A survey of senior executives has found volunteering often improves job satisfaction, business skills, and overall engagement with charities.

The survey by Pilotlight found 87 per cent of business people who had volunteered through its programme were more interested in becoming trustees as a result, and 66 per cent were more likely to donate.

While 80 per cent of executives surveyed got involved with charities to ‘give something back’, 62 per cent found it increased their own job satisfaction. Eighty-five per cent said they had improved their coaching skills through working with charities, and 87 per cent said it increased their awareness of other leadership styles.

Pilotlight recruits business leaders and matches them with charities to act as mentors and coaches for charities and social enterprises. The survey was completed by 134 of its volunteers, 95 per cent of whom said volunteering had increased their understanding of the challenges facing people in need and their appreciation of the work of the third sector.

Chief executive of the charity Gillian Murray highlighted the improved coaching skills and understanding of charities volunteers have gained through the programme.

“The survey results demonstrate that a carefully managed approach to skills sharing allows the time-poor, skills-rich professional to engage with charities in an effective and meaningful way,” Murray said.

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