# Volunteering in the United Kingdom: The Spirit of Service

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/books/volunteering-in-the-united-kingdom-the-spirit-of-service/
- Published: 2024-12-17T13:24:05+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Substantial claims are made about the extent and impacts of volunteering, often 
characterised by limited engagement with research evidence. Volunteering is highly
stratified, so whether it can bridge social divisions in an unequal society is questionable.
Volunteering may have some benefits for individuals and communities, but these impacts
are often marginal; volunteering is not a treatment that can be prescribed with 
certainty.

There is certainly a strong ‘spirit of service’ evident in the British population,
but it requires considerable faith to believe that it can be extended to all.

This book provides a comprehensive and original overview of evidence about the patterns
and impacts of volunteering, underpinning a novel, but sceptical, assessment of 
the contributions of voluntary action to British society. 

## Reviews

“Volunteering is as old as time – both universal and politically highly contested.
In this insightful panoramic view, John Mohan skilfully both interrogates the debate
about volunteering and at the same time promotes its real and eternal value.”
**
Julia Unwin, Chair of Civil Society Futures Inquiry 2017-19**

“This wide-ranging review of the data on volunteering will be valuable for anyone
with an interest in this topic. For those working with and leading volunteers, it
offers an accessible route into engaging with the breadth of academic data on volunteering,
and to understanding the changing policy context within which it has been operating
in recent years.”
**Helen Timbrell, Centre for Charity Effectiveness**

“Volunteering is so important to our society but is so often misunderstood and misinterpreted.
John Mohan brings together all the evidence we have in a compelling way to tell 
the real story of UK volunteering and does a great service to academia, charities,
policy makers and government. It’s a book that has been needed for a long time.”
**
Dan Corry, Chief Executive, New Philanthropy Capital**

“This long overdue analysis is a welcome contribution to our understanding of the
scope and impact of volunteering. Based upon a wide-ranging review of post-war trends,
policies and practice, this thought-provoking critical analysis challenges widely
held views on volunteering. It ultimately questions why policy makers and practitioners
alike are interested in volunteering – and provides insights into how we might support
it in the future. Volunteering shouldn’t be taken for granted – and this analysis
should inform volunteering policy and practice over the coming decade.”
**Karl Wilding,
University of Kent**