Diversify your volunteer base: Underrepresented age groups in volunteering

Overview

Research by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) found that young adults aged 25-34 have the lowest levels of formal volunteering in the UK. 25-34 years olds also make up over 10% of the Horsham population, but according to NCVO, only 10% of this age group volunteer monthly, and 19% annually. Yet, many younger people are interested in volunteering – they just face different barriers and expectations.

Key Challenges and Barriers

• Lack of experience may lead to self-doubt about their value and ability to meaningfully contribute
• Time constraints due to work, study, or family
• Financial pressure – volunteering may compete with paid work
• Slow onboarding – younger people expect quicker processes
• Limited visibility of how their skills are being used

Practical Suggestions for Engagement

Recruitment

• Highlight hard skills and CV benefits – promote volunteering as a stepping stone to employment
• Advertise roles as a complete package – skills development, social interaction, and learning
• Promote the mental health benefits associated with volunteering - research by the British Heart Foundation found that 35% of 25-34 year olds say volunteering improves their mental health
• Streamline the application process where possible - NCVO research found that younger volunteers expect quicker onboarding
• Link volunteering to leisure and lifestyle in recruitment materials – promote volunteering as a way to destress and connect with others
• Use positive imagery and stories to show the impact volunteering can make

Role Design

• Offer flexible roles such as those with short hours or remote tasks (e.g. social media graphics)
• Include leadership development in the structure of the role– tasks like decision-making, networking, and idea contribution
• Link each task to a skill – e.g. answering phones = communication development
• Create roles with purpose and meaning – Millennials value impact and authenticity

Volunteer Experience

• Offer expenses where possible
• Signpost clear goals and projects – show the difference each volunteer makes
• Provide continuous feedback and development
• Encourage autonomy – allow volunteers to own projects and demonstrate leadership
• Include weekly team huddles – build connection, share updates, and spark engagement

Additional Resource for Further Reading

1. West Glamorgan Volunteering Support - Diversifying your Volunteers Toolkit (Pages 46-48)
2. Charity Digital - How to Recruit Young Volunteers to your Charity
3. Re-engage – an example of a charity putting the spotlight on their younger volunteers
4. Volunteering Queensland - Engaging Millennial Volunteers: Understanding a New Breed of Volunteers

Resources used to make this page

1. NCVO – The Demographics of Volunteers
2. Horsham District Council – Census Data
3. British Heart Foundation – New BHF Report Finds Young People Are More Interested in Volunteering than Older Generations
4. NCVO – Time Well Spent: A National Survey on Volunteer Experience