E-Portal Blog Series: Volunteers as a strategic asset

There are many challenges facing the voluntary sector at the moment. The sector has always faced challenges relating to sustainability, stability and funding but things feel different now. The funding landscape is changing, I recently carried out a funding search and noted that many national funders have restricted their grant giving, presumably to deal with increased demand.

While funding becomes more challenging to secure there are also rising costs within the sector, increasing salaries and national insurance pressures mean that charities need more investment in their workforce to maintain services. These aren’t unique to the sector businesses also are dealing with these challenges but they have a tool in their arsenal that the voluntary sector doesn’t have, they can pass on the increases to their customer base.

The VCS largely doesn’t have this option, the people they support may not have the ability to pay for or pay more for services. There is the option of asking more from donors, but this in itself takes a staff resource so has to be carefully balanced.

Which brings me in a roundabout way to the subject of volunteers and volunteering.

In a climate of uncertainty, volunteers are a strategic asset. Their time, skills, and commitment often bridge the gap between what’s needed and what’s possible. They are the unique tool that the sector has in its arsenal.

But even that resource is diminishing. A number of recent studies from agencies such as the NCVO (Time well spent report) and the Community Life Survey evidence that volunteering numbers dropped and have not yet returned to pre pandemic levels.

Organisations should take the time to nurture the culture of volunteering and evaluate their own approach to volunteer management. This includes clear roles, meaningful engagement, safeguarding, and inclusive practices as well as remembering to say thank you!

Volunteers thrive when they feel valued, supported, and part of something purposeful. A happy volunteer is a great advert for your charity, your purpose and for volunteering more generally. They are your storytellers and advocates in the community.

Ready to expand your reach? Learn how to create professional, friendly, and accessible volunteering roles that drive impact and help people connect with their communities.

Start planning your approach here: https://www.e-portal-essex.co.uk/volunteer-management/planning-for-involving-volunteers