{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp us unlock adventures for young people and volunteers\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022147\u0022 data-end=\u0022377\u0022\u003EOver 10,000 people across the UK have already signed our petition supporting the right to request volunteer leave but we need your help to keep the momentum going.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022147\u0022 data-end=\u0022377\u0022\u003ERight now, over 100,000 young people are waiting to join Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027re looking for 40,000 more incredible people to step up and volunteer for Scouts, while having fun and gaining new skills themselves. No experience of Scouts is needed, or technical skills.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHelping out just once a week could help 12 young people gain skills for life\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022719\u0022 data-end=\u0022933\u0022\u003EBut we know finding time to volunteer can be tough. That\u2019s why we\u2019re campaigning for a right to request up to 35 hours of paid volunteer leave each year, giving more people the chance to make a difference.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"value":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/949510587?badge=0\u0026amp;autopause=0\u0026amp;player_id=0\u0026amp;app_id=58479","gridType":"embed","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass"},{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Sign our petition","buttonLink":{"name":"Call for 35 hours of Volunteer Leave for all employees","id":null,"url":"https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4865f887669f4ff8a3909a564588e218","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":{"value":"003982","label":"003982"},"alignment":"central"},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy volunteer leave matters\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur new Time To Volunteer report shows that the biggest barrier to volunteering is time. But volunteering has clear benefits for individuals, businesses and society.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat our report shows:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMany people would volunteer just 1-2 hours a month if they had the chance.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOne in three job seekers are more likely to apply for roles that offer volunteer leave.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENearly half of workers feel better when their job supports community giving.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EVolunteering builds confidence - 8 in 10 volunteers feel more positive, and 7 in 10 learn new skills.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMore than half of UK employees aren\u2019t given any time off to volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWith paid volunteer leave, more people could lead Scout activities, volunteer during the workday, and give back without losing pay. And it works - in 2024, Scouts\u2019 paid employees dedicated 336 days to volunteering, nearly a full year of community impact.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Read our Time To Volunteer report ","buttonLink":{"name":"Timetovolunteerreport","id":null,"url":"https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/xcnfnh2j/timetovolunteerreport.pdf","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":{"value":"003982","label":"003982"},"alignment":"central"},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 data-start=\u0022286\u0022 data-end=\u0022310\u0022\u003EHow would it work?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022312\u0022 data-end=\u0022459\u0022\u003EMany businesses, both large and small, already make this work. However, we understand that it may not be feasible for everyone. That\u2019s why we\u2019re advocating for a right to request, ensuring businesses have the flexibility to decide while giving employees the opportunity to give back.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022312\u0022 data-end=\u0022459\u0022\u003EThis means:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul data-start=\u0022461\u0022 data-end=\u0022722\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022461\u0022 data-end=\u0022539\u0022\u003EEmployees can ask for up to 35 hours of paid volunteer leave per year.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022540\u0022 data-end=\u0022657\u0022\u003EEmployers have the discretion to decide how much time they can offer, based on what works for their business.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022658\u0022 data-end=\u0022722\u0022\u003EThis follows the same approach as flexible working requests.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/ixtj0eaf/db-20240720-8467-199721min.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"Three Cubs lean in to listen to someone talking, there are two volunteers standing in the background.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EHow you can make a difference\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Labour government is currently reviewing employment rights, including flexible working and paid sick leave from day one of a job. Now\u2019s the time to make sure volunteer leave is part of this conversation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe want everyone to have the opportunity to:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStrengthen their communities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReceive support from their employers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBalance volunteering with work, empower communities, and boost well-being for everyone.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur campaign is gaining momentum, with MPs and coalitions discussing our idea \u2013 but it\u2019s not a reality yet. To make this happen, we need you.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Sign our petition","buttonLink":{"name":"Call for 35 hours of Volunteer Leave for all employees","id":null,"url":"https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4865f887669f4ff8a3909a564588e218","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":{"value":"003982","label":"003982"},"alignment":"central"},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u002261\u0022 data-end=\u0022453\u0022\u003EVolunteering is at the heart of Scouts, but as our movement grows, we\u0026nbsp;don\u2019t have enough volunteers to meet demand, leading to growing waiting lists. The biggest barrier is lack of time, which is why young people and volunteers who helped develop our Scouts manifesto proposed a right to request volunteer leave -\u0026nbsp;making it easier for more people to give back while balancing work commitments.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022410\u0022 data-end=\u0022920\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022 data-is-only-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EAt the same time, volunteering is declining across the UK. As one of the country\u2019s largest volunteer-led organisations, we want to champion its importance. Volunteering benefits young people, volunteers, and society, strengthening communities and fostering connections. Our goal is to raise awareness and engage the government in discussions on how to better support volunteering - whether through\u0026nbsp;policy changes or broader recognition of its value -\u0026nbsp;even if legislative change isn\u2019t immediate.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Why is volunteering a key focus of this campaign?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u00220\u0022 data-end=\u0022188\u0022\u003EThis campaign is part of our Scouts manifesto, developed last year with young people and volunteers who shared their priorities for building brighter tomorrows for young people, volunteers and society.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022190\u0022 data-end=\u0022411\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022 data-is-only-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EWe are working alongside St John Ambulance, Girlguiding, and Sea Cadets, all of whom depend on volunteers to deliver essential services. Together, we aim to make volunteering more accessible and valued across society.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How was this campaign developed?