Policy and influence
At Volunteering Matters, we’re on a mission to create a brighter future for communities across the UK through the power of volunteering. For over 60 years, we’ve been turning local knowledge into action by working with volunteers and partners.
Our approach
Our approach is grounded in communities. We design projects with people, not for them, ensuring they reflect local strengths, insight and need. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and stronger communities make that possible.
Social action brings people together to improve their lives and address the issues that matter most to them. At Volunteering Matters, we see this in many forms, from formal volunteering and community organising to everyday acts of neighbourliness.
Through volunteering and social action, people can shape change where they live while also experiencing the personal benefits of taking part. Volunteering should be accessible and flexible. Some people need support to get involved, others do not. Our role is to remove barriers, create opportunities and stand alongside communities.
We work in partnership with people and local organisations, taking a place-based approach that builds on existing relationships, knowledge and energy.
Have you read our strategy?
Our strategy (2025-2030)
Our 2025–2030 strategy sets out how we will support communities to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and lead change. It is built on the belief that communities know best and should shape their…
Our policy asks
Partners across a place play a vital role in enabling volunteering and social action that delivers real community benefit. This means creating the conditions for people to give their time and energy to the issues they care about, whether by sharing space, shifting power, redesigning services or unlocking funding.
Everyone has something to contribute, and many already do. However, not everyone starts from the same place. Some people will need additional support to take part, and systems must be designed to recognise and respond to that.
Enabling older adults through volunteering
Summary: We advocate for a community-led approach to enable older adults to volunteer, sharing their skills and experience to address local issues and help others.
Reason why: Volunteering allows older adults to impart their skills, support others, foster community connections, and enhance their own well-being.
Youth leadership in community change
Summary: We call for partners to empower young people to lead community change, emphasising their role in civil society.
The reason why: Young people have the skills and energy to drive societal and environmental improvements.
Supporting care-experienced young people
Summary: We seek support for care-experienced young people, helping them transition from care with mentorship and community support.
The reason why: Care-experienced youth possess unique strengths but face challenges; targeted support can unlock their potential.
Preventative support for older people
Summary: We seek support for community-led projects to enhance older people’s health and well-being through volunteering.
The reason why: Community projects provide social connections and help address issues like mental health and abuse, reducing long-term service needs.
Inclusive youth social action
Summary: We advocate for opportunities for marginalized youth to engage in meaningful social action.
The reason why: Providing leadership opportunities to underrepresented youth fosters equity and community engagement.
Enabling refugees and asylum seekers through volunteering
Summary: We advocate for opportunities for marginalized youth to engage in meaningful social action.
The reason why: Providing leadership opportunities to underrepresented youth fosters equity and community engagement.
Our recent consultation responses
Downloads
Our response to the Youth Select Committee Inquiry
Our response into an inquiry examining Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education – November 2025.
Our response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review
Our response looked at how we can create a system that fosters equity, builds resilience, and supports every student to reach their potential – December 2024
Advocate the power of volunteering
We are calling on decision makers, community leaders, funders and organisations to:
- Understand the research and evidence behind our positions and see how volunteering can address critical community needs.
- Collaborate with us to develop and implement volunteer-driven initiatives that create lasting impact.
- Advocate for policies that support and recognise the value of volunteers in building stronger communities.
Together, we can harness the power of volunteering to make a real difference. Join us in creating a future where every individual’s contribution is valued, and communities are vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.
