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Voluntary Sector Workforce

Voluntary Sector Workforce

At NCVO one of our key research areas is measuring the size and scope of the voluntary sector's paid workforce. The paid workforce of the voluntary sector has experienced significant growth over the last ten years. Such growth has fuelled interest in the sector’s role as an employer. During this time, NCVO has been researching and analysing the main traits of voluntary sector employment, exploring its size and characteristics, the nature of working conditions within the sector, and the levels of skills and training across the sector.

Since 2009, NCVO, in partnership with Skills – Third Sector and the Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC) have been undertaking a comprehensive programme of workforce research. Further information on our work can be found within the links below.

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What's the evidence?

Our latest figures show that in 2010 there were 765,000 people employed in the UK's voluntary sector - this equates to an increase of 40% since 2001 and represents around 2.7% of the UK's workforce.

More than half of the sector's workforce are women (522,000) and more than half of the workforce (57%) were employed in the 'health and social work' field.

On income, gross weekly pay in the voluntary sector amounted to an average of £397.71, lower than in both the private and public sectors, and women on average were paid 36% less than men (per hour).

Over a third (38%) of voluntary sector workers were employed part-time, a higher proportion than within the private and public sectors.

These are just some of the headline figures of our latest research findings. Our ongoing research aims to support the development of policy and practice in the voluntary and community sector, as reflected in the following research:

The UK Voluntary Sector Workforce Almanac 2011

workforce almanac cover 2011This easy-to-use and accessible publication, produced in partnership between NCVO, Skills - Third Sector and TSRC, draws upon a decade’s worth of authoritative data to explore how the sector’s workforce has changed between 2001 and 2010. Sixteen themes explore the main traits of voluntary sector employment, covering its size and characteristics, the nature of working conditions within the sector, and the levels of skills and training across the sector.

Published October 2011 (read the press release).

 

Download the presentation (PPT 2.71 MB)

The UK Civil Society Almanac: Workforce chapter

Workforce chapter cover 2010This chapter of the 2010 UK Civil Society Almanac focuses on the paid workforce of the voluntary sector. It explores the key trends and characteristics of the voluntary sector’s workforce including data from 1999 to 2008.  It was produced in partnership between NCVO, Skills - Third Sector and the Third Sector Research Centre.

Published April 2010.

The 2007 UK Voluntary Sector Workforce Almanac is available for purchase and provides a ten year analysis of the UK voluntary sector workforce from 1996 - 2005.

Labour Force Survey analysis

Every quarter NCVO, Skills - Third Sector and TSRC analyse the quarterly employment figures from the Office for National Statistics' Labour Force Survey - a sample survey of households living at private addresses in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to provide information on the UK labour market. Here are some of the most recent key findings:

Charity Forecast Survey

Every quarter since February 2008, NCVO's Charity Forecast Survey canvasses sector leaders quarterly to determine how optimistic they feel about the sector and what development plans they have for the coming quarter. One of the survey's questions asks: During the next 3 months, does your organisation have actual plans to increase or decrease paid staff numbers? The net increase in charity leaders' confidence levels is shown below.

net increase charity forecast

The survey data also shows trends in collaboration and competition and how charity leaders feel about their funding situations and the economy.

Regional analysis

When the opportunities arise, NCVO is always eager to analyse an area's workforce sector in more depth.

NCVO, in partnership with the University of Southampton, led the quantitative part of the Northern Rock Foundation Third Sector Trends Study exploring the scale, dynamics and needs of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in North East England (PDF 207KB) and Cumbria (PDF 195KB). These were published in April and December 2010 respectively.

Are you interested in accessing deeper analysis of your region? Contact us about our consultancy offers to find out how we can help you.

Voluntary Sector Skills research

Having an in-depth understanding of the voluntary sector workforce's skill set help to identify the sector's strengths and weaknessnes in working effectively. In addition to the analysis of the sector's skills in the Workforce Almanac, NCVO and other organisations have undertaken research in the area of skills gaps and development.  

Third Sector Skills Research 2008

Third sector skills research coverThis qualitative research study, published by NCVO in partnership with the UK Workforce Hub, follows on from the Voluntary Sector Skills Survey 2007. The research outlines:

  • What skills gaps third sector organisations are currently experiencing
  • How employers in the sector assess and respond to these skills gaps
  • How employers highlight and address the challenges of skills development

Published July 2008

  • Download the study's executive summary (PDF 37KB)
  • Order the full report

Voluntary Sector Skills Survey 2007

This report analyses skills needs in the English voluntary sector’s paid workforce. It presents key findings in areas such as recruitment, skills needs and the role of training.

Published October 2007

  • Download the report's executive summary (PDF 218KB).
  • Order the full report.

Further research and analysis

Research into perceptions and attitudes of young people to working in the voluntary and community sector.

This report includes findings on:

• what influences young people's career choices
• what they know about careers in the sector
• young people’s perceptions of the sector
• It also identifies how best to reach young people and encourage them to work in the sector 

Published July 2006

  • Download the research report (PDF 1.0MB).

Employment Pathways report

This report reviews the evidence base for pathways into employment in the voluntary and community sector. It explores the link between voluntary action and paid employment within the sector and examines issues of motivation and access.

Published October 2006

Other useful research

Many academics and research institutions address the voluntary sector workforce as well. Here is a selection of other useful pieces of research on the voluntary sector workforce.

What else? Further advice and information

Find out more about Working for a Charity.

Find practical information and resources to support voluntary and community organisations to become better employers.

Would you like direct support from us to help improve your evidence base? Research can help inform your decision-making, make a case to secure new funding, and support advocacy work. Perhaps you’d like advice on finding the right people, developing your people or managing people well? Contact the NCVO Consultancy team for more information.

For further information about NCVO’s workforce research programme, please contact our Research Manager Jenny Clark or follow her on Twitter.

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