LJMU research reveals the size and shape of voluntary and community activity across the Liverpool City Region for the first time.

The voluntary and community sector in Liverpool City Region contributes over £900m to the economy, according to research conducted by Liverpool John Moores University’s European Institute for Urban Affairs (EIUA).

Commissioned by LCVS (Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services), the research shows the importance of the voluntary and community sector from an economic perspective; the sector employs over 24,000 people, consists of over 8,600 different organisations and has a staggering economic contribution of over £900m. In addition, the economic contribution of volunteering is estimated at over £550m. This means that the voluntary and community sector is comparable, in economic terms, to the finance and insurance, and communication and information sectors in the city region. 

This is the first time research has been conducted which accurately assessed the size and shape of voluntary and community activity across the Liverpool City Region.

Tony Okotie, Chief Executive of LCVS, said: 

“It has long been accepted that voluntary and community sector activity adds to the richness and quality of life at a local level. The range of activities and services is enormous. However, what has been lacking is independent and reliable data about the sector’s reach and its economic contribution. This research clearly demonstrates that, beyond its social role, the sector is also an important economic player both as a major employer within the city region, and through the significant economic value of volunteering.”

Gerwyn Jones, Senior Research Fellow at EIUA, and one of the authors of the research report, said: 

“This research adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the significant economic and social value of the voluntary and community sector. Its contribution to the Liverpool City Region economy is so significant that the sector needs to be recognised as a key partner and fully involved alongside the public and private sectors in the governance arrangements of the City Region.”

Jenny Stewart, Chief Executive of the Liverpool and Sefton Chamber of Commerce, added: 

"Liverpool and Sefton Chamber have always recognised through our partnership work with LCVS the important contribution charities in Liverpool make to the city.  This research now provides valuable evidence to show just how important the voluntary and community sector is from an economic perspective to the City region."

A full copy of the research report can be downloaded from the LCVS website