Employer-supported volunteering (ESV) or corporate volunteering is a scheme by which an employer gives employees the opportunity to volunteer with its support. This may be in the form of time off for individual volunteering, or in a programme developed by the employer, such as an on-going arrangement with a community partner. ESV benefits both the employer and employees at the same time as supporting the wider community.
How will your business benefit?
you will increase public awareness of you and your people
you will demonstrate commitment to your local community, building up both your reputation and profile
your staff will develop skills and a real sense of accomplishment thus improving their morale, loyalty and ultimately staff retention
you can motivate and support your employees by offering resources to help them get involved in causes they care about.
How can the community benefit?
by bringing employers closer to the community with opportunities for employers/employees to find out about local issues
by maximising the impact of voluntary activity through access to more volunteers and skills
by providing an opportunity to widen networks
by creating ways to harness skills, knowledge and energy for the benefit of the community
by creating ways to find common solutions between the voluntary and business sectors
by increasing the opportunities for people from different backgrounds to work together.
How will ESV help the voluntary sector?
by bringing new and valuable skills, as well as a wealth of knowledge
by bringing a fresh perspective and by providing access to teams of volunteers who can plan and carry out major tasks
by improving understanding between the voluntary and business sectors
by fostering long term relationships
by helping raise the profile and increase public awareness of community organisations
by increasing understanding between people from different backgrounds and cultures
through partnering with a key voluntary organisation, such as ourselves, it can ensure voluntary support is going where it’s needed.
From the employee’s perspective
you will have the opportunity to try volunteering in a fun and friendly way
you will be offered training and your skills will be developed
you will have the opportunity to meet new people and serve the community
you will get a managed volunteering experience with briefing, advice and support from us
your needs will be taken into account by careful structuring of the volunteering opportunities offered to you.
What an Employee Volunteer might do
deliver a Social Networking workshop to local groups
help local groups with designing and setting up a website
give help with computer systems and with networking computers etc
help develop a project and a business plan
give advice on marketing and publicity
help a group develop a fundraising strategy
become a charity trustee
provide HR support to a small charity by helping them review and update their general HR policies
give inspiring talks to groups of young people about careers and business or act as a mentor.
Your next step
If you are interested in obtaining more information about how we can help your employees volunteer locally, you can contact us to arrange an initial discussion.
You can also download a leaflet (PDF) that summarises the points we’ve made and includes contact information. You may freely print and distribute this to interested staff or contact us for printed copies.
News & information
Christmas closing
We shall be closed between Monday 23 December 2024 and Friday 3 January 2025 inclusive. We reopen as usual on Monday 6 January 2025.
Tesco award
We have won £1000 from a Tesco community scheme.
Christmas Fair
Our event on 2 November was a great success for everyone.
Sources of Help booklet
Our invaluable guide to organisations that can help you in need is available online.
Discover your perfect volunteering opportunity
Contribute your time and skills to the local community.
Social media
We post details of new volunteering opportunities on and local groups.