2025 Volunteer Survey: Key Findings

In 2025, we asked our Members and Fellows to share their experiences of volunteering with RCSEd, and what might encourage more people to get involved. Thank you to everyone who responded to the volunteer survey and contributed their views. In this blog, Anna Paisley, RCSEd Vice President, shares the key findings from that survey and how they will inform our developing volunteering strategy.

In reflecting on my past and present involvement with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh including as Vice President, as a member of Council, past Chair of the Patient Safety Committee, and MRCS examiner, I understand firsthand the commitment and dedication it takes to give back to the College.

As Vice President with responsibility for membership engagement and recognition, I am delighted to be driving forward the work to develop a volunteering strategy for the College, launched with a survey that has given us valuable insight into the experience of our existing community of volunteers as well as hearing from those members and fellows who may want to get involved but are not sure how.

It’s been fascinating to review the results of the survey in detail and particularly gratifying to hear of the high levels of satisfaction reported by our existing volunteers. The research tells us that our volunteers feel a strong sense of pride in supporting the College and a greater sense of belonging to the College community; they are inspired to share their knowledge and expertise to see it succeed and grow.

84% feel that they make an impact through the volunteering that they do.

A further 85% agree or strongly agree that they are proud to tell people that they volunteer for RCSEd.

Whilst that’s an extremely encouraging picture, there are themes emerging that are helping us to prioritise areas for improvement.

Communication is a thread that weaves through the survey, and we recognise the benefits that improvements here would bring, such as:

• Making sure volunteers are consulted and engaged in any new strategic developments or organisational change.
• Sharing examples and case studies from our existing diverse pool of volunteers, which is crucial to ensuring that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard and encourages broader engagement in volunteer roles. 
• Creating clearer pathways through volunteering roles, showcasing how to get involved and the specific detail of what it takes will serve to make it easier for prospective volunteers to feel supported from day one.

Volunteers at RCSEd believe that the College has a positive approach to inclusion with 81% agreeing that people are treated equally irrespective of ethnicity, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion. 

Linked to this, I’m particularly championing the creation of a standardised induction for all those taking on new roles within the College. I believe this will dramatically support volunteers to feel engaged from the outset and equip them with the information and resources to carry out their role fully.

10% of respondents do not find it easy to meet the commitments required of their role. In relation to being supported to find time to participate, 50% of respondents have the support of their employer and 50% are using their annual leave to volunteer.

Many currently giving their skills and expertise to College activities, and those who are not actively volunteering, share their concern that time is a significant barrier to greater participation. 

Our members report a desire to engage more deeply in voluntary activities but feel constrained by lack of time or support from their employer. 

We recognise the challenges faced in choosing to get involved – especially if this means sacrificing annual leave or precious time with friends and family – and are committed to finding ways to support this and encourage employers to better recognise the value of this work. 

For those who support the College, through our many and diverse volunteer activities both within the UK and internationally, we know you do so because of a strong desire to want to give something back and benefit those who are following in your footsteps.

One final area that we want to emphasise is making sure you feel that your contribution is valued and makes a difference. There are many and varied ways in which we can recognise and celebrate the contributions and the value our volunteers bring. We’ll continue to champion the ‘personal touch’ following on from the majority of respondents citing that a well-timed, personal thank you has the most impact (36% ranking this as most important). 

We want to continue to create a welcoming environment that supports volunteers to feel engaged in our work as well as providing opportunities to hear volunteer voices and celebrate volunteer achievements.

Reading through the comments from the survey, and being a volunteer myself, I fully appreciate the that giving time to the College is an enriching and rewarding experience. I hope we can continue to show that we value all contributions as we bring our strategy to life. 

Anna Paisley, RCSEd Vice President