Volunteers are at the heart of charities and voluntary organisations. Our senior volunteering consultant, Katie Bradshaw, explores why investing in high-quality volunteering programmes is essential for long-term success.
Between 2021 and 2022, around 14.2 million people in the UK volunteered formally through a club, organisation, or group. Their contribution was valued at approximately £18 billion, or 0.8% of the UK’s GDP (UK Civil Society Almanac 2024).
This impact is vital, yet participation in formal volunteering is declining. Volunteer numbers dropped from 20 million between 2019 and 2020, highlighting challenges such as an ageing population and reduced engagement among younger groups.
To sustain this impact, organisations need to prioritise volunteering.
A key solution lies in financial investment – funding inclusive, well-managed programmes that attract and retain volunteers.
Our Time Well Spent research shows that organisations with dedicated volunteer budgets report higher satisfaction and retention among their volunteers.
Investment in volunteering enables:
Organisations with well-funded volunteer management systems can also measure and evaluate the impact of their programmes.
This helps demonstrate value to funders and build trust with stakeholders.
Financial constraints remain a significant barrier to volunteering. Findings from Time Well Spent show that 14% of respondents were discouraged by concerns about out-of-pocket expenses. 10% said they would participate if these costs were covered.
For younger people, volunteering offers a pathway to develop skills and enhance career prospects. A quarter of 18- to 24-year-olds said these opportunities motivated them to get involved.
Investment in volunteering programmes can remove these barriers by covering expenses and offering structured development opportunities. This not only broadens participation but also strengthens connections with diverse communities.
Volunteers provide essential skills and support that would otherwise require paid staff. The Office for National Statistics (2017) valued volunteer time at £14.43 per hour – resources many organisations could not afford without volunteer contributions.
Strategic investment ensures this value is maximised. For example, high-quality training helps align volunteers with organisational goals, while structured support reduces turnover, saving the cost of constant recruitment.
Dedicated funding also ensures organisations meet legal and ethical responsibilities. These include safeguarding, compliance, and data protection.
Funding would help protect volunteers, reduces reputational risk, and fosters trust with funders and beneficiaries.
A well-funded volunteering programme enhances an organisation’s credibility. Volunteers often act as ambassadors, helping to build trust and awareness within their communities.
Investment in volunteer management enables organisations to create meaningful roles that reflect local needs.
It also supports the development of partnerships with community groups, extending the organisation’s reach and impact.
Declining participation in volunteering is a growing concern. People aged 65 to 74 are the most likely to volunteer formally, but other age groups are becoming less involved (UK Civil Society Almanac 2024).
Engaging younger generations is essential to ensure the sustainability of volunteering.
Organisations can attract more diverse participants by aligning roles with career aspirations, removing financial barriers, and offering clear pathways for skills development and personal growth.
Financial investment in volunteering is not just a cost but an investment in the future. By enhancing the volunteer experience, increasing inclusivity, and building community trust, organisations strengthen their ability to achieve their mission.
Volunteers contribute immense value, and organisations that support them effectively can amplify their impact.
Allocating resources to volunteer management ensures a positive experience for volunteers and creates long-term benefits for the organisation and society.