By KLTV Newsdesk –
Volunteers’ Week prompts reflection on evolving roles and risk management for charities
As Volunteers’ Week (2nd to 8th June) approaches, new figures have emerged showing a 51% volunteer rate in Yorkshire, prompting discussions about how charities and not-for-profit organisations can support the evolving needs of volunteers.
The Community Life Survey 2023/24, released in December 2024, found that 51% of respondents in Yorkshire said they had volunteered at least once in the last year.
Nationally, the most common reason for volunteering was to “improve things or help people,” reflecting a strong culture of community giving.
Digital opportunities and shifting demographics
Volunteering in the region is increasingly embracing digital and remote roles, enabling individuals to support causes they care about from wherever they are.
This trend requires new skill sets, with digital literacy becoming ever more important.
While the Community Life Survey highlighted that a significant proportion of volunteers (58%) are aged between 65 and 74, a separate report from nfp Research’s Time for Good Volunteering Report (April 2025) shows encouraging growth among younger volunteers.
Participation among 16 to 24-year-olds has risen from 21% in 2012 to 34% in 2024.
Insights from sector experts
Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Ansvar, an expert insurer in the charity and not-for-profit sectors, said: “Volunteering today is no longer just about shaking a bucket or manning a stall, and this presents both opportunities and challenges for charities in Yorkshire.
“There is an increase in digital and flexible volunteering roles, which opens up opportunities for more people, but it also creates new considerations for managing volunteers safely and effectively.”
Managing new risks and responsibilities
The growth in remote volunteering opportunities brings additional responsibilities for charities, from ensuring data protection and a safe working environment for home-based volunteers to addressing potential cybersecurity risks.
Public liability considerations also evolve as volunteers engage in new types of activities.
“Charities need to adapt their insurance policies to reflect these evolving volunteer roles,” added Sarah.
“For instance, ensuring that employers’ liability covers remote volunteers and that cyber liability is adequate in an increasingly digital environment is crucial.
“Clear guidelines and communication with volunteers about their roles and responsibilities are also vital for effective risk management.”
Promoting diverse volunteering roles
Ansvar is encouraging charities to reframe how they promote volunteering opportunities, highlighting roles in content creation, fundraising strategy, befriending services and logistics as examples of the diverse and accessible roles available to people of all ages.
Sarah concluded, “Volunteers’ Week provides an excellent opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions of local people across the county.
“By recognising the changing needs of today’s volunteers and providing robust protection, we can help ensure a safe, inclusive and effective volunteering environment.”
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