Four lessons from our Volunteer Summit that every charity should be thinking about.
Volunteering hasn't disappeared.
People still care deeply about their communities. They still want to help local causes, support neighbours and make a difference.
What's changed is how they can give their time.
That was the focus of our recent Volunteer Summit, where around 80 charity leaders, volunteer managers, community organisations and public sector partners came together at The Icknield Centre in Letchworth to explore one important question:
How do we design volunteering for the way people live today?
The event welcomed volunteering expert Rob Jackson alongside representatives from organisations across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage and beyond, including Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council Cllr Sandy Walkington and the Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Lloyd Briscoe.
Rather than simply discussing falling volunteer numbers, the day challenged organisations to rethink how volunteering is designed, promoted and experienced.
The conversations reinforced something we see every day through our work with local charities and community groups: people haven't stopped caring—they simply need opportunities that fit modern life.
1. Put people before processes
One of the strongest messages from the day was that organisations should design volunteering around people, not around systems.
It's easy for recruitment processes to become longer and more complex over time. Application forms, interviews, references, DBS checks and mandatory training all have their place—but if someone waits weeks before feeling connected to your organisation, you've already lost valuable momentum.
Instead, organisations should ask themselves:
- How easy is it to express an interest?
- How quickly does someone hear back?
- When does a volunteer first feel welcomed?
- Could some processes happen after they've already started engaging?
A positive volunteer experience begins long before someone's first shift.
2. Remove unnecessary barriers
For many people, volunteering isn't held back by motivation—it's held back by practicalities.
Busy work schedules. Caring responsibilities. Confidence. Transport. Paperwork.
Often, small changes can make a significant difference.
Clearer communication, flexible induction processes and helping people feel part of an organisation from day one can all improve recruitment and retention.
When organisations reduce friction, more people are able to say yes.
3. Flexibility isn't a bonus - it's expected
For many years, volunteering often meant committing to the same day and time every week.
For some people, that's still ideal.
For many others, it simply isn't realistic.
Today's volunteers may prefer:
- one-off opportunities
- project-based volunteering
- evening or weekend roles
- remote volunteering
- seasonal campaigns
- family-friendly volunteering
Offering different ways to get involved opens the door to people who may never have considered volunteering before.
4. Collaboration grows volunteering
Perhaps the most refreshing conversation throughout the summit was around collaboration.
Local charities aren't competing against each other.
They're competing with busy lives.
When organisations share ideas, learn from one another and promote a culture of volunteering together, everyone benefits.
That's exactly why networks, partnerships and shared learning are so valuable—and why we continue to bring organisations together throughout the year.
The conversation doesn't stop here
The Volunteer Summit is just one part of our wider commitment to supporting charities, voluntary organisations and community groups across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your volunteer programme, improve governance, access funding or connect with others in the sector, we're here to help.
Our Volunteer Managers Network and CEO Network provide regular opportunities to share ideas, tackle common challenges and learn from peers who understand the realities of running community organisations.
And with a packed programme of workshops, training and networking events planned this autumn, there's plenty of opportunity to continue the conversation.
Download the Volunteer Summit takeaways
If you couldn't join us—or you'd like to revisit the discussions—you can download our Volunteer Summit takeaway guide, which captures the key themes and practical ideas explored throughout the day.
