To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by the Minister for the Third Sector, Kevin Brennan, on 17 March (Official Report, House of Commons, cols. 1062W–63W), what definition of "volunteering" was used by the Government's Citizenship Survey in making estimates of the numbers of adults aged 16 and above who had volunteered at least once in the previous 12 months. [HL2338]

The Citizenship Survey definition of formal volunteering is “Giving unpaid help through groups, clubs or organisations to benefit other people or the environment”. This definition encompasses those who have given unpaid help through any UK groups, clubs or organisations via the following activities: raising or handling money/taking part in sponsored events; leading the group/member of a committee; organising or helping run an activity or event; visiting people; befriending or mentoring people; giving advice/driving; representing; campaigning; other practical help (such as helping out at school); and any other help. It excludes giving money and activities related to job requirements.