🧭 Volunteering Resources in the UK

🔗 IYVS Resources

Resources and frameworks developed by IYVS for supporting neurodivergent young people in volunteering environments.

• Zanshin Archery
  Our flagship direct provision programme — proof that specialist provision works for neurodivergent young people.
• Capability Building Grants
  Funding for volunteers and organisations to develop training and capacity for SEN support.
• Our Mission & Four Pillars
  Learn how IYVS works across direct provision, capability building, navigation support, and sector accountability.

📘 Understanding Your Rights

• NCVO: Volunteers and the Law
  An overview of the legal position of volunteers in the UK from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
• GOV.UK: Volunteer Rights
  Official guidance on volunteer rights in the UK, including key differences between employees and volunteers.
• Gov.uk: Volunteering and Benefits
  Clarifies what volunteering means in the eyes of the UK government, particularly for those receiving Universal Credit or other benefits.

🛡️ Health, Safety & Safeguarding

• NSPCC: Safer Recruitment for Volunteers
  Resources for those working with young people, including DBS checks and safeguarding responsibilities for staff and volunteers.
• Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Guidance
  Clear explanation of when and how disclosure checks apply.
• HSE: Volunteering and Health and Safety
  The Health & Safety Executive's guidance on managing risks involving volunteers.

🧰 Training and Development

• Do-it.org Volunteer Training
  Platform offering volunteering opportunities, some of which include training options or accredited experience.
• OpenLearn – Free Courses for Volunteers
  Free courses from the Open University — perfect for volunteers looking to upskill.
• Skills for Care: Volunteer Learning
  Though focused on social care, Skills for Care provides excellent training resources relevant for volunteer carers and community support roles.

🔍 Finding Volunteer Roles

• Do-it.org
  The UK's largest volunteering network — find thousands of local and remote roles.
• Reach Volunteering
  Great for skilled volunteering, including governance, digital, marketing, and more.
• Volunteering Matters
  Delivers volunteer-led programmes with impact across the UK.
• Team London
  Opportunities and support for Londoners looking to give their time.

🤝 Organisations Supporting Volunteers

• NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations)
  The leading umbrella body for the voluntary sector — excellent research, policy updates, and training.
• Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)
  Represents disability organisations, many of which rely on volunteer engagement.
• Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland)
  Resources and support for volunteering in Northern Ireland.
• Volunteer Scotland
  National body for volunteering in Scotland.
• WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action)
  Umbrella body for the third sector in Wales.

🗣️ Sector Accountability & Advocacy

Resources for understanding systemic gaps in SEN youth volunteering and advocating for change.

• IYVS Sector Accountability Work
  Learn how we identify systemic failures in SEN youth volunteering and work to change them.
• Pro Bono Economics: Value of Volunteering
  Research and data on the economic and social contribution of volunteers.
• LawWorks: Legal Support for Non-Profits
  Offers pro bono legal support to charities and volunteer-led groups.