National Council for Voluntary Organisations

Overview

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is the leading umbrella body representing the voluntary and community sector in England. It serves as a unifying voice for thousands of charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups, advocating for their interests, amplifying their collective impact, and supporting them to thrive. NCVO is particularly relevant to anyone working in or leading a charity, voluntary organisation, community group or social enterprise, whether you are an experienced professional or new to the sector. The organisation plays a central role in connecting the diverse voluntary sector to policymakers, funders, businesses and each other.

Who Should Join?

NCVO membership is designed for a wide range of organisations and individuals within England's voluntary and community sector. This includes:

• Charities and charitable organisations of all sizes and focus areas — from small local community groups to large national charities
• Voluntary organisations and community groups delivering social, environmental, health, education and other services
• Social enterprises blending charitable mission with commercial operations
• Professional staff and leaders working in charity management, governance, fundraising, operations and community development roles
• Trustees and board members seeking guidance on governance and organisational best practice
• Volunteers and community activists wanting to deepen their involvement and access peer networks
• Networks and infrastructure bodies supporting multiple organisations within the sector

NCVO operates across England and welcomes members from the full breadth of the voluntary and community sector, regardless of cause area, geography or organisational size. Whether you lead a small local foodbank, manage a major national health charity, work in fundraising or governance, or volunteer your skills to community organisations, NCVO offers pathways to relevant membership and support.

Why Join?

Membership of NCVO gives organisations and individuals a voice within an established and influential sector-wide network. For a charity or voluntary organisation, joining connects you to a strong collective advocacy body that represents the sector's interests to government, funders, and the public. This collective voice amplifies smaller organisations' influence on policy and funding decisions that affect the sector directly.

For professionals and leaders, NCVO membership provides access to specialist knowledge, peer networks and practical guidance on the specific challenges of running voluntary and community organisations. This includes support with governance, fundraising, compliance, strategy and leadership — challenges that are particular to the charitable and community sector. Membership demonstrates your engagement with professional standards and connects you to a community of experienced peers facing similar issues.

NCVO also plays a gatekeeping role for the sector, setting and promoting professional standards, best practice, ethical codes and quality markers that help donors, partners and the public understand which organisations are trustworthy and well-run. Association with NCVO membership conveys professional credibility and commitment to the sector's values and standards.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

NCVO offers members a range of practical resources and opportunities designed to strengthen their organisation and professional practice:

• Policy advocacy and sector representation: Members benefit from NCVO's ongoing engagement with government, funders, regulators and other bodies, ensuring the voluntary sector's voice is heard on legislation, funding, regulation and policy. Members are kept informed of policy developments affecting their work.
• Guidance and practical resources: Access to specialist guidance on charity law, governance, employment, fundraising, compliance, reporting, and best practice specific to the voluntary and community sector. This includes toolkits, templates and case studies supporting operational and strategic decisions.
• Training and professional development: Courses, workshops and webinars covering governance, leadership, fundraising, financial management, HR, digital transformation and other professional skills relevant to charitable organisations.
• Networking and peer community: Membership connects you to a wide network of charities, organisations and professionals across the sector, creating opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, shared challenges and mutual support.
• Sector intelligence and research: NCVO publishes research and analysis on the voluntary sector's state, trends, funding landscape, workforce and impact — information valuable for strategy, fundraising pitches and sector understanding.
• Events and conferences: Access to sector-wide events, annual conference, webinars and networking sessions bringing together charity leaders, professionals and sector experts.
• Representation and accreditation: Membership recognises an organisation's commitment to the sector's values and standards, which can enhance credibility with donors, partners, service users and the public.
• Campaigns and collective action: Opportunity to participate in sector-wide campaigns and collective action on issues affecting the voluntary and community sector.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

NCVO holds a unique position as the representative body for England's voluntary and community sector. It brings together thousands of organisations under a unified banner, enabling the sector to speak with a collective voice on matters of policy, funding, regulation and public perception.

The organisation's influence extends across multiple areas. NCVO engages directly with government departments, regulatory bodies, funders and other stakeholders to shape policy affecting charities and voluntary organisations. It works to ensure that legislation, funding decisions and regulatory frameworks reflect the sector's needs and circumstances. NCVO is also recognised as a leading source of expertise and intelligence on the voluntary sector, producing research and data that inform sector-wide understanding and strategy.

Within the sector itself, NCVO promotes professional standards, ethical practice and good governance. The organisation works to raise sector-wide expectations around charity leadership, trustee practice, safeguarding, diversity and accountability. By establishing and promoting these standards, NCVO enhances the sector's credibility and the public's trust in voluntary organisations.

NCVO also facilitates collaboration and connection within the sector — convening organisations, leaders and professionals, supporting knowledge-sharing, and building networks that strengthen the sector's collective capability and impact. For members, this positions them as part of an established, professionalised and influential community of practice.

For any individual or organisation working within England's voluntary and community sector, NCVO membership represents connection to the sector's leading representative body, voice in sector-wide decision-making, and access to a professional community dedicated to strengthening voluntary action and community leadership.