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u00220\u0022 data-end=\u0022297\u0022\u003EWe understand that not all businesses can offer mandatory volunteer leave. That\u2019s why we are campaigning for a right to request, rather than a requirement. This approach gives employees the chance to ask for time off to volunteer while allowing businesses to decide what works best for them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022299\u0022 data-end=\u0022604\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022 data-is-only-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EAs part of this campaign, we want to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering for both communities and workplaces. By making volunteer leave more accessible, more people can take part in meaningful activities that support their communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Why are we calling for a \u2018right to request\u2019 volunteer leave?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u00220\u0022 data-end=\u0022488\u0022\u003EAt Scouts, we believe offering volunteer leave in hours rather than full days is key to supporting charities and community groups in a sustainable way. Flexibility makes volunteering more accessible and manageable, allowing people to fit it into their routine. With 35 hours of volunteer leave per year, someone could volunteer weekly at a Squirrel drey or Beaver colony for almost a full year, providing the ongoing support that organisations like ours rely on.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022490\u0022 data-end=\u0022790\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022 data-is-only-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EPolling shows that 39% of people would rather volunteer for one or two hours a month than take multiple full days off. A flexible, hourly approach makes it easier for more people to get involved while ensuring charities and community groups benefit from consistent, long-term support.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Why are you asking for volunteering leave to be in hours rather than days?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u00220\u0022 data-end=\u0022420\u0022\u003EWe understand that not all businesses, especially smaller ones, can easily offer paid volunteer leave. That\u2019s why we\u2019re advocating for a right to request, allowing businesses to work with employees to manage volunteer time in a way that fits their operations. This approach follows a similar model to flexible working requests, ensuring both employees and employers can find a solution that works for them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022422\u0022 data-end=\u0022903\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022 data-is-only-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EMany businesses already offer volunteer leave, typically ranging from a few days to five days per year (equivalent to 35 hours). Some allow employees to take full days\u2014ideal for Scout camps or group trips\u2014while others provide flexibility with half-day or hourly leave, making it easier to volunteer around work schedules. By offering greater flexibility, this policy ensures volunteering is more accessible, manageable, and sustainable for everyone.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How will the right to request volunteer leave work, and what about small businesses?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u002270\u0022 data-end=\u0022382\u0022\u003EPolling shows that around two-thirds of employed people in the UK don\u2019t receive any paid time off for volunteering. For those who don\u2019t currently volunteer, the biggest barrier is lack of flexibility and work commitments - with 48% of people citing this as their main reason for not getting involved.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022384\u0022 data-end=\u0022835\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022 data-is-only-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EBy introducing a right to request up to 35 hours of paid volunteer leave, we can help remove this barrier. Giving employees the option to take time off without financial loss makes volunteering a realistic and accessible choice. This flexibility would allow more people to get involved, whether that\u2019s helping at a Scout group or supporting local community projects, all while balancing their work commitments.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How will paid time off get more people volunteering?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message\u002B\u0026amp;]:mt-5\u0022 data-message-author-role=\u0022assistant\u0022 data-message-id=\u0022b26f3f72-de0b-4144-a2a7-e0df2a4f68fb\u0022 data-message-model-slug=\u0022gpt-4o\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u00220\u0022 data-end=\u0022149\u0022\u003ESigning our petition helps push for a law that would give more people paid time off to volunteer. Some businesses offer this, but it\u2019s not a law yet.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022151\u0022 data-end=\u0022268\u0022\u003EThe biggest problem with volunteering is finding time. This change would let people volunteer for causes like Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022270\u0022 data-end=\u0022371\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EPetitions help raise awareness and get the government\u2019s attention. Your support can make this happen!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Why should I sign the petition?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u00220\u0022 data-end=\u0022238\u0022\u003EEvery signature counts! If you sign up for updates, we\u2019ll let you know when we reach important milestones, like 10,000 signatures \u2013 this will get the government\u2019s attention. If we reach 100,000 signatures, the government may even run a debate about volunteer leave and this could happen even sooner!\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What happens after I sign?"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFind out why Chief Scout Dwayne Fields is advocating for volunteer leave.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0kbsfr7\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022The Today Podcast (BBC Radio)\u0022\u003EHear Dwayne on BBC Radio 4\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.bigissue.com/life/dwayne-fields-uk-chief-scout-interview-young-people/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Chief Scout Dwayne Fields on empowering Britain\u0027s youth (The Big Issue)\u0022\u003ERead Dwayne\u0027s interview in The Big Issue\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Chief Scout Dwayne Fields calls for more time to volunteer","image":"/media/eqtnccef/dsc_6037.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dbdab409614660","imageFocus":"","imageId":86249,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"Sign our petition ","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u00220\u0022 data-end=\u0022172\u0022\u003EFinding time to volunteer is hard, but it\u2019s more important than ever. It helps communities and vital services, yet fewer people are doing it because they don\u2019t have time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022174\u0022 data-end=\u0022277\u0022 data-is-last-node=\u0022\u0022\u003EWe want all UK employees to have the right to ask for up to 35 hours of paid volunteer leave each year.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Call for 35 hours of Volunteer Leave for all employees","id":null,"url":"https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4865f887669f4ff8a3909a564588e218","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Sign our petition","image":"/media/19211/squirrels-and-volunteers-holding-leaves.jpg?cc=0,0.06333333333333334,0,0.09291666666666666\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dadf67f5f9df30","imageFocus":"","imageId":34817,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Find out more about Scouts\u0027 35 hour volunteer leave campaign and how to get involved.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"27 January 2025","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":84459,"nodeName":"35 hours volunteer leave","title":"35 hours volunteer leave","type":"contentPage","image":{"url":"/media/19211/squirrels-and-volunteers-holding-leaves.jpg?cc=0,0.06333333333333334,0,0.09291666666666666\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dadf67f5f9df30","caption":"Squirrels and volunteers holding leaves","type":"jpg","size":110543,"width":1200,"height":800,"altText":"Three Squirrels in red jumpers hold up leaves to show two volunteers standing in front of them."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"35 hours volunteer leave","headerSubTitle":"Help us make it possible for all UK workers to ask for time off to volunteer and help their communities. 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