The Road Ahead

Our analysis of the major opportunities and challenges facing the voluntary sector in 2024. Learn more

Catherine Goodall

Catherine Goodall

Catherine Goodall

Policy and Influencing Manager

Catherine works to influence government across a range of policy areas

Catherine Goodall
Policy and Influencing Manager

Volunteers responding to crises

Catherine Goodall

Catherine Goodall

Catherine Goodall

Policy and Influencing Manager

Catherine works to influence government across a range of policy areas

Catherine Goodall
Policy and Influencing Manager

Senior policy and influencing advisor Catherine Goodall summarises what we learned during the National Volunteering Forum, and shares examples of actions you can take in response to the volunteering challenges facing the sector.

Volunteers play an essential role in responding to crises. We’ve seen how volunteers in their millions stepped up during the covid-19 pandemic in response to the war in Ukraine, and now in dealing with the impact of the rapidly rising cost of living.

Here we’ll explore:

  • some of the features of volunteering during a crisis
  • what we’ve learned
  • ways you can respond to the common challenges that volunteers and organisations are facing.

National Volunteering Forum

On 7 December we held a National Volunteering Forum (NVF) event on volunteering during crises. Over 100 organisations joined us as we heard from NCVO colleagues on findings from our research, and I explored our current policy and influencing priorities to support charities and volunteers to navigate the cost of living crisis.

Our colleague shared data from our UK Civil Society Almanac data to give us key insight into who volunteers, what activities they undertake, and how volunteer mobilisation has changed since the pandemic. We also explored the findings of our latest Time Well Spent report, on the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on volunteers. Our practical support team also shared a huge range of ways organisations can support their volunteers and staff through difficult circumstances.

We also explored the positive aspects of volunteering, the role volunteers play and the impact they have. Much of the desk research for the Time Well Spent report showed largely positive news around volunteering during the pandemic.

Word cloud showing what volunteering means to National Volunteering Forum attendees
Word cloud showing what volunteering means to National Volunteering Forum attendees

This word cloud also shows just some of what volunteering means to NVF attendees. These sentiments will be familiar to many of us involved in volunteering, who are used to being moved by the power of volunteers and the difference they make in our communities.

The rising cost of living is having a huge impact on volunteers and charities across the country. We’re working hard in collaboration with other charities to influence for more support from government and other decision makers.

We were pleased to see charities included in the non-domestic Energy Bill Relief Scheme from the outset. This is a shift from government support during previous crises, and shows the power of our collective influencing. We’re continuing to push for support for the sector once the scheme comes to an end in spring 2023.

Find out more about what we’re doing, and how you can get involved.

Volunteering challenges – the cost of living crisis and beyond

We know many of our members and networks are facing huge challenges in:

  • recruiting, retaining and supporting volunteers
  • paying expenses
  • reacting to changes in demand
  • navigating the impact of industrial action.

Here we explore a few of these issues, and how NCVO and others are responding.

Recruitment and retention

Organisations across the country have been reporting sustained difficulties in recruiting and retaining volunteers. We’re likely to see continued challenges throughout the winter, as fuel and other costs increase. People may also have less time to volunteer if they need to take up more paid work hours. And we may see changes in who wants to volunteer and in what ways.

For example, more people may want to volunteer face to face, in warmer buildings where they may be able to charge their phone or get some refreshments. Organisations should consider where they can offer more flexibility and support, and communicate with existing volunteers to support them to continue to give their time.

Support and management

Volunteering organisations are under a lot of pressure, and at difficult times the support and management of volunteers can wane. It’s crucial that organisations are aware of the challenges their volunteers are facing, and put steps in place to support them.

Organisations can review role descriptions, guidelines and training. They can regularly check in and provide guidance and support where needed. Wherever possible, being flexible and adapting to volunteers’ potentially changing needs and motivations will be vital during the next few months. Do also remember to thank volunteers for their efforts.

Expenses

We’re hearing that volunteers are increasingly requesting or needing expense payments to carry out our activities. This comes at a time when many organisations have seen their income fall and demand for their services rise.

We’re supporting the Community Transport Association to campaign for a review of the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate – the 45p per mile payment organisations can provide for staff and volunteers who drive as part of their activities. This rate has not been reviewed since 2011, and we’re aware of increasing concern that this rate is proving a barrier for volunteers. You may also want to review our guidance on paying volunteer expenses.

Industrial action

We’re increasingly seeing organisations and public services facing strike action. This is a very complex issue, which each organisation affected will need to navigate carefully.

Charities may have to deal with their own staff choosing to strike. Volunteers may choose to self-organise to deliver services that would normally be carried out by paid staff. It may be very difficult for organisations to balance the rights of volunteers, paid staff and communities under these circumstances. There will be short and long-term implications for choices made during strike action.

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