What is Business Volunteering?
Business Volunteering is a powerful way for local companies to share their skills, time and resources with voluntary and community organisations. It fosters Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), strengthens the VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) sector, and promotes collaboration for the greater good of our communities.
At Communities 1st, we offer a variety of programmes and tailored support to help businesses make a real impact - whether you're looking for one-day team challenges or long-term strategic partnerships.
Choose your programme:
How we can help your business
Finding the right oppotunity takes time - and that's where we come in. We offer:
- Expert matchmaking with local charities
- Fully coordinated volunteering experiences
- Tailored advice based on your business goals
- Support for individuals or entire teams
We operate across Hertsmere, St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield, so wherever you're based, we can connect you to the right cause.
"It's always inspiring to see local businesses and community groups come together for the common good."
St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, Beech Dyke Litter Pick, September 2024
Better Business
Our Better Business project is designed to help businesses take an active role in their community by supporting local charities with skills, knowledge and people power.
What you can offer
Charities often need:
- Volunteers for events or one-off projects
- Help with legal compliance or policy writing
- Refresher workshops in areas like book-keeping
- Mentors and strategic advisors
- Long-term capacity building partnerships
Let's get together
Tell us which areas of support your business could provide to a local charity. Use the list as a guide or share some new ideas. We'll then work with you to find the perfect match.
"Great to help the local community and an enjoyable day out in the sun!"
Debenhams Ottaway, Highfield Park Litter Pick, April 2025
Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV)
Employer Supported Volunteering is when companies give employees paid time off to volunteer locally. It's a fun, rewarding way for staff to connect as a team, develop new skills and give back to the community.
Our four ESV programmes
ESV Skill Share
Connect skilled employees with charities for mentorship, strategic advice or training - helping charities grow while developing your team's professional capabilities.
ESV Give and Gain
Organise a team challenge like building a sensory garden or transforming a therapy room. It's great for team bonding and doing something meaningful, all in a day's work.
ESV Sustain
Build deeper, long-term partnerships with charities where your staff offer specialist knowledge of advice, creating lasting value for both community organisations and your brand.
ESV Pre-Retirees
Support employees nearing retirement by offering structured, skill-sharing volunteer roles. It's great for mentoring, succession planning, and ensuring a smooth transition.
Opportunities to suit you
We tailor opportunities to suit your company's interests, goals and availability, whether you're a small team or large workforce. We can provide:
- One-to-one work shadowing
- Team volunteering days
- Skills-based training workshops
- Forums and networking events
- Trustee matching opportunities
- Coordination, photography and write-ups of your day
Get in touch with us to discuss these options further:
"There’s a real, kind of, sense of teamwork going on and there’s some great colleague banter. So, everyone’s having a good time... It’s a really good team building exercise!"
Cereal Partners, Hatfield Community Clean Up, February 2023
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
CSR and ESG are more than just buzzwords, they're essential parts of building a responsible, sustainable and people-first business. Our Volunteer Centre can help you develop initiatives that not only support your community but also enhance your company's values and performance.
What we offer
- Volunteering projects that align with your CSR/ESG goals
- Custom strategy development tailored to your values and objectives
- Seamless integration with your existing initiatives
- Help with tracking outcomes and CSR/ESG impact reporting
- Local knowledge and trusted charity connections
Why it matters
- Boost team morale and retention
- Improve communication and confidence in staff
- Build a trusted brand with social conscience
- Make a tangible difference where it's needed most
Get started
💡 According to CIPD research:
- 65% of employees prefer to work for businesses that encourage volunteering
- 66% saw improvement in communication skills
- 59% gained confidence from volunteering
Contact us
Let's talk about how your business can make a difference. Email volunteer@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727 649950.
Our telephone lines are open on weekdays (excluding bank holidays) from 9am - 4:30pm.