NCSS, social service agencies push for more regular volunteerism
A 2024 study reports that regular volunteers have a higher quality of life
[SINGAPORE] The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) will work with social service agencies to make one in two volunteers become regular volunteers by 2030 – up from the current base of one in three.
This will be done by developing more robust volunteer management practices and hiring more volunteer managers who can create roles and pathways to more efficiently match supply and demand, and foster long-term commitment.
In his address on Friday (Mar 28) at the Singapore Volunteer Management Conference 2025 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat – who was the guest of honour – said: “NCSS’ 2024 Quality of Life study found that respondents who volunteered at least once a month were 1.5 times more likely to report having a good quality of life compared to non-volunteers.
“Respondents who volunteered regularly also reported better close social relationships and psychological well-being.”
Not only do beneficiaries experience the impact of volunteerism, but volunteers and their companies benefit as well – especially as companies shift away from ad-hoc giving to sustained volunteerism.
Christian Chao, chief executive of Care Corner, said: “Long-term collaborations with social service agencies allow companies to make a sustained difference, co-develop solutions, and track impact over time.”
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Tan Li San, chief executive of NCSS, said such initiatives also help employees to build engagement within the company and develop new skills.
Hence, NCSS is partnering the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre to scale Project V, an initiative that matches corporates with social service agencies to provide sustained volunteer support.
On Friday, NCSS celebrated the 26 corporates – such as UOB, Standard Chartered and Bytedance – that participated in the programme, which engaged more than 2,600 volunteers and 39 organisations for long-term programmes.
Over the next three years, NCSS aims to onboard more than 150 corporate partners for Project V.
Tan said: “NCSS has observed that the corporates whose employees volunteer most regularly and impactfully have strong structures and processes that enable volunteers to volunteer; they also enjoy strong leadership support and embed this giving and volunteering habits within their organisation culture.”
Likewise, Chao said there is “tremendous value” when volunteering is done from the top down.
“Top support and coordination make a huge difference in ‘starting the engine’ and facilitating the process to make it accessible for staff to embark on their volunteering journey,” he added.
NCSS’ Tan also talked about the importance of tracking progress of such efforts to drive sustained volunteerism.
“When volunteers understand how their efforts make a difference, they develop stronger connections to their causes, which in turn drives sustained engagement, encouraging them to commit long-term and take on deeper roles within their organisations,” she said.
Social causes on the rise
Observers noted that there is greater demand to support seniors – especially because of Singapore’s ageing population – as well as mental health and wellness.
Tan said: “Singapore’s older population is growing, with more seniors living independently who could benefit from regular social interaction, and assistance with daily activities such as accessing digital services, attending medical appointments, etc.”
Chao added that support in the form of befriending activities would also be beneficial.
UOB does skills-based volunteering regularly for this demographic. Janet Young, managing director and group head, channels and digitalisation and strategic communications and brand, UOB, noted: “Due to financial literacy efforts undertaken over the years by public and private stakeholders, including UOB, more seniors are able to better manage their retirement needs.”
NCSS’ Tan reiterated the importance of having structured programmes to encourage regular volunteering.
“To rally more volunteers, social service agencies must establish robust volunteer management practices to attract and retain a stable pool of volunteers,” she added.
For example, in 2024, UOB launched the Volunteer Champions programme to engage regular volunteers from various business and service units.
Young said: “These Champions are engaged to lead and support the communication, organisation and coordination of volunteer programmes in their departments, and undergo exclusive training programmes to improve volunteering skills and knowledge, with knowledge sessions on volunteering landscape and opportunities.”
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