Volunteering

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a significant shift in how organisations recruit volunteers. One question that comes up regularly is whether social media and websites are now the most effective ways to reach new volunteers. From what I’ve observed, digital platforms have become an increasingly important entry point. People’s lives are busy and highly connected. Many are balancing work, study, family responsibilities and other commitments, which means they are far less l

In my experience, the shift towards skills and impact-focused volunteering isn’t about replacing traditional roles. It’s about adapting how we engage people so that volunteering reflects the expectations, skills and availability of today’s volunteers. One of the biggest reflections I’ve had is the importance of rethinking volunteering as projects rather than positions. Instead of open-ended roles defined mainly by hours or availability, organisations can design clearly scoped

Volunteer recruitment is changing. In reflecting on the current landscape, it is clear that the way people engage with community and charitable organisations is evolving. Social, economic and technological changes are influencing not only how people volunteer, but also what they expect from the experience. While the motivation to contribute remains strong, the structure and expectations around volunteering have shifted. One of the most noticeable changes is the growing demand

One reflection I’ve had recently is how much the landscape of volunteer recruitment is changing. While the desire to contribute to social causes remains strong, traditional volunteering models don’t always align with the realities of people’s lives today. Increasingly, people are more selective about how, when and why they volunteer. Recent findings from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Community Life Survey 2024/25 highlight some of the key barriers. Among adult