The Work

Australia’s Volunteering Peak Bodies represent and respond to the needs of volunteer-involving organisations (VIOs) and volunteers, ensuring they stay informed about the latest developments in the volunteering landscape. They undertake policy and advocacy work, provide ongoing training, and promote best practices within the sector. As part of the federal Volunteer Management Activity funding, a national survey was conducted by the volunteering peak bodies across Australia to measure digital inclusion in the volunteering sector. The results of this survey will inform recommendations to improve online accessibility and address barriers.

Recognising the rapid changes in the volunteering landscape and the increasing importance of technology and engagement platforms, the Volunteering Peak Bodies identified varying levels of online accessibility and digital capability across different States and Territories. Initial investigations highlighted common issues but revealed significant gaps and inconsistencies in data collection. To address these knowledge gaps, a comprehensive research report was commissioned to establish a consistent methodology for data collection and provide a baseline assessment of VIOs' online accessibility across Australia.

Our Approach

Survey Matters was selected to carry out this research due to our extensive experience in designing and delivering high-quality survey instruments and analysis. Working closely with the Volunteering Peak Bodies project working group, we developed a robust survey questionnaire to meet the research objectives.

The survey was designed to measure digital access across three key areas, including digital capacity (technology assets, internet reliability, IT infrastructure, and data policies), digital capability (skills, training access, technology attitudes, and usage), and barriers and needs (access issues, satisfaction, and specific needs of priority groups). It also included demographic and profiling questions to segment VIOs by state, location, focus area, and size

The survey was distributed via multiple channels, including personal emails, electronic direct mail (EDM), e-newsletters, websites, and social media posts, ensuring broad reach and participation.  Over 600 responses were received from VIOs operating across all States and Territories, from both metropolitan and regional locations and across a wide range of VIOs of different sizes and focus areas

Outcome

The survey results provided a comprehensive roadmap for the volunteering sector, government partners, and stakeholders to target future resourcing and capability-building activities. For the first time, VIOs gained detailed insights into key online accessibility challenges and opportunities, the varying needs of organisations within their networks, and jurisdictional comparisons across States and Territories.

The findings highlighted the specific challenges related to geography and local technological infrastructure and their impact on online accessibility. The report will inform national and jurisdictional recommendations to improve online accessibility and address identified barriers. This information is crucial for developing practical solutions to ensure that volunteering remains safe, ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.

Survey Matters' collaboration with the Volunteering Peak Bodies provided the sector with valuable insights and a clear path forward, demonstrating the importance of data-driven decision-making in enhancing digital inclusion and supporting the diverse needs of volunteer-involving organisations across Australia.

Read the Report