Why Skilled Volunteering should be part of talent development strategy

Feb 2026

The world of work is rapidly evolving and, with it, the skills we need. The focus has shifted away from technical proficiency to human skills, such as resilience, leadership and creativity, that add value regardless of the role or sector. Despite providing multiple opportunities for personal growth, Skilled Volunteering is rarely considered within corporate talent development strategies. Here’s why we think Skilled Volunteering should be part of the mix.

Growing demand for soft skills

Disruption is everywhere. Growing use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the rise of remote working and political and economic turbulence are all reshaping how we live and work. At least one-third of the UK workforce will need to gain new skills over the next five years to successfully navigate this change, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) most recent Future of Jobs report. Failure to do so has dramatic consequences – preventing individuals from moving seamlessly from one opportunity to the next and starving employers of the skills they need for growth. Education provider Pearson estimates this lack of skill adaptation is already costing the UK around £96 billion a year.

While AI knowledge is high on employers’ wish lists, human, soft skills dominate WEF’s list of the skills employers want. By 2030, more than two-thirds of employers will need agile and resilient individuals capable of riding out workplace disruption. Demand is also increasing for a creative workforce that can come up with new ways of doing things and for influencers that can help lead their colleagues through change. Workers of the future will need empathy and active listening skills. They will also need to be curious and willing to embrace learning throughout their career, which demands high levels of motivation.

Skilled Volunteering and skills development

Individuals develop their skills by identifying gaps in their current knowledge – then stepping outside their comfort zone and challenging themselves to do things differently. New skills become embedded when practised and applied in real-world situations.

Of course, there are many routes to learning, including courses, work shadowing and on-the-job training. Skilled Volunteering is an often-overlooked option, but there is growing evidence that it provides an opportunity for real-world application in a new setting, helping individuals develop and embed skills.

How?

Workplace Skilled Volunteering enables individuals to put their professional skills to good use to support community groups, charities and voluntary organisations. That could be a marketer helping with charity communications, or a member of the finance team supporting with budgeting. Charities face legal, HR and strategic challenges and benefit from practical professional advice in these areas too.

When individuals from corporate professional backgrounds lend a hand through Skilled Volunteering, they are stepping outside their day job comfort zone, working with new people in new situations. They take on additional responsibilities – often fulfilling a bigger role in the project than they would in their daily role. Resource constraints require them to find new ways to solve familiar problems. Throughout it all, they are practising skills in a new setting.

Gaining in-demand skills

Research suggests that the capabilities most regularly strengthened via Skilled Volunteering are in-demand human and soft skills.

According to The value of volunteering report, 84% of individuals volunteering through company-sponsored volunteering programmes become better relationship builders, as engagement with a broader group of people helps foster empathy. Almost as many become stronger influencers, while two-thirds develop their leadership capabilities. More than half are better problem solvers, learn new people management techniques and see an uptick in persistence and perseverance – key factors in building resilience.

Volunteers also report that work-based programmes have a positive impact on their motivation levels, in both their personal and work life. Almost 80% have a stronger sense of mission at work and 68% feel more motivated in their job.

Maximising skills development

Whether individuals wanted to be better leaders, problem-solvers or influencers, one thing is common to all volunteers. They experience deeper learning when supported by systems and policies at work. For example, over 80% of volunteers report improved motivation at work when volunteering is fully supported by their organisation – compared with 55% where their employer is disinterested.

It’s what happens before and after the workplace volunteering activity that makes a difference, according to corporate volunteering specialists Ziviz. When volunteers are given time to prepare prior to their volunteering experience, they are more aware of the potential for learning through volunteering. They are more likely to spot and seize the opportunities that arise. Post-engagement follow-up provides a chance to reflect and cement learning.

Integrating Skilled Volunteering into company learning and development programmes creates the necessary structure around the volunteering experience, maximising the learning opportunities.

How Link UP London can help

For 10 years, Link UP London has been making Corporate Skilled Volunteering easy and rewarding. Our flexible Social Impact Solutions help companies create meaningful volunteer experiences that combine community benefit with employee learning. To date, 97% of corporate volunteers engaged through our programmes reported developing their skills. Almost 90% felt renewed appreciation for the value of their professional skills, helping them to see how they can apply their expertise in new ways, both within and outside of work.

Working as a strategic partner for skills-based employee volunteering, we deliver impact for companies, individuals and communities.

Why Skilled Volunteering belongs in your talent strategy