National Organisations
Volunteering England
Volunteering England works to promote volunteering as a powerful force for change, both for those who volunteer and for the wider community. This web site offers a range of resources for anyone who works with or manages volunteers, as well as to those who want to volunteer.
Community Service Volunteers (CSV)
CSV involves people in high quality volunteering and training opportunities that tackle real need and enrich lives. With over 40 years’ experience to share with other organisations, they can help find volunteers, or help you create a volunteer programme. They also offer professional development opportunities.
Institute for Volunteering Research
The Institute for Volunteering Research aims to develop knowledge and understanding of volunteering, in a way that is relevant to practitioners and policy makers. This site provides an overview of the work of the Institute, as well as detailed summaries of research that it has undertaken.
TimeBank
The aim of TimeBank is to raise awareness of the value of giving time, and inspire people to volunteer. TimeBank is supported locally by a network of TimePartner organisations, volunteer bureaux and Councils for Voluntary Services, that provide support and follow up systems for people who want to volunteer.
VolResouce
VolResource aims to make it quick and easy to get to useful information on anything to do with running a voluntary organisation (whether a community group, charity or other non-profit body).
Student Volunteering England
Student volunteering is a unique opportunity for students:
- to increase their knowledge, skills and abilities;
- to understand and appreciate the diversity of our society and
- to work in partnership with communities for mutual benefit.
The people and projects that student-volunteering groups are involved with vary enormously. The most popular work is with children and young people, but there are many other projects that involve ex-offenders; the homeless; people with disabilities; older people; fundraising; health care; animals and the environment.
Students volunteer for a huge number of reasons, from wanting to 'make a difference' to simply having fun. However, volunteers also gain an extensive portfolio of skills and experience, which can be crucial after graduation. Developing and recognising skills such as communication; management; problem-solving; leadership and teamwork through volunteering, not only develop key skills, but also enhance employability.
National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is the umbrella body for the voluntary sector in England. They work to support the voluntary sector, and to create an environment in which voluntary organisations can flourish.