Read our response to the proposals and take part in the consultation.
Current Central Government proposals suggest that asylum seekers could gain an “earned route” to settlement or citizenship by participating in ‘approved’ volunteering. Proposals include increasing the ‘wait time’ for gaining settlement (indefinite leave to remain) – potentially up to 20 years. Individuals may be able to reduce this time through high earnings, working in certain roles, and contributing to the community, including through volunteering.
As Somerset’s volunteer service and as an infrastructure organisation supporting the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, we work closely with organisations and communities every day. This gives us a deep understanding of how volunteering actually works on the ground across the county.
Volunteers — including people seeking asylum — are already at the heart of our communities. Across Somerset, there are hundreds of ways for people to get involved, contribute their skills and feel part of something.
Initiatives such as the Welcome for All programme provide practical support, guidance, and welcoming spaces for displaced people. This includes opportunities to volunteer, and we’ve seen first-hand how powerful and positive these experiences can be — for individuals and for communities alike.
As Inna Prykhodko, is Assistant Manager at Wells Welcome Hub, explains:
“We actively encourage volunteering as a key British value and as an important pathway to community integration.
“In 2024, as a result of this work, a number of Ukrainians supported by Wells Welcome Hub (pictured) registered as volunteers with Wells Community Network, a local charity.
“Iraqi, and Chadian displaced volunteers are currently contributing across a variety of community settings, including the Bishop’s Palace, Wells Cathedral, local community events such as Community Day, churches, and charity shops.
“Iraqi, and Chadian displaced volunteers are currently contributing across a variety of community settings”
Inna Prykhodko, Wells Welcome Hub
“This work is underpinned by ongoing coordination through the Hub, including one-to-one conversations with guests and liaison with local organisations to enable volunteering… which remains a well-established and valued part of the support we offer.”
We believe that:
- Volunteering should always be voluntary, and based on choice, and mutual benefit.
- Volunteering should not become a requirement linked to immigration status or settlement outcomes.
- Volunteering should remain a positive and inclusive opportunity, not something people feel pressured to do.
- VCFSE organisations play an important role in creating welcoming, supportive environments where people can thrive.
“Volunteering works best when it is rooted in choice — when people give their time and skills because they want to, not because they feel they have to.””
Katherine Nolan, CEO, Spark Somerset
You might want to consider:
- Responding to the Government consultation on earned settlement
- Continuing to create inclusive, welcoming volunteering opportunities
- Looking at ways to reduce barriers so that volunteering is accessible to everyone
- Reading the national response and finding further resources on the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) website.
We remain committed to supporting organisations to build inclusive communities where people feel welcomed, valued, and able to volunteer in Somerset — in their own time, and in their own way.
If you’d like support with recruiting, supporting or inspiring your volunteers, we’re here to help. Find out more here.
