This report is the first in a series of three, exploring the value of local voluntary sector infrastructure in London.

In this report, we set out where the sector stands today – what Local Infrastructure Organisations are, the recognised difference they make, the challenges they face, the impact when their support is missing, and why strong local infrastructure is essential to London’s future.

You can read the report here- A System at Risk: London’s Voluntary Sector Infrastructure – London Plus

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) brought in new “right to try” regulations on 30 April. They seek to strengthen benefits claimants’ ability to volunteer without automatically triggering a reassessment of their claims.

DWP stated: “Right to try makes it clear that undertaking work or volunteering will not automatically lead to a reassessment.” However starting work or volunteering would not stop a pre-existing reassessment from taking place.

Right to Try: summary

Following commissioned research into volunteer contributions during the 2022 Wennington fire, one key recommendation was to better understand the role and value of spontaneous volunteering in emergencies.

This review brings together existing evidence on spontaneous volunteers – people who step in to help outside formal response structures – examining the roles they play, the challenges their involvement can present, and the guidance and models available to support their safe and effective engagement. It also highlights key gaps in evidence and practice, pointing to areas for further research to strengthen community-led emergency responses.

Read the review here.

The Home Office recently launched a consultation proposing ‘earned settlement‘ as part of immigration reform; one of the proposals in this consultation includes volunteering as a means of earning faster settled status.

In response to the consultation, London Plus has been working with the London Volunteer Centre Network to collate insights and views and produce a joint response.

The response aims to supplement (rather than replace) Volunteer Centres’ individual responses, it offers collective insights and recognises that this is a group with significant expertise and experience in volunteering. This experience includes projects working with migrants, and projects that support and enable asylum-seekers to volunteer.

The network feels very strongly that volunteering must remain voluntary and should always be a choice. Concerns were raised about the increased demands on organisations and volunteering infrastructure, and the additional workload and costs this may create without the resources to support delivery. The sector’s expertise highlights that proposals of this nature risk discriminating against those who are unable to volunteer, and potentially excluding groups who would otherwise contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The response has been submitted to the Home Office and we have offered to support and facilitate further dialogue with the London Volunteer Centre Network in relation to any future proposals related to volunteering.

You can read the response here.

This week (3-7 November) is Trustees’ Week, a time to celebrate and support the vital contribution trustees make to charities.

Understanding your charity’s finances is a key part of good governance. Yet, it’s also an area where many trustees feel less confident. The Trustee Finance Toolkit brings together practical tools, guidance, and resources to help you build confidence and ensure your board has a clear picture of your charity’s financial position.

Explore the toolkit to find tips, templates, and support to help your charity plan and manage its finances effectively.