Charities say they’re struggling to recruit volunteers since Covid-19 struck. It’s a great way to give back, and the skills they're looking for may not be what you think
In the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown, an estimated 10 million people in the UK acted as an informal ‘volunteering army’ – an astonishing figure. And that’s on top of the 1 million or so who signed up for initiatives such as the NHS volunteer scheme.
Many of you are still helping friends and neighbours, but others may miss the sense of community so evident then. If that applies to you, there’s something you can do about it: become a charity volunteer or trustee.
Charities are struggling in 2020
Charities of all sizes have been hit hard by the pandemic, seeing demand for services rise while revenues drop. UK charities get almost half their income from the public, and March saw revenues coming in from shops, fundraisers and bucket collections virtually disappear.
"Charities are increasingly seeking professional skills such as IT, marketing, finance or mentoring from their volunteers and trustees."
Adding to their problems, many charities are now struggling to get volunteers. Their usual supporters may be in at-risk groups, or ruled out by volunteering activities switching online.
In short, your favourite local or national charities may need YOU.
Volunteering has moved on
Your vision of volunteering may involve helping at events or shops or with befriending activities, but the need goes far beyond that. It’s clear from the charities we work with that they’re increasingly seeking professional skills such as IT, marketing, finance or mentoring from their volunteers and trustees. Many are also keen to increase the diversity of their trustees and reduce their age profile.
Another interesting development is the move online. Courtesy of Covid, trustee and other meetings are now taking place by video. This rules out some people, but opens the door for others, for example if you live too far away to attend in-person or have childcare or other responsibilities at home.
What next?
At a time when the pandemic has narrowed our social and working lives, volunteering – even by video – is a good way to feel connected again and increase your circle. There are plenty of options, ranging from ad hoc support for projects, to regular commitments, to a more involved role as a trustee. Whichever option you choose, it’s an ideal way to build back better after Covid.
To find opportunities near you, look on specific charities’ websites or on hub websites such as:
If you become a charity trustee, it’s important that you and your co-trustees understand the responsibilities involved; we are happy to help with training on that.
