Our Mission
Standing Up for those Who Step Up
We'd love to track down some real numbers on this - Watch this space!
Across the UK, volunteers are the hidden force behind so much of what keeps communities going — especially when it comes to supporting young people.
Whether it’s running youth groups, mentoring, coaching sports teams, organising trips, or simply showing up week after week to listen, volunteers give their time, energy, and care with no expectation of reward.
But here's the truth: Volunteers in the UK have very little legal protection.
They’re often excluded from the kinds of safeguards and rights that paid workers receive — including protection from unfair dismissal, access to training, or even a clear process for being heard when something goes wrong. Many are left vulnerable to burnout, poor treatment, or simply walking away from causes they care deeply about.
At IYVS (Independent Youth Volunteer Support), we believe it’s time for change.
What We Stand For
We are a UK-first initiative focused on improving the wellbeing, recognition, and legal standing of volunteers who work with young people.
We believe that volunteering should be a two-way street — where people are not just giving, but also being valued, supported, and protected in return.
Our work is grounded in three core commitments:
1. Listening to Volunteers
We collect and amplify real stories from volunteers — the challenges, the joys, the gaps in support — to make sure that lived experience drives the changes we seek.
2. Campaigning for Better Protections
We’re working to raise awareness and push for stronger rights and policies for volunteers in the UK, including:
- Clear legal definitions
- Accessible complaint procedures
- Basic protections from mistreatment or exclusion
- Supportive onboarding and training practices
3. Creating Tools for Organisations
We want to help youth organisations and charities build healthier, more sustainable environments for the volunteers they rely on — with better systems for training, feedback, recognition, and safeguarding.
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
The name "Independent Youth Volunteer Support" is both a call to action and an invitation.
This might start small — but the change we’re working for will take long-term commitment. We want to build a movement that outlives any one campaign, rooted in fairness, dignity, and care.
We know that volunteers deserve better. We’re here to help make that happen.
Join us.