Making Volunteering Inclusive

Abstract

While the stereotyped image of the typical volunteer is far from true, it remains the case – as earlier chapters have noted – that participation in voluntary action is not evenly distributed across the United Kingdom’s population. There are some key groups whose involvement is comparatively rare. Exploring the reasons behind these patterns of volunteering, in particular identifying barriers to participation, and identifying and taking the necessary steps to make volunteering more inclusive has become a key component of volunteering practice, policy and research across the United Kingdom. It is also the focus of this chapter.