No change in rates of volunteering in England
The latest results from the government’s Community Life Survey (2015/16) show that rates of volunteering remain similar to recent years.
Our Head of Research, Nick, has blogged on what these results show in more detail, but here’s the highlights:
- 41% of people reported volunteering formally at least once a year
- 27% of people reported volunteering formally at least once a month
Plus, the data shows that young people are the most active age group in terms of volunteering:
- 32% of people aged between 16 and 25 reported volunteering regularly
- 49% of young people reported volunteering at least once a year
To dive deeper into the latest volunteering trends, Gareth tells the story behind the data.
If you’re interested in volunteering research, book now for the 2016 Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research conference – the early bird rate expires on Friday 22 July.
New guidance: Volunteering and benefits
Did you know that you are allowed to volunteer if you are receiving state benefits, including universal credit?
Our new guidance is designed to help prospective volunteers know the rules and their rights.
Connecting communities after the EU referendum
The EU referendum revealed social tensions and divisions between communities. We believe volunteering can play a role in acting as a bridge between communities. In the current climate, a diverse, inclusive volunteering movement is more important than ever.
We are currently reviewing and updating our guidance on accepting volunteers from overseas, to give organisations and prospective volunteers accurate and up to date information. We aim to reduce barriers to volunteering and help give people the confidence to volunteer.
In the meantime, charities should be confident that:
- EU nationals are eligible to volunteer in the UK, as there has been no change to their rights and status in the UK
- Asylum seekers and refugees are eligible to volunteer.
At NCVO, we’ve been responding to and analysing the potential implications of the EU referendum:
- Stuart Etherington’s initial response to the EU referendum result
- Our analysis of the implications for the voluntary sector (online event and blog)
- Kimberly McIntosh’s practical advice for charities on easing community tensions
National Volunteering Forum
On 15 September, we’ll be in Manchester discussing volunteering and social cohesion, after the EU referendum – please save the date.
Volunteers’ Week 2016: How was it for you?
I looked back over our Volunteers’ Week highlights in last month’s Volunteering Round-up, and now we would like to hear from you!
Please fill in our short survey and help us make Volunteers’ Week 2017 even better.
What will you celebrate in your local community?
The Big Lottery Fund are offering grants between £300 and £10,000 for groups to hold one off events or activities to bring people together and celebrate their local community. Celebrate England applications are being assessed on a first come, first served basis until all funds are awarded, so make sure you don’t miss the party.
Got an idea for a local #BigCelebration? We're offering up to £10k to make ideas a reality! https://t.co/FHt3l0ZxSF pic.twitter.com/tO7TNPuMIo
— Big Lottery Fund (@BigLotteryFund) July 6, 2016
What I’ve been reading this month
With new reports and research about volunteering being published, here’s what I would recommend reading:
- Clinks’ review into volunteering in prisons, which shows that volunteering plays a vital role and makes a number of practical recommendations.
- User Voice’s peer-led consultation on volunteering in prisons, which identifies barriers that prevent ex-service users from being able to volunteer.
- Lambeth Council & the Institute for Fiscal Studies evaluation of their ‘Street Champion’ volunteering scheme, which tested how local residents could be incentivised to support local services.
Any other suggestions? Please share your recommendations in the comment section below.
Law, order and good governance
Volunteering and the law
Do you understand the legal implications of volunteering and the legal position of volunteers? Book onto our training for volunteer managers on 29 September to get to grips with volunteering and the law.
NCVO/BWB Trustee Conference 2016: Governance in the spotlight
Bookings are now open for our leading annual event for charity trustees. Join us on 7 November for essential updates on governance regulation; to explore what board leadership should look like in the current climate; and to get practical tools and guidance.
Congratulations achievers!
Congratulations to the 20 organisations that achieved VCQA in May 2016:
- Community Action Wirral
- Volunteer Centre Rochdale Borough
- Volunteer Plymouth
- Middlesbrough Volunteer Centre
- Telford & Wrekin Volunteer Centre
- Voluntary Action North Somerset
- Volunteer Centre Torbay
- Southampton Voluntary Services
- Volunteer Centre Haringey
- Swale Volunteer Centre
- Brighton & Hove Community Works
- Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire
- Hands Rochester Volunteer Centre
- Imago
- Volunteer Centre Reigate & Banstead
- Community Impact Bucks
- Exeter Volunteer Centre
- Torridge Volunteer Centre
- Volunteer Bristol
Emily was NCVO’s trainee volunteering development policy officer. She is interested in policy around volunteering, particularly diversity in volunteering, employability, volunteering in public services, and employer supported volunteering. 
3 Responses to Volunteering round-up: July 2016