Did you know there are 163,150 voluntary organisations in the UK? Or that 16.3 million people volunteered their time at least once in 2020/21 either through a group, a club or an organisation? Well the latest edition of the UK Civil Society Almanac has just been published and it is packed full of useful and interesting information like this covering aspects of voluntary organisations of all types and sizes, from their income and assets to the demographics of the sector’s valued volunteers. 

First published in 1996, the UK Civil Society Almanac is the essential resource of insight on the voluntary sector. Drawing on a range of data sources, the Almanac provides a snapshot of what voluntary organisations do, their fundraising, spending, workforce, and impact.

For example the data compiled in this year's edition shows that while the 2020 economic crisis saw a fall in private sector employment, employment opportunities in the voluntary sector grew. As we mark international day of older persons, it is worth noting that employment in the sector has increased especially amongst older workers. 

The purpose of the Almanac is to provide the best data and insights on the sector to voluntary organisations, infrastructure organisations, policy-makers, funders and academic and non-academic researchers.They undertake further analysis throughout the year which is published in various forms, including briefings, reports, blogs, and social media content.

It's a fantastic resource for our sector and anybody can access and download the data of all Almanac charts and tables to strengthen business plans and strategies, funding bids, consultation responses, and presentations. They also undertake bespoke research based on their financial data for a range of voluntary organisations and collaborate with academic researchers.You can click here for access to UK CIVIL SOCIETY ALMANAC and to learn more about the latest insights into VCSE finances and workforce.