Volunteering hot and cold spots

We are interested in learning about why levels of volunteering activity may differ across the country.

We are interested in learning about why levels of volunteering activity may differ across the country, including factors which help or hinder recruitment and retention of volunteers.

About the study

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has commissioned NatCen Social Research (NatCen) and RSM UK Consulting to explore volunteering ‘hot spots’ and ‘cold spots’ which we are currently defining as follows:

  • Hot spot: a place in which there is a high density of formal volunteering opportunities and/or successful volunteering infrastructure.
  • Cold spot: a place where there are few volunteering opportunities available and/or advertised and little/no volunteering infrastructure.

We are interested in learning about why levels of volunteering activity may differ across the country, including factors which help or hinder recruitment and retention of volunteers.

What will taking part involve?

  • The interview will be with a NatCen or RSM researcher.
  • It will last up to 60 minutes and take place by telephone or video call.
  • Arranged at a suitable date and time for you in April or May 2022.
  • Your participation is completely voluntary and you do not have to take part. Even if you agree to take part, you are free to withdraw at any stage of the interview

During the interview you will be asked about your views and experiences of volunteering or managing volunteers in your local area.

Why have I been selected to take part?

As part of our research, we are looking to conduct up to six case studies of places in England with differing levels of volunteering activity. You have been approached due to your connection with volunteering in one of our case study areas.

Why take part?

This work forms part of the Government’s levelling up agenda, which you can read more about here. Taking part in this research will provide you with the opportunity to share your knowledge and insights on volunteering in your local area.

What will happen to any information I give?

We will treat the information you give us in the strictest confidence under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). With your consent, we will audio record the interviews so that we have an accurate record of what is said. The recorder is encrypted and the recording will be stored securely on our computer system in line with data protection legislation. Only the research team will have access to the recordings and the data will be securely deleted at the end of the project.

The data collected will be confidential and only be used for research purposes. NatCen and RSM will use your data to write a report for DCMS. No individual or organisation will be identifiable in the research report, however, DCMS may know which organisations have taken part.

We will not share your contact details with third parties. Your personal details will not be held for any longer than is necessary and will securely be deleted within 12 months of the project ending.

Contact us

If you have any further questions, please contact the research team on volunteeringresearch@natcen.ac.uk

Privacy notice

For more information on how NatCen will handle your personal information, please refer to the privacy notice.