Employer Supported Volunteering

Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) gives employees the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities during their working hours.

Organisations often have an ESV policy that will support employees to volunteer for a particular cause that is important to the individual themselves, that can be completed as a team-building activity or that particularly aligns with the values of the business.

Organisations have an impact on the communities within which they operate and ESV often fits in with an organisation’s corporate responsibility (CSR) or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. ESV programmes can help to form a connection between companies, their employees and the wider community.

Hover over/select an image below to view some ideas.

To the employer:

• ESV helps to build positive relationships with other voluntary, public or private sector organisations and the local community
• An opportunity for the organisation to demonstrate that they recognise their corporate social responsibility
• Employees learn new skills that they bring back to the workplace
• Staff attraction and retention – employers that offer ESV are attractive to potential employees
• Increased staff satisfaction, wellbeing and reduced sickness leave
• Professional development opportunities for staff
• Team building and stronger workplace relationships
• Supports to produce employee pride in where they work and increased employer brand awareness

To the employee:

• For many employees, an ESV programme enables them to get involved in volunteering activities when they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to
• The opportunity to learn and share new skills
• Enjoyment and increased wellbeing in the workplace
• The feeling that they are making a difference to their local community
• The opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds
• A chance to increase their confidence and skills outside of the workplace
• An increased sense of pride and satisfaction within their role

To the communities that are being supported:

• Increased community cohesion and promotion of charitable activities
• Employees and businesses share their skills and time with the community
• Access to skilled workforce
• Helps to reduce costs of required activities

Some ESV activities that you could get involved in can include:

• Litter picking at Boultham Park, Lincoln
• Events support and fundraising for Jerry Green Dog Rescue
• Whisby Nature Reserve – Numerous specific projects or more general help needed e.g. pathway weeding; tidy outdoor sink area; clear the compass and build a pizza oven; bench repairs; relocate sticks for den building
• Gardening projects e.g. Hykeham in Bloom, Old Wood Organic CIC

For Employers:

If you are an employer and would like support in setting up a volunteering team challenge for your employees, simply fill out this Employer Supported Volunteering Enquiry form below

For local community groups, charities or CICs:

If you are a local VCSE organisation interested in hosting Employer Supported Volunteering activities, please contact a member of the Volunteering and Communities Team to discuss this further.