As we look to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (from 1st–7th June 2026), it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we support, value, and retain the volunteers who make such a significant difference in our organisations and communities.
Look at our 6 top tips to help strengthen your volunteer engagement and retention.
Flexibility
How easy is it to volunteer with you? Balancing organisational needs with real life is key to creating positive volunteer experiences.
TIP 1: Offer flexible options where you can – and be open and honest about expectations where you cannot.
Recognition
How do you recognise and celebrate your volunteers both individually and as a team and do they know they are valued?
Recognition and acknowledgement could include:
- Covering expenses
- Providing references
- Hosting celebration events
- Inviting and acting on their ideas
- Saying a genuine thank you.
TIP 2: Make recognition visible and meaningful – small, consistent gestures often matter most.
Development
Are you helping volunteers grow and develop? Creating opportunities for progression keeps people engaged, motivated, and invested in your organisation. This could include:
- Joining your committee
- Trying new or different roles
- Building skills through training and development opportunities.
TIP 3: Create simple opportunities for your volunteers to learn, try something new, and progress. Keep the door open for volunteers to move around within your organisation.
Motivation
Do you really know what drives your volunteers? Why do they choose to volunteer with you?
Understanding their “why” helps you support their goals, deepen commitment, and show real value.
TIP 4: Why not ask your volunteers what motivates them—and keep a note. Use this insight to shape how you support and engage them.
Engagement
How connected are your volunteers to your organisation, your team, and each other? Engagement grows when volunteers feel included, listened to, and part of something meaningful. This could include:
- Regular check-ins and communication
- Team activities and social opportunities
- Involving volunteers in decisions and feedback
- Sharing the impact of their contribution.
TIP 5: Keep communication regular, inclusive, and two-way. Volunteers who feel heard are more likely to stay involved.
Support & Supervision
How connected are you to each volunteer, and what is happening across your teams? Consider your approach to supervision whether team-based, individual, or a mix and keep it supportive without making it onerous. Good support helps volunteers feel confident, valued, and able to succeed.
TIP 6: Keep supervision simple, supportive, and flexible. Review it regularly to ensure it stays helpful and manageable for everyone.
If you or someone you know could benefit from volunteering support, advice or opportunities within the community, please speak to your local CAVA Volunteering Coordinator.
