Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Volunteers — [Caroline Nokes in the Chair]

02 May 2024 · 5 other contributors · 12,578 words

Opened by Jo Gideon Con Stoke-on-Trent Central

Responding minister: Stuart Andrew

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jo Gideon raised concerns about volunteers — [caroline nokes in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Jo Gideon speaks extensively on the economic value of volunteering, citing it as over 50 billion annually or 2.5% of GDP.
  • Gideon notes a decline in formal volunteering rates from 17% in 2017 to 13% currently, affecting small charities.
  • The Minister highlights funding initiatives such as the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund (30 million) and Vision for Volunteering (600,000).

Key requests to Government

Gideon calls on the Government to do more research into the cost of living impact on university students' ability to volunteer, review and uplift the approved mileage allowance payment for volunteers who use their own cars, introduce a right to request paid leave for volunteering or amend section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 to enable reasonable time off for trustee duties. She asks the Minister to develop a strategy that will work for the country in supporting and promoting volunteering.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jo Gideon Con Stoke-on-Trent Central

The absence of a large number of Back Benchers gives Jo Gideon the chance to opine at length on volunteering, which she views as critical for a vibrant and resilient civil society. She highlights the economic impact valued by Andy Haldane as being in excess of £50 billion annually or 2.5% of GDP, but notes that this is likely an underestimate if informal volunteering were included. Gideon acknowledges the significant contribution made by volunteers during crises such as the pandemic, and expresses concern about the decline in formal volunteering since 2017, with a reduction from 17% to just 13%. She mentions particular struggles faced by small charities in recruiting and retaining volunteers, which has led to unprecedented waiting lists.

Other contributors (5)
  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Chris Bryant praised volunteers in political parties, highlighting their dedication despite facing abuse. He acknowledged the importance of volunteer work in supporting organisations like Valleys Kids and Sporting Marvels, noting challenges such as funding constraints and complex regulations. He also discussed issues faced by trustees and charities like Headway, emphasising the need for financial support and simplification of processes to encourage more people to volunteer.

  • Mary Kelly Foy Lab City of Durham

    While not directly quoted, Mary Kelly Foy sends her apologies but recognises the enormous contribution made by volunteers across County Durham.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Richard Foord highlighted the importance of volunteers in the Scout movement, noting a decline from 155,000 to 140,000 volunteers due to the pandemic but an increase back to 143,000. He emphasised the transformative impact on young people and praised specific leaders like James Buczkowski and Helen Turner for their dedication over decades. Asks if the shadow Minister recognises that employers in both public and private sectors can benefit by releasing staff to work in the voluntary sector.

  • Richard Thomson Con Aberdeen South

    Mr. Thomson highlighted the broad scope of volunteering in his constituency, mentioning specific groups like Gordon Rural Action and Ellon Men's Shed that address social issues. He praised the Victoria Hall committee for revitalizing a community asset through volunteer efforts. Additionally, he discussed how Rotary clubs engage in various local and international charitable activities. Mr. Thomson emphasized the importance of individual effort combined with organizational support to benefit communities and individuals.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Emphasised the importance of volunteering in her constituency, highlighting its critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noted that only 13% of people volunteered in 2023 compared to 17% pre-pandemic, representing about 1.6 million fewer volunteers over five years. Stressed the need for addressing barriers such as cost and work commitments. The hon. Member agrees that the charitable sector is skilled at making the most out of every penny and leveraging volunteer efforts to double and triple investment amounts, but stresses the need for seed funding and protection from funding cuts.

Government Response

Stuart Andrew

Pays tribute to volunteers across various sectors, highlighting their importance in sports, youth support, civil society, health services, and community initiatives. Acknowledges the need to address recruitment and retention issues for small local charities. Mentions funding initiatives like the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund (£30 million), uniformed organisations support (£16 million), and Vision for Volunteering (£600,000). Emphasises recognition through Points of Light awards and social prescribing as part of national sport and physical activity strategy.

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