Everyone should be able to make a difference through volunteering. As part of your Involving Volunteers Essentials Checklist, it is important to have an equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) statement to show your commitment to making volunteering fair, inclusive and open to everyone.
Volunteering should be open and accessible to everyone, yet barriers can sometimes prevent people from getting involved. These may include practical challenges such as time, cost, transport or caring responsibilities, as well as confidence, language or accessibility needs. Some people may not see themselves reflected in volunteering or may feel unsure if they belong. By recognising and actively removing these barriers, organisations can create more inclusive, flexible opportunities that welcome a wider range of people and strengthen their impact.
Tips and relevant resources:
- Have an expenses policy. By reimbursing volunteers for travel costs, you can make it financially feasible for them to volunteer.
- Review your application form and process. Is it more complicated (and more lengthy) than it needs to be?
- Easy Read Volunteer Application Form provided by Mencap, a charity that supports people with a learning disability (for organisations to create their own version) - click here
- Making volunteering accessible by Mencap - click here
And remember, accessible design benefits not only your volunteers but your staff, beneficiaries and sevice users. Things to consider:
- Physical access issues
- Lack of reasonable adjustments
- Complex language or jargon
- No flexibility for health conditions
- Limited support for neurodivergent volunteers