The Volunteer Drain: How Can Charities Adapt to a Changing Landscape?
Across the UK, charities are facing a crisis – a decline in volunteers. This dedicated workforce is the backbone of many organisations, providing vital support for everything from fundraising and administrative tasks to direct service delivery. But a complex web of factors is leading to a worrying shortage.
The Perfect Storm: Why Fewer People are Volunteering
Research by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) paints a concerning picture. Volunteer numbers in the UK have been steadily decreasing, with a 20% drop reported between 2 thousand and 18 [source: NCVO volunteering statistics]. This decline can be attributed to several factors:
Socio-economic Pressures: The rising cost of living is squeezing household budgets, leaving less time and disposable income for volunteering.
Shifting Demographics: The traditional volunteer demographic is aging. As the baby boomer generation retires, there are fewer people available to fill volunteering roles.
Lack of Inclusivity: Many charities struggle to reach and engage potential volunteers from under-represented groups. A 2019 report by Charity Finance found that 93% of volunteers in England and Wales were white [source: Charity Finance - The demographic characteristics of volunteers in England and Wales]. This lack of diversity means charities are missing out on a wealth of talent and perspectives.
Beyond Giving Back: The Benefits of Volunteering
The impact of fewer volunteers goes far beyond operational challenges. Volunteering isn't just about helping charities; it can be incredibly rewarding for the volunteer too. It provides opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable work experience, and build social connections. For those seeking employment, volunteering can be a fantastic way to boost a resume and stand out to potential employers.
Building a More Inclusive Volunteer Force: Proactive Solutions
So what can charities do to address the volunteer shortage and create a more inclusive volunteer base? Here are some practical steps:
Rethink Recruitment: Move away from traditional methods that might exclude certain demographics. Explore advertising opportunities in diverse community spaces, partner with faith-based organisations and ethnic minority charities, and consider offering volunteer opportunities in languages other than English.
Flexible Volunteering: Recognise that one-size-fits-all volunteering doesn't work for everyone. Offer micro-volunteering opportunities requiring shorter time commitments, remote volunteering options, and flexible scheduling to accommodate busy lifestyles.
Focus on Skills, Not Background: Value lived experience and transferable skills over specific qualifications. Provide training and support to equip volunteers with the tools they need to be successful.
Celebrate Diversity: Showcase the positive impact of a diverse volunteer team in your marketing materials and on your website. Feature stories of volunteers from different backgrounds to inspire others.
Embrace Change, Reap the Rewards
By adopting inclusive recruitment practices, charities can tap into a wider pool of talent, creating a richer and more dynamic volunteer force. A diverse volunteer team brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the table, leading to more creative solutions, improved service delivery, and ultimately, a greater impact on the cause they support.
Ready to Embrace Inclusive Volunteering?
At Communicate Inclusively, we specialise in helping charities develop inclusive recruitment strategies. We can guide you through the process, from crafting engaging job descriptions to creating a welcoming and inclusive volunteer onboarding experience.
Contact us today and let's work together to build a more diverse and thriving volunteer network for your charity.