Volunteering and Big Local: Who Volunteers in Big Local Communities, What They Do and Why

Introduction

This report looks at:

• who volunteers in Big Local areas

• what roles they carried out

• what motivates their involvement

• the benefits volunteers derive

It’s intended for funders, practitioners and organisations aiming to strengthen community participation through locally led volunteering.

Findings

Volunteering took place in almost all Big Local areas, with around 6,500 roles beyond running the local partnership.

Activities spanned:

• environmental action

• children’s activities

• food provision

• social connection

• craft and sports groups

• one‑off community events

Community centres played a vital role in enabling volunteering by providing space, relationships and supportive workers. Investment in local hubs and support systems remains crucial to enabling and sustaining volunteering.

Volunteers came from diverse backgrounds, often motivated by life transitions, isolation, interests or past receipt of support. Participation was also driven by residents’ motivations and local needs.

Volunteering provided and strengthened social connection, confidence, skills and, for some, progression into leadership or employment.

Resident-led funding, local infrastructure, and flexible volunteering opportunities, helped to:

• build stronger communities

• empower residents

• grow sustainable local participation

While volunteers influenced decision‑making informally, formal decisions largely remained with partnership members.

Support needs were significant, and paid workers or skilled coordinators were often essential.