Volunteers are at the heart of so much good in our communities — yet too often, it's hard to find the support, recognition, or guidance you deserve. That's why IYVS UK exists: to signpost, support, and strengthen the volunteer experience.
Below is a carefully selected list of resources, guides, and organisations that support UK volunteers across legal rights, training, safety, and opportunities.
📘 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). - ACAS Guidance on Volunteering
ACAS offers practical guidance for organisations working with volunteers, 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: Volunteering with Children
Resources for those working with young people, including DBS checks and safeguarding responsibilities. - 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.
⚖️ Campaigning for Change
- IYVS UK Advocacy Hub (coming soon)
Learn how we're campaigning to strengthen volunteer protections and recognition in UK law — and how you can get involved. - 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.
📨 Add a Resource or Suggest an Update
Have we missed something? We welcome suggestions from the volunteer community. Contact us to recommend a new link or flag an out-of-date resource.