Volunteering scheme

Our staff volunteering scheme is coordinated by the Lancashire Volunteering Partnership and offers volunteering opportunities specifically for Lancashire County Council (LCC) staff.

The scheme allows you to support local communities while developing skills and gaining new experiences. Activities are organised through approved volunteering events.

Who can take part

The scheme is open to:

  • LCC employees
  • excluding teaching and non‑teaching staff employed by schools

Once you have successfully completed your probation period, you can take up to one working day of volunteering leave per leave year. The time taken must not exceed your contracted working hours. 

What volunteering involves

Volunteering activities vary depending on the event, but can include:

  • litter picking
  • sanding and painting benches
  • weeding and planting
  • general garden and outdoor space improvements

Support and guidance are provided on the day. You do not need previous experience to take part. 

How to take part

Before applying, you must:

  1. read the Volunteering Leave guide on the intranet
  2. speak to your line manager
  3. get approval for volunteering leave on Oracle 
Once approval is in place, you can apply for an event.

Why volunteer

Volunteering should be a rewarding and worthwhile experience for everyone involved.

Benefits for you

Taking part in volunteering can help you:

  • develop new skills, identified by you or as part of a performance review
  • build on existing skills in a different environment
  • increase motivation back in the workplace
  • improve morale through a personally rewarding experience
  • build confidence and take pride in your achievements
  • increase your awareness of local communities

Benefits for the council

The council benefits from:

  • more engaged employees with improved skills and productivity
  • stronger relationships with local community and voluntary groups
  • a better understanding of the voluntary and community sector
  • local partnerships that support our ambitions for better lives for all, economic growth and stronger communities
  • a positive public perception of Lancashire as a well‑maintained and respectful place to live and visit

Benefits for the Lancashire community

Communities benefit through:

  • access to skilled individuals
  • fresh perspectives and different ways of thinking
  • targeted support to meet specific local needs
  • stronger links with the council
  • increased participation in community activity
  • improved wellbeing through cleaner, safer and more welcoming environments
  • increased trust in local government through visible, positive change

Upcoming dates

Rawtenstall Town Square Improvements, in partnership with Rossendale Civic Pride - 4 June 2026

This event is delivered in partnership with Rossendale Civic Pride, a community powered charity formed by local residents who care deeply about their place and people. What began as a small litter picking group has grown into a large volunteer movement working to make lasting, positive changes across Rossendale.

Once a car park, Rawtenstall Town Square has been transformed into a welcoming space for events, markets and community activities. As summer approaches, this project will focus on refreshing and restoring the space so it continues to be a vibrant hub for the local community.

What the day will involve

 Up to 25 volunteers will work together on practical tasks, including:

  • weeding and replanting
  • tidying and revitalising planted areas
  • refurbishing benches
  • general improvements to the town square

Rossendale Civic Pride will provide local knowledge, gardening expertise, plants, bulbs and equipment, so no previous gardening experience is needed.

Apply for your volunteering leave and once agreed, register https://bttr.im/e2me9

Blackburn's Farm, Nurseries & Wildlife Centre (Wrea Green, Kirkham) with Northwest in Bloom, Memorial Garden – August

The local community in Wrea Green started a memorial garden for members of their community who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, planting trees in memory of their loved ones. Utilising the space, the community also started growing fruit and vegetables to provide additional food for the local foodbank which supports people in need.

We are partnering with Northwest in Bloom and Blackburns Farm to tidy up the space and support them in ensuring the area is a place they can enjoy, visit, and remember their loved ones while also supporting those in need.

We will announce the date soon.