Volunteering can play a vital role in improving the working and living environment for staff and residents in care homes, according to a new report.

Reimagining Social Care – The Role of Active Citizenship, published by Royal Voluntary Service in partnership with Anchor, found that 90% of staff not currently working with volunteers would like to see more volunteers in care homes. The research, which surveyed 100 care home staff and 2,000 members of the public, found 94% of staff felt volunteers add “a lot of value” for residents, and 85% felt volunteers add “a lot of value” for staff.

Almost all (98%) of staff currently working with volunteers said they enjoyed doing so. The roles care home staff would most like to see taken up by volunteers are companionship (100%), mealtime support by encouraging residents to eat and drink (91%) and lead on social activities for residents (88%).

The research found that more than a third (38%) of adults would consider volunteering in a care home with 5% planning to do so. Interest is higher among younger generations, with 52% of 18- to 34-year-olds saying they would consider volunteering in the sector, 18% because they are thinking about a career in care.

“In addition to the service our colleagues provide, volunteers in our care homes play an important role in helping older people live fulfilling lives,” said Sarah Jones, Anchor chief executive. “Crucially, for a sector facing workforce challenges, we have a number of colleagues who began their careers with us as volunteers. I very much hope this report helps encourage more volunteering in the care sector to enhance the lives of the people we serve.”

The report, authored by Dr Julie MacInnes, senior research fellow at the University of Kent and Dr Allison Smith, head of research and insight at Royal Voluntary Service, recommends increasing public awareness and reducing barriers to volunteering in social care. It also calls for greater engagement and awareness among care home staff on the role of volunteers, greater input from staff on volunteer training and roles, and the establishment of structured volunteer programmes that support a progression into a social care career.