Jessica O'ConnorSafeguarding the planet has become the leading focus of employee volunteering programmes in UK businesses, according to research commissioned by Royal Voluntary Service.
The survey of 1,000 businesses found that nearly two-fifths of those offering employee volunteering opportunities (39%) directed their efforts toward environmental and conservation activity.
The findings come shortly after the conclusion of COP30, highlighting growing corporate interest in supporting environmental action and giving employees structured ways to contribute.
Other popular cause areas included health and social care (38%), children and young people (34%), education, employment and training (33%), and wider community projects (33%).
Katie Booth, marketplace director at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Employee volunteering has enormous potential to create social and environmental impact and it’s encouraging to see businesses using their people power to drive positive change.
“By supporting employees to give their time, the effects extend far beyond the workplace – from revitalised green spaces and cleaner beaches to collecting vital conservation data and fostering stronger, more connected communities.”
Environmental organisations are already seeing a rise in corporate involvement.
The Marine Conservation Society, which runs beach clean events for company teams, said business support is playing an important role in its conservation programmes.
Claire Edwards, team beach clean officer at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “When corporate groups encourage their staff to join us on a beach clean, it provides an opportunity to connect; both with each other, and to nature, encouraging greater personal action to protect our seas, and increased purpose and team morale.
“Every hour of time is so valuable to us, by removing litter from our beaches, not only do volunteers prevent direct harm to marine life, but they collect vital data that helps us to push for policy change and ensure cleaner, healthier and better protected seas for years to come.”
Royal Voluntary Service has also launched a new digital volunteering platform, GoVo, supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, to help charities and volunteers connect more easily.
The launch comes amid separate research indicating a potential shortfall of three million volunteers in the coming year, putting pressure on organisations across sectors including conservation, animal welfare and local community services.
More than 4,000 charities have signed up to GoVo so far, providing users with a wide range of roles including tree planting, environmental education, online campaigning and green space maintenance.
A version of the platform designed specifically for businesses is expected later this year, aiming to make it easier for employers to activate volunteering programmes and monitor their impact.
Booth said: “87% of businesses say volunteering is important to their company purpose and ESG strategy.
“Yet, millions of corporate volunteering hours go unused each year.
“The intention is there, but organisations often struggle to find suitable opportunities that fit with busy work schedules.
“GoVo will help change that, enabling employers to easily set up and manage volunteering activities with a range of good causes.”
