What’s Happening in the Third Sector?
Coming Soon: The Charity Pay Study
Third Sector’s new pay study is almost here. Published annually, the study tracks the steady rise in pay among the sector’s highest earners. These pay rises are often found in philanthropic foundations and private hospitals rather than household-name charities.
With findings sure to spark debate, now is a great time to revisit last year’s report while we await the 2026 release.
Volunteering Matters: Impact Report 24/25
Volunteering Matters have just released their Impact Report for 2024/25, and it is a fantastic celebration of community action. Over the last year, 12,643 volunteers gave their time to support over 11,300 people across 87 different projects.
The report highlights some incredible initiatives, from ‘Welcome Friends’ in Rhondda Cynon Taf tackling loneliness in older people, to ‘Sporting Chance’ in Stockton-on-Tees, empowering men over 50 to take control of their health. It’s a great read that champions the idea of an “ecosystem of volunteering” – recognising that whether it’s a one-off clean-up or systemic change, every action counts.
Student Volunteering Week (9th–15th Feb)
Student Volunteering Week is back! Led by the Student Volunteering Network, the week focuses on improving student wellbeing and employability.
This year features daily themes to guide your activities, from ‘Micro-Monday’ and ‘Wellness Wednesday’ to a ‘Sustainable Weekend’ of green opportunities.
It’s a great chance to celebrate the amazing work students do in our communities. You can access resources to help you celebrate here.
Heritage Volunteering: High Satisfaction, Low Resources
A new report on heritage volunteering in Scotland reveals that while 91% of volunteers report improved wellbeing, the sector is facing a resource crisis.
Shockingly, 35% of surveyed organisations have no volunteer manager at all, and only 18% have a dedicated role.
The findings highlight an urgent need for investment in infrastructure to ensure this vital sector can continue to thrive.
True Volunteer Numbers Higher Than Reports?
Headlines say volunteering is down, but new research from the Gradel Institute suggests we might just be counting it wrong.
Philine van Overbeeke argues that while formal roles are dipping, “uncounted participation” – like mutual aid and citizen-led initiatives – is often overlooked.
The report warns that cost-of-living pressures are locking people out of volunteering and calls for a rethink of how we define and support the sector.
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