Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community as a business. Providing time and skills at no cost can help those who need it most whilst also engaging your workforce. Consider giving staff time each month to dedicate to a cause of their choice or perhaps identify a business wide cause to support through volunteering and other fundraising activities.
Volunteering rates soared in 2020 and if you are looking for volunteers for your organisation there may be people with the skills and experience that you need. For many people, volunteering is also an entry point, or a re-entry point to work; an opportunity to boost confidence and develop or use skills that they may have or want. For most volunteers this is underpinned by the desire to support their local community and work in a field that interests them.
You may also want to offer your staff the opportunity to volunteer as part of your organisation’s commitment to support your local community.
Setting up a volunteer opportunity means understanding your commitment and responsibilities. There may be some restrictions, for example depending on age, in your insurance policy so you need to explore this first before developing your volunteering. Volunteers can also claim benefits providing that the only money they get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs and that they continue to meet the conditions of their benefits.
Benefits to your business
How can we start to volunteer?
We have connections with local schools and colleges who are always on the lookout for enterprising individuals and businesses to help inspire the next generation.
Mentoring attended career days or providing business briefs to work will significantly help and support young people on their route to the working world.
Create your own employer profile here to access our events calendar. This shows events at schools and colleges you can book to attend as volunteers.
Offer volunteering opportunities through national websites with local focus :
- Look for local volunteering information and offer local opportunities through Do-it.org, a database of local volunteering opportunities
- Find out more about other community action groups National Association for Voluntary and Community Action
- Find out more about voluntary organisations, charities, community groups and social enterprises across England and access practical resources designed by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations NCVO
Don’t forget that your staff can also be volunteers as part of your commitment to supporting your local community:
