector, with foundations like Big Win Philanthropy and Lloyd's Register Foundation taking more central roles in recent years.
By size
Micro and small organisations
81% of voluntary organisations are micro or small (income under £100,000). This includes:
- 99% of parent–teacher associations
- 99% of village halls
- 94% of scout groups.
Large, major and super-major organisations
The largest proportion of large, major, and super-major organisations (income more than £1m) include:
- health (11%)
- umbrella bodies (11%)
- employment and training (10%)
- law and advocacy (9%)
- housing (9%)
- research (9%).
Larger organisations are more likely to work nationally or internationally. This means they often have a significant impact beyond their local community.
Of the 61 super-major organisations (income over £100m) in the UK:
- 15 are in social services (25%)
- 11 are in health (18%)
- 8 are in international development (13%).
Size and subsectors
Health and international charities are disproportionately represented among the largest charities. This highlights their substantial influence and reach in the sector.
Two smaller subsectors are also disproportionately represented among the largest charities:
- environment (seven super-major organisations)
- research (four super-major organisations).
