The Home Office has dropped proposals that would have allowed people to shorten their route to permanent settlement in the UK through volunteering, following concerns raised by voluntary organisations.
In its consultation response published on 2 November, the government confirmed that volunteering will not reduce settlement waiting periods under its new ‘earned settlement’ model. The original proposal would have offered a reduction of between three and five years.
The proposals prompted significant concern across the voluntary sector. NCVO’s engagement with more than 300 organisations highlighted risks including pressure on people to accept unsuitable roles, safeguarding concerns and additional administrative costs for charities. Organisations also warned that linking volunteering to immigration outcomes could undermine the principle that giving your time should be freely chosen.
The Home Office acknowledged concerns about verifying volunteering and the risk of vulnerable people being pressured into unpaid activity. Respondents also highlighted the potential disadvantage for people whose disabilities, caring responsibilities or working hours limit their opportunities to volunteer.
For Gloucestershire’s voluntary and community organisations, this is a reminder of the importance of welcoming, accessible volunteering. Giving time can help people build friendships, share skills and feel connected to their community. Our focus should remain on helping people find meaningful opportunities and removing the barriers that prevent them from taking part.
The decision relates specifically to volunteering: the government is continuing with its wider settlement reforms, with further guidance and detailed rules still to follow.
Read the full consultation response: Earned settlement - GOV.UK