Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EDI) in Volunteering

Why does EDI matter?

Equity, inclusion and diversity are not just add-ons – they are essential to great volunteering experiences and are at the heart of everything you do. Even though we highlight it here, you’ll see it’s very much part of our whole best practice guide.

Volunteering brings people together and breaks down barriers, builds understanding and reflects the rich diversity of our communities. Inclusive volunteering helps ensure that everyone – regardless of background, identity or ability – feels valued, supported and able to contribute.

Benefits of inclusive volunteering

Being more inclusive brings many benefits to individuals, your organisation and the wider community, including:

• Fresh ideas, perspectives, knowledge, skills and lived experience
• Greater reach to people who will benefit from your services
• Better understanding and response to community needs
• Raising awareness and understanding within your organisation
• Inspiring people to volunteer
• Improved services
• Embracing the diversity of society
• Building a positive and welcoming environment
• More connected communities
• Improving access to funding and resources
• Creating a stronger and more effective volunteer programme

Removing barriers

Not everyone finds it easy to get involved. Some may face barriers (for example – struggle with the process, need support), not know about your opportunities or simply not realise they’re welcome. Consider the following:

• Can roles be adapted or new ones created?
• Are your opportunities promoted in a wide range of places, using different methods?
• Have you asked people what they want from volunteering?
• Do people know they’ll be welcomed and supported?
• Volunteering looks different across cultures and communities, with many people giving their time but seeing it as “helping out” not volunteering.
• Small changes can enable everyone to have the opportunity to volunteer.

To connect with more people:

• Use inclusive, everyday language
• Offer flexible or alternative roles – ability to adapt to individual needs
• Reimburse out-of-pocket expenses
• Create accessible and inclusive environments
• Provide appropriate support and training
• Reach out to underrepresented groups
• Share your opportunities through different methods
• Reduce paperwork and consider simpler steps
• Be clear everyone is welcome
• Don’t just talk about inclusion — live it in your values, actions and policies.

Having an EDI policy shows that you welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels values and supported. But it’s not just about words — it needs to be true and reflect your organisations culture and day-to-day actions. Some organisations choose to have a short EDI statement to clearly share their values with others.

Volunteering whilst on welfare benefits

People can volunteer while on welfare benefits, however there may be requirements such as job searching commitment and ongoing benefit conditions to consider. Volunteers should speak with their benefit advisor or work coach to make sure it fits with any conditions attached to their benefits.

Organisations should only be reimbursing volunteers out of pockets expenses, as other benefits could affect a person’s benefits.

Volunteers from overseas

Consider opening your volunteering opportunities up to non-UK nationals, including visitors, overseas students, refugees and asylum seekers. Welcoming international volunteers brings fresh knowledge, skills and perspectives, and reflects and connects to your local communities.

We understand organisations may feel unsure about volunteering for those born outside the UK due to immigration or VISA rules and the right to work or volunteer. However, the good news is that in most cases, non-UK nationals — whether they live here or are just visiting — can volunteer.

Refugees and Person Seeking Asylum

Many people seeking safety are keen to get involved and contribute through volunteering. It can be a meaningful way to gain experience, connect with others and feel part of the community as well as sharing their knowledge and skills.

Who is a person seeking asylum? ‘A person who has left their country of origin and formally applied for asylum in another county but who application has not yet been concluded ‘– Refugee Council

Who is a refugee? A refugee is a person who ‘owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country…’ (Definition quoted from the 1951 Refugee Convention)  A person becomes a refugee when government agrees that an individual who has applied for asylum meets this definition.

In the UK, when a person is granted refugee status, they receive leave to remain, meaning they have the right to live, work, and volunteer without restrictions.

Involving volunteers of faith

Many people are inspired to volunteer by their faith. Faith groups can play a vital role in community support and charitable work. As volunteer managers/coordinators it’s important to:

• Recognise faith as one of many reasons why people volunteer
• Avoid assumptions — people have different levels of religious observance
• Respect religious practices in your support and scheduling
• Keep volunteering structured, inclusive and welcoming for all
• Treat each volunteer as an individual. Avoid linking faith to political views or making generalisation based on appearance or beliefs.

Need help? Email: volunteercentre@communityworks.org.uk