The number of voluntary sector workers over the past ten years has soared by more than a quarter (26 per cent), according to a new report.

New research from the UK Workforce Hub and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) reveals that voluntary sector employers have seen a sharp increase in people working for a charity, voluntary organisation or community group in the last decade.

The first UK Voluntary Sector Workforce Almanac reveals that the voluntary sector workforce in the UK is now 611,000 strong, with improved levels of qualification and talent management.

However, one quarter of respondents to a survey said that they struggled to fill vacancies and cited IT, legal knowledge and fundraising as areas where skilled professionals were in short supply.
Janet Fleming, head of the UK Workforce Hub, commented: "With planning and foresight, the growth already experienced will lead to an even more professional and competitive sector."
The NCVO is now calling on government ministers to create a dedicated skills council specifically for the voluntary and community sector to improve conditions in the not for profit sector.

Providing voice and support to the UK voluntary and community sector, the NCVO is a leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of people and communities.

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