Frequently asked questions for volunteers

We've compiled your feedback into this FAQ page but if you have any further questions, concerns or would like to share your thoughts, you can reach out to our chief executive Ed Holloway at ed.holloway@macularsociety.org

What changes are you introducing that will affect my group?

Over the last few years, we've seen that many groups have already moved naturally towards a more informal style, focusing less on formal roles and admin, and more on simply bringing people together for connection and conversation.

This 'friendship group' model builds on what is already happening in many places, making groups easier to run, more flexible, and more sustainable for volunteers and members alike.

Many of our groups that have adopted this more informal model have found it has helped them to move away from formalities like committee meetings and AGMs and all the associated paperwork.

Where groups want to move to this model, we want to support their transition – but for groups for whom the current model is working they can continue as they are.

It will help the group:

• Focus on companionship, shared experience, and mutual support.
• Remove the need for minutes, finances, or formal admin.
• Focus on what matters most: creating welcoming spaces for people to connect.

What could the proposed changes mean for group leaders?

We know the changes the Society is proposing right now, have the biggest impact on current group leaders.

The proposal is not about removing support for volunteers, but about looking at how we can provide that support in a more sustainable and joined-up way. The proposed structure includes a larger central team focused solely on volunteer support, and we would continue to offer regular contact, training, materials, and one-to-one guidance - just in a slightly different format than before.

Under the proposed changes there will still be a member of staff based in each country; the local and national perspective and knowledge are very important and we recognise that each country has its key differences.

Do we have to change to the new 'friendship group' model?

No, if your group is running well, then the only thing that will change is your contacts within the Macular Society as it’s the team structure that we’re proposing to change.

We have ring-fenced funds. Is anything going to happen to them?

No, those funds are still available for your group to use.

At the moment, for active groups, any existing ring-fenced funds remain available to cover agreed expenses such as hall hire.

However, as we are currently in a period of consultation and proposing changes to the way groups are supported in the future, we expect that over time, as groups transition towards the more informal 'friendship group' model, handling of funds may also evolve.

The priority will always be to ensure that funding is used in accordance with the Macular Society’s charitable objectives to support people affected by macular disease and to ensure that any support provided to groups remains sustainable and accessible.

If a group formally closes, any remaining funds will need to be transferred to support wider regional services and volunteer support, as required by our financial procedures and charity regulations.

We will ensure that groups are fully supported and communicated with if any changes to current arrangements are proposed in the future, and any transition would be handled carefully and respectfully.

Will my support contact change?

Not at this stage. During the consultation process, there will be no changes to who supports you or how you are supported. If changes are made in the future, they will be carefully planned with the goal of making things easier for volunteers, not more complicated. We want to reduce the pressure on volunteers and ensure you always know who to turn to for help and guidance.

In the meantime, please continue to book onto any relevant training sessions as normal. These remain an important part of supporting you in your role, helping you to feel confident, connected, and up to date. There are no changes to how the training is delivered or accessed at this stage.

Looking ahead, we anticipate that any changes we make will be focused on making it easier to volunteer, not more complicated. This includes looking at how we deliver any mandatory training, to ensure it is accessible, flexible, and supportive as possible for all volunteers.

My regional manager is booked in to do a visit to my group, what should I do?

The team will continue to work as normal whilst we go through the consultation process. If you are unsure, please speak to your regional manager.

Is this all about reducing face-to-face support?

These changes are about how we organise ourselves to support our volunteers, not the direct support we provide to people living with macular disease.

Whilst we wish to use technology more effectively in supporting our volunteers, we also expect to have many telephone conversations with them, much as we do currently.

Our proposed changes won’t affect our helpline, or our range of other telephone services such as befriending or counselling.

We also want to see our network of groups grow and thrive and be able to engage and support even more people in the future.

What exactly is a ‘friendship group'?

A 'friendship group' is a proposed way for local groups to run more informally and flexibly, focusing on what matters most: connection, companionship, and peer support.

It’s not an entirely new idea, in fact, many groups are already operating this way in practice, without formal roles or processes. The friendship group model simply recognises this and offers a clearer, better supported framework for groups who want to continue or move in that direction.

There would be no expectation for formal roles like chair or treasurer, no requirement for minutes or official paperwork, and often no need to manage money. The aim is to make running a group easier and less pressured, while keeping the community and peer support at the heart of your group.

Volunteers would continue to receive guidance and light-touch support from the Macular Society, helping ensure everyone feels confident and connected.

Will the friendship group model give us access to public liability insurance?

Yes. Groups that operate under the friendship group model will continue to be covered by the Society’s public liability insurance, as long as they are registered with us and follow our basic guidance on how the group runs.

