What’s Happening in the Third Sector?
Improving Volunteering Through Better Use of Data
Volunteering is vital to society, but the systems behind it are often outdated and disconnected. Data is scattered across platforms that don’t work well together, making it harder for people to find opportunities and for organisations to collaborate.
The Open Data Institute (ODI), with DCMS, recently brought together experts across the world of volunteering – including volunteers, academics, tech leaders, and organisations like TeamKinetic – to explore how smarter use of data and technology could improve the volunteering experience.
They’ve highlighted three priorities:
- Innovation: Use tools like AI to match people to opportunities and reduce admin.
- Data Sharing: Help systems work together so opportunities are easier to find.
- Data Culture: Support organisations in building confidence to use and share data.
NCVO: The Road Ahead 2025
‘The Road Ahead’ is an annual assessment of the changing landscape for NCVO members and voluntary sector organisations.
In this year’s report, they explore the key risks, opportunities, and strategic opportunities for charities and voluntary organisations in the year ahead. Together, we offer actionable insights and practical guidance to help organisations navigate an uncertain future.
Volunteering among younger people on the rise
New research from nfpResearch highlights shifting trends in volunteering across age groups. Youth volunteering is on the rise, with 32% of 16–24-year-olds having volunteered in the past three months, up from 21% in 2012. In contrast, volunteering among those aged 55 and over has significantly declined over the past decade. Factors such as increased retirement age, reduced pensions, and the long-term impact of the pandemic may be contributing to this drop.
The report also found that people from ethnic minority backgrounds volunteer at higher rates (32%) than white people (19%) over the last decade.
To address these trends, the report recommends several actions, including the creation of a national volunteering infrastructure body, appointing a “volunteering czar,” investing in volunteer management training, and embedding technology in volunteer recruitment and retention. It also calls for charities to elevate the role of volunteer management, including hiring directors of volunteering at senior levels.
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