Member stories

Volunteering doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every positive volunteering experience is a system that has been shaped, supported and sustained over time. Local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) and volunteer centres (VCs) play a vital role in making this happen — investing in understanding who wants to volunteer, what motivates them, and the barriers that prevent some people from taking part.

Communities, public services and the voluntary sector are changing rapidly. Devolution, local government reorganisation, neighbourhood health, financial pressures and changing community needs are reshaping how places work. How do local infrastructure organisations ensure they are future-focused and ready to meet these challenges?

When we think about good volunteer management, we often think about recruitment, training and support. But one of the most important parts of creating a positive volunteering experience is often one of the simplest: saying thank you.

This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the power of partnership in strengthening communities — and the vital role of local infrastructure in making it happen.

By convening partners, listening to communities and grounding action in lived experience, LIOs are shaping volunteering systems that respond to what people and places need now.‍ One example comes from NAVCA member Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), which has demonstrated how a clear, shared vision can help reshape volunteering across an entire city.‍

Artificial intelligence is already changing the way organisations work, and the VCSE sector is no exception. But whilst interest in AI is growing rapidly, many smaller charities and community organisations still lack the confidence, knowledge and support needed to use these tools safely and effectively.