With the latest research from The National Lottery Community Fund revealing an enthusiasm for volunteering among UK adults, Ansvar Insurance is urging charities and organisations in Berkshire to prioritise the safety and management of their volunteer programmes.
The research indicates that half of UK adults (a slight increase on last year) plan to volunteer in 2024, with 14% intending to volunteer for the first time, citing food banks, animal welfare, and charity shops as the most popular initiatives to get involved with.
The benefits of volunteering, such as providing young people with new life skills and reducing loneliness among the elderly, have become increasingly recognised, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the latest data from the Government-commissioned Community Life Survey, 59% of south east residents volunteered in 2021-2022 – the highest proportion among all regions.
Anvsar says that a growing number of volunteers is a positive development for charities, but also presents challenges in managing safety and risk.
Proper risk management is crucial not only for attracting volunteers but also for retaining them and maintaining the organisation’s reputation.
Kelly Barter, head of customer service at Ansvar, an expert provider of insurance for the charity, not-for-profit, care and faith sectors, said: “Volunteers are the backbone of charitable and community organisations and play a pivotal role in sustaining vital services across Berkshire. However, ensuring their safety and protection is essential.
“When planning events, the focus is often on activities and fundraising, but the administrative aspects, such as providing adequate supervision, organising appropriate training, completing comprehensive risk assessments, ensuring specialist insurance coverage is in place, and providing a safe environment for volunteers, can sometimes get overlooked.
“Effective risk management protects volunteers and enhances their satisfaction and retention. Volunteers are more likely to stay engaged when they feel safe and valued, leading to a positive and long-lasting experience.”
