Voluntary sector leaders oppose ‘earned settlement’ proposals

Leaders from across the UK have expressed deep concern over UK Government’s proposed migration policy, linking volunteering to the right to live permanently in the UK.

Volunteering leaders from across the UK nations have come together to express their deep concern over UK Government’s proposals to introduce a new migration policy which links volunteering to the right to live permanently in the UK.

The proposals, which would extend the qualifying period for settlement from five to ten years and allow reductions based on contributions such as volunteering, have been published without prior consultation with the voluntary sector. This lack of engagement directly contradicts the principles set out in the recently launched Civil Society Covenant, which emphasises collaboration between government and civil society.

Joint Statement: UK Government Earned Settlement Consultation

This is a joint statement signed by leaders of the UK Volunteering Forum (UKVF): The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Volunteer Scotland, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), and Volunteer Now.

The UKVF are opposed to the UK Government’s proposed reforms to the immigration system, which would introduce volunteering as a way for migrants to reduce the time required to apply for settled status. We have serious concerns about both the principle and the practical application of these reforms. The lack of engagement with the voluntary sector ahead of publishing these proposals goes directly against the principles of the recently launched Civil Society Covenant.

The UK Government proposes that the default 5-year qualifying period is extended to 10 years and introduces an ‘earned settlement’ model, as part of which the 10-year window can be reduced or extended based on factors such as contribution to society, including volunteering.

Volunteering should be driven by an individual’s free choice. Introducing volunteering into the qualifying period criteria would undermine this by adding a coercive element, which is likely to negatively impact an individuals’ intrinsic motivation to volunteer later in life.

There should be equal and properly funded opportunities for everyone in the UK to volunteer, including migrants. However, we feel that these proposals do not acknowledge the barriers individuals who have a desire to volunteer may face. The current discourse around migration, and the geographical disparities of volunteering opportunities available would be a barrier for many. This would create a system in which some migrants would be much better placed to take advantage of the reduction in years than others. Disabled, non-English-speaking, less wealthy migrants, or those with caring responsibilities could face additional barriers. Additionally, the proposal does not acknowledge the official status other languages hold in the UK, specifically and disproportionately disadvantaging migrants in the devolved nations.

Beyond our principled objections, these proposals would present considerable practical challenges to an already over-stretched voluntary sector. The consultation provides no guidance on a minimum threshold for volunteering or what reporting mechanism would be used. Due to years of under-investment in volunteer development, many voluntary organisations lack sufficient resources to effectively manage a potentially large influx of new volunteers. Notably, organisations alert to difficulties obtaining safeguarding checks for people seeking sanctuary, covering specific training needs, and translation costs. Without appropriate resourcing, organisations may feel pressured to place individuals in unsuitable roles, risking harm to staff, volunteers and service users.

The proposed reforms also open the door for predatory operators to pose as genuine voluntary organisations and exploit individuals for personal or commercial gain, raising modern slavery concerns. This poses serious reputational and other risks for the voluntary sector.

Following extensive engagement, the UKVF have each responded to this consultation individually and will continue to seek dialogue with the Home Office on these proposals as they develop.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The voluntary sector stands ready to work with government to develop fair, safe and effective policies. However, this must begin with genuine engagement and an understanding that volunteering must remain a personal choice, free of coercion.

The UK Government is consulting on the earned settlement proposals via an anonymous survey open until 11.59 pm on 12 February 2026. We encourage voluntary organisations to submit their own responses to strengthen the sector’s voice.

Read WCVA’s response on their consultations webpage. 

The UKVF remains committed to ensuring the views of the voluntary sector, and the communities it serves, are represented as the proposals develop.

Read more about the proposals on the UK Government website.