By Joe Crook, National Volunteer Lead, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives
Ambulance volunteers from across the UK have once again taken part in the annual national volunteering survey, now in its third consecutive year. Their feedback provides an important national picture of the volunteering experience and helps ambulance trusts and healthcare partners understand how well volunteers are being supported.
An estimated nine to ten thousand volunteers were active across the UK during the survey period, and more than 2,200 completed the questionnaire. This represents a response rate of over 20% and a small but encouraging increase on 2025. Community First Responders made up around three‑quarters of responses, though a wide range of volunteer roles contributed.
The results show a highly engaged and motivated volunteer community. More than 80% of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their volunteering experience. Over 77% reported that volunteering had helped them develop new skills, and nearly 75% felt their training and induction prepared them well for their role.
Alongside these positive findings, the survey highlights several areas where improvements could strengthen the future of ambulance volunteering. Widening participation remains a key challenge: fewer than 30% of respondents identified as female, and only 3% identified as non‑white.
Without attracting younger and more diverse volunteers, the sector may face sustainability pressures in the coming years.
Only 16% of volunteers were aware of improvements made as a result of last year’s survey, suggesting a need for clearer communication and more visible action on volunteer feedback. Nearly half of respondents said time commitments affected their ability to volunteer, pointing to the importance of flexible models. Over 40% felt the recruitment process took longer than expected, and fewer than half reported receiving regular, clear feedback in their role.
These insights are relevant not only to volunteers but to the wider ambulance and healthcare community. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting frontline services, improving patient outcomes and strengthening community resilience. Ensuring they feel valued, supported and equipped is essential to the long‑term health of the UK ambulance service.
As we look ahead, I am committed to working closely with colleagues across trusts and partner organisations to build on the strengths highlighted in this year’s survey and address the challenges it identifies.
Ensuring appropriate investment, support and strategic focus for volunteering will be central to this work.
I also want to express my sincere thanks to every volunteer who contributed to the survey, and to the volunteering teams whose dedication continues to make such a meaningful difference across the UK.
For further information or to discuss the findings, please contact me at joe.crook@aace.org.uk.
