Cochrane launches its first-ever volunteer strategy, developed in response to feedback from more than 1900 people who are either currently volunteering, or interested in getting involved.

In 2024, we ran a survey to find out more about Cochrane’s volunteers and people who were interested in volunteering. Following the results, we are launching our first-ever volunteering strategy, which defines how people are involved with Cochrane and sets out how we can improve our offer to volunteers in the future.

Volunteers have always been integral to Cochrane, and they continue to contribute to our work – from setting the priorities for systematic reviews, to helping share the results. This strategy aims to harness the power of volunteers to support our mission. This includes getting more people involved from across the globe, and making sure that once people start volunteering, they want to continue.

What did we learn?

The response to the survey was fantastic – over 1900 people shared their thoughts, almost half of which (45%) were actively volunteering with Cochrane. You can read a summary of responses here, but the highlights are:

• 61% of our volunteers have been volunteering for at least 1 year
• 68% of responders who were not already volunteers didn’t realise they could volunteer
• Most volunteers would enthusiastically recommend Cochrane

We are grateful for everyone who either volunteers for Cochrane or helps us to manage volunteers – your work is much appreciated!

What will we be doing next?

The feedback has provided us with insights on how we can better support volunteering. This has been instrumental in shaping our new strategy to improve how Cochrane works with volunteers.

The volunteering strategy is available to read here, which goes into more detail about our goals for the period 2025-2028. Our overall aims are to:

• ensure volunteers needs are met – to recruit and retain volunteers
• communicate effectively about volunteer opportunities
• support groups to create more opportunities

This strategy marks an exciting new chapter in how Cochrane collaborates with volunteers around the world. Ann Shackleton, our Membership and Volunteering Manager said: “Our volunteers are involved in every part of Cochrane’s work. This new strategy is about listening to them, learning from their experiences, and building a community where everyone feels valued and supported.”

 “Our volunteers are involved in every part of Cochrane’s work." Ann Shackleton, Membership and Volunteering Manager

Want to get involved?  

When you volunteer with us, you gain new skills, meet new people, develop your career, and make a difference to people’s lives. Take a look at how to get involved and find opportunities that fit your skills and schedule.