Volunteering

We define volunteering as any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives. Central to this definition is the fact that volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual.

This can include formal activity undertaken through public, private and voluntary organisations as well as informal community participation and social action. Everyone has the right to volunteer and volunteering can have significant benefits for individuals.

#iwill

NCVO supports the #iwill campaign which aims to make social action part of life for as many 10 to 20 year-olds as possible by the year 2020. We have pledged to support the campaign in a number of ways, from showcasing the impact of youth social action during Volunteers’ Week and to developing practical guidance to support organisations to involve young people. Find out more about our pledge on the #iwill website.

Find out more about volunteering

• The Institute for Volunteering Research is home to statistics and reports on volunteering and its impact.
• The UK Civil Society Almanac provides statistics and information on volunteering.
• The government's Community Life survey tracks trends in volunteering.
• Read more about volunteer management and practical advice for volunteering.

Consultation responses

Parliamentary briefings

Latest volunteering press releases

All press releases