The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) has named its volunteer recruitment platform GoVo ahead of its launch next month.

So far 1,700 charities have registered with the platform, where good causes will be able to promote volunteering opportunities.

National charities to have already uploaded roles include Oxfam, Parkinson’s UK, the Marine Conservation Society and Re-engage.

Another is Home-Start UK, whose head of volunteering Sally Munday said: “We are really excited to get involved with this project.

“This platform has the potential to transform how volunteering fits into people’s lives and we’re hopeful it will open the door to a whole new wave of volunteers, ready to make a real difference in their communities.”

Meanwhile, local charities to sign up include East of England's Green Light Trust and Suffolk, and West Yorkshire ADHD Support Group.

More charities are encouraged to sign up ahead of the platform’s launch in mid-October to those looking for volunteering opportunities.

Earlier this year analysis commissioned by the RVS found that 140m workplace volunteer hours went unused as staff struggled to access the right opportunities.

Further analysis by volunteer software provider Access Assemble published this year found online searches for roles had increased by 13% over the last year.

“It’s an exciting time to be in volunteering,” said RVS chief executive Catherine Johnstone.

“We've been so pleased to have support from across the sector with the development of GoVo, and I look forward to continuing to work together to break down barriers and evolve volunteering for all.”

The platform has received £5m in funding support from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The Lottery’s managing director Clara Govier said: “We know that volunteering is time well spent.

“It’s not only good for the charities and organisations being supported, but studies show volunteers are happier, healthier and feel more connected to their community.”

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