The Third Sector

Children as Volunteers: What Can They Do?

Children under 14 can't do formal volunteering, but scouts, guides and sponsored events offer safe ways for kids to help their communities.

How Employers View Volunteering

Volunteering and work experience can boost your job prospects if employers see real skills and commitment behind them.

Public Sector Work vs Charity Work: Who Funds It?

Public sector organisations get all their funding from taxes, while charities rely on grants, donations and service contracts to survive.

Red Tape for Volunteers

Bureaucratic hurdles keep well-meaning volunteers out of charity work, from repeated background checks to strict hour restrictions.

Should Volunteering Be Compulsory for Adolescents?

Weighing the arguments for and against making volunteer work mandatory for teenagers in school.

The Value of Volunteering to the UK Economy

Volunteering saves the UK economy millions by providing unpaid labour that would otherwise cost organisations money or simply not get done.

The Volunteering Awards

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service recognises UK volunteer groups that have done unpaid work benefiting their communities for at least three years.

What Is the Third Sector?

The third sector covers charities, nonprofits and community groups that work for public benefit outside of government.