There are few volunteer jobs that cannot be successfully undertaken by older people. It is a misconception that mature volunteers often have poorer health and are, therefore, not able to take on a variety of jobs and positions.

The facts, however, show that older people who volunteer are fit, happy and reliable. In retirement, they know they can make good use of their years of experience and expertise and, even if they haven’t already retired, by 50-plus many people will have some time to spare after building their careers and bringing up families.

The over 50s are realistic about their capabilities, and the amount of time they can commit. They enjoy the work they undertake and the new opportunities open to them through charity work.

There is no end to the skills and abilities they will have gained on the way to their mature status, all of which are on offer, free, to charitable organisations.

Skilled People.com volunteers comprise people drawn from all areas of business, many with significant experience in specialist areas, who have positively decided that they would like to give some of their time to charitable work as volunteers.

We attract members from all areas of business and industry - some are even proven leaders and high fliers - and all want to donate their skills to charities. Skilled People.com can match these people with charities looking for particular skills and experience.

People over 50 are reliable, sensible, and used to dealing with folk from all walks of life. In fact, they are the “perfect” Volunteers!

In the UK alone there are about 169,000 general charities, and it is estimated that they employ around 600,000 paid workers, many of whom work only part time. No wonder then that they rely heavily on volunteers.

Besides general volunteers, individual charities and non profit making organisations also need Trustees, who take responsibility (unpaid) for the governance of these charities.

Around 90 million hours of voluntary work a week are already put in by volunteers, some giving just an hour a week or a couple of hours each month As a charity you will know that by giving even just one hour a week, people really can make a huge difference.

The Over 50s, many of whom have already retired, are the fastest growing sector of the population, so it makes sense to make use of this growing pool of potential volunteers.