Even though the model is more informal, the group is still recognised as part of the Macular Society's network, and we want to ensure that volunteers and members feel safe and protected during group activities.

If you’re ever unsure about what’s covered, or you need support with risk assessments or planning an activity, we are here to help.

How will the new staff model help me continue to run my group?

Under the current proposal, the size of regions covered by a member of our team based in each home nation (the new proposed roles replacing regional managers) would increase. As a result, it may not always be possible for them to visit every group in person each year.

However, we absolutely recognise how important it is for groups to feel connected to the Society and not isolated. A key focus of the proposed new team structure would be strong, regular communication through phone calls, virtual meetings, written updates, annual national volunteer events, and other opportunities to stay connected even when in-person visits are less frequent.

We are proposing the introduction of a new community volunteer role to help maintain a local presence in communities, particularly in areas where regular staff visits may not always be possible. This role would focus on signposting, raising awareness of the Macular Society locally, sharing information about available support, and helping to connect people to our national services and groups.

It is essential to be clear that this proposed volunteer role would not replace the work of staff. It would be a light-touch, flexible opportunity designed to complement the support provided by the staff team, not replicate or replace it.

Given the large areas our staff currently cover, maintaining a constant local presence has always been challenging. This new volunteer role would simply help extend our reach and keep local connections strong alongside the support offered by the staff team.

How will the new team help group leaders with running their groups?

Under the proposed changes, group leaders and volunteers would be supported by a larger, central volunteer support team, whose role would be to provide consistent, practical help across the UK.

This team would assist with:

• Managing and updating membership lists
• Distributing monthly newsletters and key information
• Sending out reminders and materials for meetings
• Providing clear guidance and templates where needed.

The aim is to reduce the admin burden on volunteers, so they can focus on bringing people together and running group meetings, not paperwork. Volunteers would still have a key point of contact and support, just through a more streamlined and joined-up structure.

We're committed to ensuring you feel confident and supported in your role, whatever model your group follows.

How will the new team support the set-up of new groups?

Supporting the formation of new groups will absolutely remain a priority. While the way support is delivered might change, the goal is to make it easier to start a new group, with lighter expectations for volunteers, and more flexible support from staff.

Forming new groups will continue to be an important part of helping people affected by macular disease stay connected.

What about promoting groups locally and in clinics?

We recognise and deeply value the work that regional managers and group leaders have done to promote groups in their communities and in clinic settings. This has been vital in helping people affected by macular disease find local support.

Under the proposed changes, we’re looking at new ways to continue this outreach, while acknowledging that maintaining a consistent presence in every clinic isn’t always possible, even under the current model.

In the future, we hope to introduce a new micro-volunteering role to support local awareness, someone who can act as a 'community connector' and signpost people to Macular Society services, including local groups. This would be a light-touch, flexible role, helping ensure there’s still visibility in communities and, where possible, through clinic networks.

In addition, the central team will continue to support the distribution of materials, liaise with local services, and identify new partnership opportunities to keep groups visible and accessible to people who need them.

This is an area we know is important, and one we are continuing to shape with input from volunteers, staff and partners during the consultation process

How are you going to recruit the mentioned new volunteer roles, and are they just replacing paid staff?

We’re proposing new volunteer roles, such as micro-volunteering opportunities, to offer more flexible ways for people to get involved, especially for those who may not be able to commit to traditional roles. These roles are designed to complement, not replace, the work of paid staff.

Micro-volunteering roles, like the proposed community connector, would focus on simple, low-pressure tasks such as raising awareness in local communities, signposting to Macular Society services, or helping at occasional events. They are not intended to take on the responsibilities or scope of paid staff roles.

Recruiting for these roles will involve:

• Promoting opportunities through our volunteer communications and networks
• Engaging with local community groups and partners
• Making the roles as accessible and flexible as possible to attract a wider range of people.

This shift reflects a wider trend across the voluntary sector, where more people are looking to volunteer in informal, bite-sized ways. Our goal is to make it easier for more people to get involved in a way that suits their time, skills and interests, while continuing to provide staff-led support where it’s most needed.

Is the Macular Society moving away from supporting people directly?

No, we need to support people with macular disease and fund research, as we know that only by doing both will we be able to Beat Macular Disease.

Who can I speak to if I have questions or concerns?

You are welcome to contact us directly. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to share your thoughts, you can reach out to our chief executive Ed Holloway at ed.holloway@macularsociety.org

Volunteer meetings Q&As

The proposed changes were shared and discussed in a series of volunteer meetings earlier this month. We have included questions and answers discussion from the meetings below.