This month marks one year since the launch of the Digital in Volunteering initiative – a sector-wide effort to understand how digital tools are transforming volunteering. It also serves to help volunteer managers build the confidence, capability, and connections they need to thrive.
From recruitment platforms and online training tools to CRM systems and new ways of keeping volunteers engaged, one thing is clear: digital isn’t just an add-on anymore. It’s central to how volunteering works today.
Over the past year, the initiative has grown rapidly across the UK voluntary sector. While digital in volunteering continues to evolve, we’re already seeing real innovation, shared learning, and a growing appetite to build on this progress.
What’s been achieved so far
The vision behind Digital in Volunteering is simple. To empower volunteer managers with the tools, knowledge, and peer support they need to use digital confidently and purposefully.
The Digital in Volunteering Toolkit
A practical resource designed to help volunteer managers adopt digital approaches with confidence. Whether you’re starting small or scaling up. From assessing your organisation’s digital maturity to embedding inclusive practice, the Toolkit has already supported hundreds of people across the sector.
The Digital in Volunteering Community of Practice
Now more than 300 volunteer managers strong, the Community is a space for sharing ideas, learning together, and supporting one another on the digital journey. Built by volunteer managers, for volunteer managers, it’s a collaborative network that’s only just getting started.
Through webinars, discussions, and case studies, one clear message has emerged: the future of digital in volunteering will be shaped by practice, not platforms.
Join the Community of Practice.
Help shape what comes next
As the initiative looks ahead to 2026, the team wants to understand what volunteer managers need most. What’s working? What’s missing? And where is more support needed?
You can help by completing the 2025 Digital in Volunteering Survey. It takes just a few minutes, and your insights will directly shape the support, learning, and resources offered next year.
Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/FA4LdJpqtQRwfyJe8
Everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 voucher.
Your experience matters. Your contribution will help strengthen volunteering across the UK.
What’s next?
The initiative will continue to grow with the sector, focusing on:
- New Toolkit content shaped by your feedback
- More examples of digital practice from peers
- Support on emerging topics such as AI and accessibility
- Events and discussions led by practitioners, not tech vendors
This isn’t about digital for digital’s sake. It’s about helping volunteering thrive in a connected world.
Get involved
If you’re passionate about how digital can make volunteering more inclusive and impactful, here’s how to take part:
Thank you to everyone who’s contributed so far and to those joining the journey now. Together, we can continue to unlock digital’s potential for volunteering, one practical step at a time.