It’s worth knowing that interest in volunteering tends to rise in December and January. There are a number of reasons for this. The winter months make people more aware of those who might be struggling, festive goodwill carries on into the new year, and many people decide that they want to do something more meaningful as part of their new year resolutions.

Research backs this up. Studies into volunteering patterns note that winter brings a noticeable lift in people looking for ways to help, and that January is one of their busiest months for new enquiries and applications.

All of this means it’s a good time for your organisation to take a fresh look at your volunteer roles, whether on your website or Volunteer Brum.  A quick fact check and tidy-up of opportunity descriptions, can make a real difference. And it’s worth double-checking that all your online links still take people to the right place as nothing puts a willing volunteer off faster than a dead end.

If you’ve been thinking about adding new roles, this is also the moment. When people are actively looking for something worthwhile to get stuck into, it helps to have clear, up-to-date opportunities ready for them.

A bit of preparation now can set you up for a strong start to the new year. Let people see what you need and give them something they can say “yes” to.

Find advice and guidance for writing effective role descriptions on the NCVO Website

Source: Drivers in demand for volunteers (NatCen)