Types of Employer Supported Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is a choice
Offering flexible ways to get involved in ESV helps create lasting professional relationships for both employers and volunteering organisations.
1. Individual Volunteering
Employees choose opportunities that match their interests or support a cause they care about. Opportunities can be found on the County Durham Volunteering Platform
or by emailing us at volunteering@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk.
2. One-off/Short-term/Group Volunteering
Time-limited opportunities with no long-term commitment can be suitable for both individuals and groups. Examples include donation collections or sorting, community building maintenance, careers talks, and event marshalling.
Group volunteering MUST be community-led and not directed by when staff are available, as this can cause additional organisational burdens on the VCSE to accommodate when the need isn’t necessarily there at that time.
3. Long-term Volunteering
Ongoing commitments agreed by both parties that provide sustained support to VCSE organisations. Examples include trustee roles, staff mentoring, funding projects, building renovations, or regular volunteering sessions.
4. Skills-Based Volunteering
Staff use or develop professional skills to support VCSE organisations where expertise may otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable. This can help address skills gaps for the VCSE, while strengthening employee development for ESV. Examples include marketing plans, event or budget planning, IT support or training, and bid writing.
These examples are not exhaustive. Get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities or identify what type of support your organisation, project, or event could benefit from or provide.
