Micro Volunteering Focused Discussion Summary

12 August 2025

Key Points and Contributions from Network Members

Overview

This discussion explored the concept, benefits, and challenges of micro volunteering across various NHS trusts and organisations. Participants shared experiences, insights, and practical approaches to implementing flexible volunteering opportunities, with particular attention to organisational risk, volunteer engagement, and reporting.

Main Discussion Points

Risk Aversion and Organisational Comfort

The importance of understanding the level of risk an organisation is comfortable with and working within those boundaries was discussed and it was highlighted that risk assessments should be balanced, avoiding overly stringent checks, and aligning volunteering practices with organisational tolerance.

Benefits and Justification of Micro Volunteering

Participants posed essential questions about the motivation for adopting micro volunteering: the benefits it brings to organisations, the level of demand, and how best to justify these opportunities to leadership. The need to maintain roles that are meaningful for both volunteers and the organisation was emphasised.

Strategies for Successful Micro Volunteering

It was noted that micro volunteering can serve as a strategic entry point, bringing long-term gains such as increased loyalty and broader involvement, despite short-term challenges. Effective approaches include focusing on low-intensity, self-sustaining roles—often online—that require minimal management. Empowering volunteers to share organisational stories, fund raise, influence, campaign, and innovate was recommended as a way to enhance volunteering's impact while reducing staff workload.

Digital Engagement and Accessibility

One approach described was the recruitment of “digital promoters”—volunteers who leverage their online networks to raise awareness of services and events. These roles are notable for their flexibility and accessibility, suiting volunteers with limited time. Streamlined application processes, focusing on social media policy and a basic agreement, were seen as key to lowering barriers and boosting participation.

Health Champions Model

The "health champions" scheme was discussed as an effective means of keeping volunteers informed about health changes and improvements, enabling them to share vital information within their communities. The scheme has proven valuable in communicating and clarifying complex health topics for the public.

Considerations for Mental Health Trusts

Challenges specific to mental health trusts were raised, including risk and safeguarding. Group-based volunteering and continued engagement with individuals who transition from volunteering to employment were presented as potential strategies for maintaining involvement and support.

Low-Barrier and Fluid Micro Volunteering

Experience with micro volunteering in diverse contexts, such as refugee support, was shared. Essential features include low-barrier entry, one-off sessions shaped by volunteers' skills and interests, and supervised opportunities. It was suggested that organisations recognise the variable nature of volunteer retention and ensure micro volunteer contributions are included in reporting and organisational targets.

Final Comments

The session concluded with appreciation for the shared insights and an invitation to continue collaboration and group formation around micro volunteering initiatives. Network members expressed enthusiasm for ongoing engagement and knowledge sharing.

Useful Links shared

Employee volunteering that is engaging, meaningful and easy for you to deliver https://www.employeevolunteering.com/
Corporate Volunteering Programmes That Make a Difference Corporate Volunteering | Neighbourly
VAST Community Health Champions Home - Community Health Champions
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