Cost of Living and Volunteers
Cost of Living and Volunteering
The escalating cost of living in the UK is having a profound impact on the volunteer sector, simultaneously increasing the demand for volunteers and diminishing their availability. As individuals grapple with financial strain and lean on charities for support, the need for volunteer assistance has grown exponentially. However, the very same financial pressures are making it increasingly difficult for people to volunteer, as they are forced to prioritise paid employment and contend with reduced spare time.
For instance, The Trussell Trust experienced a staggering 52% surge in food parcel distribution between 2021 and 2022. This overwhelming demand has strained charities' resources, making them increasingly reliant on volunteers to meet the growing needs.
As people's disposable incomes dwindle, they are compelled to curtail non-essential expenses, including volunteering commitments. Additionally, the lengthening of work hours to make ends meet further erodes their available time for volunteering. This is particularly true for low-income individuals and those with caregiving responsibilities.
The confluence of mounting demand and shrinking volunteer pools is placing a severe strain on the volunteer sector. Charities are struggling to fulfill the demand for services with fewer volunteers while simultaneously facing rising costs due to inflation.
To mitigate these challenges and bolster volunteer engagement, charities can implement several strategies:
Embrace an inclusive expense culture: Ensure that no cultural biases discourage volunteers from claiming expenses. Acknowledge that for many, the absence of expense reimbursement renders volunteering financially untenable. Foster an inclusive expense culture that encourages volunteers to claim their rightful expenses.
Consider advance expense payments: While finance teams may express concerns about the administrative complexities and potential risks associated with advance expense payments, charities should prioritise their mission of community mobilisation over accounting convenience. Recognise that many volunteers with lived experience, often disproportionately affected by the causes they support, may be financially disadvantaged. Make volunteering financially accessible by providing advance expense payments when necessary.
Expedite expense reimbursement: Eliminate the lengthy waiting periods for expense reimbursement, often spanning 30 days or more. Streamline the reimbursement process to ensure prompt payment and minimise financial burdens on volunteers.
Emphasize expense reimbursement in recruitment: Clearly communicate in all recruitment materials that volunteers are encouraged to claim expenses. Proactively promote this policy to alleviate any apprehension among potential volunteers.
Prioritise flexible volunteering: Adapt volunteering opportunities to accommodate the diverse schedules and commitments of volunteers. Offer flexible shifts and time commitments to enable individuals to balance volunteering with employment, caregiving, or other responsibilities.
Accommodate temporary reductions in volunteering: Recognise that life pressures may necessitate temporary reductions in volunteering commitments. Allow volunteers to step back or transition to less time-consuming activities during periods of heightened stress. Such flexibility will foster loyalty and long-term engagement.
Provide a welcoming volunteer environment: Consider the financial implications of heating costs for volunteers commuting to charity premises. Offer a warm and welcoming office space to alleviate these expenses and encourage in-person volunteering.
Seek volunteer feedback: Engage in open dialogue with current and prospective volunteers to identify areas for improvement. Actively seek their suggestions on how to make volunteering more accessible and appealing, as they often possess valuable insights.
By implementing these strategies, charities can more effectively navigate the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis and cultivate a thriving volunteer community that continues to make a profound impact on society.
Chris Wade, 8th November 2023