A new approach to volunteering

Volunteering is a big part of life in Wales. Volunteering helps people that volunteer and the people that get help, it helps communities and the whole country. We now have a new vision for volunteering, created with the help of volunteers and organisations from all sectors. 

This new approach will help us support volunteering and make it easier, safer and more inclusive for everyone.

Volunteering has always been important in Wales, but things are changing.
Many organisations struggle to find and keep volunteers. People’s lives, jobs and responsibilities are different today, and some people have less time to give.

At the same time, the need for volunteers is growing. Communities face new challenges, including pressures on well-being and the environment. We want a fairer society where everyone has the chance to take part. This means we need a mix of traditional and new types of volunteering that fit the way people live today.

Many things affect how people volunteer, leading to people wanting more flexible ways to help.

To meet these changes, organisations need to adapt so volunteering is more rewarding for everyone. Success will depend on volunteering being safe, supported and inclusive.

Volunteering is at the heart of Wales’ identity: vital to the wellbeing of our communities.

Volunteering benefits those who give their time and those who receive support. It strengthens people and places and helps define the kind of country Wales wants to be.

Volunteering is a central part of community life. It underpins many services and forms of support that people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities rely on at different points in their lives.

Safe, supported and sustainable volunteering should be at the heart of national life in Wales.

What success looks like:

• More people will volunteer, and their contribution will have greater impact.
• Volunteering will feel like a normal part of everyday life.
• People (especially young people) will be encouraged and supported to volunteer in ways which are mutually beneficial.
• Organisations across Wales will value and support volunteers.

Volunteering will help shape the relationship between citizens, communities and government.

In the next 1 to 2 years, we will:

• encourage relevant organisations to adopt the new vision
• support a shift in attitudes towards volunteering
• create practical tools to help organisations support volunteers
• make volunteering more inclusive and diverse
• set up Communities of Practice to share learning

In 5 to 10 years, we expect:

• volunteering to be seen as modern and accessible
• a safe and supportive environment for volunteers
• a wider range of volunteering opportunities
• better balance in the relationships between volunteers, communities, organisations and government
• clear progress towards lifelong volunteering
• strong funding and legal support

The vision has been shaped by volunteers, organisations and partners across Wales. Making it happen will require a “Team Wales” approach.

To succeed, we need:

• clear policy direction
• a strong explanation of why change is needed
• practical plans for what to do
• good tools, support and leadership

Work has already started:

• Engagement with stakeholders is ongoing, including workshops to explore volunteering in specific policy areas.
• Youth and education have been a priority, reflecting the importance of building the next generation of volunteers.
• Sport and leisure have also been a focus, alongside the environment, grassroots volunteering and community action.
• Work is underway with local authorities to explore the relationship between volunteering and public service delivery.
• The Welsh Government, Wales Council for Voluntary Action and County Voluntary Councils have aligned their focus on volunteering to the New Approach.
• Public bodies, including those linked to the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, are developing plans to strengthen their role in volunteering.

The Welsh Government and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) will continue to lead progress.

The model shows how the right enablers make it possible to achieve intermediate objectives, which in turn lead to the long-term vision. The model can be adapted to different organisations, policy areas and local circumstances

An early task is to assess which enablers are already in place and which require further development.

Intermediate objectives should be achieved over 2 to 3 years. Measurable progress towards the vision should follow within 3 to 5 years.

Enablers

• Leadership at all levels.
• Strong infrastructure and resources.
• Clear delivery plans.
• Objectives that focus on action.
• A volunteer‑centred approach.
• Respect for Welsh culture, society and language.
• Engagement with groups, especially young people.
• Strong communication.

Intermediate objectives

• Volunteering that fits modern life.
• More valued and impactful volunteering.
• Better volunteer experiences.
• Stronger support systems.
• More diverse and accessible opportunities.
• Volunteering that supports Welsh culture and language.
• Opportunities that meet community needs.
• Focus on priority areas.

Realising the vision

• Volunteering becomes a way of life.
• Better well-being for individuals and communities.
• Safe, supported and lasting volunteering.
• Opportunities that reflect Wales’ culture, language and diversity.

We have 5 objectives for the next 1 to 2 years:

1. Act on the vision: build on the “Team Wales” approach with at least 50 organisations adopting the vision by summer 2026.
2. Recognise the value of volunteering: support a national shift in attitudes through baseline and follow‑up assessments.
3. Share knowledge and experience: create active communities of practice
4. Provide the right tools: improve and connect the tools and support available to volunteers and organisations.
5. Assess progress: build a sustainable dashboard of measures, including diversity and inclusion, by summer 2026.

Achieving the Vision requires sustained commitment and investment. The Welsh Government and Wales Council for Voluntary Action will act to mobilise wider resources across sectors.

Investment is needed to provide support, guidance and coordination to enable change and unlock existing capacity.

A new communications strategy will help people understand, support and take part in the vision. It will use digital tools, traditional media and community engagement to reach people across Wales.

The implementation plan for the New Approach will be reviewed regularly. This will include:

• collecting baseline data
• understanding the volunteering landscape
• creating clear measures and dashboards
• using research to guide decisions
• independent evaluation every 4 to 5 years