These range from large national bodies to community groups, volunteer centres, and development agencies working at a local level.

Its foundation was made possible through a legacy from Edward Vivian Birchall, who had played a large part in the emergent voluntary sector before he was killed, aged 32, in France during the First World War.

Many now well-established voluntary organisations started out as projects within NCVO, including Age Concern, Citizens Advice, the Charities Aid Foundation, the Black Environment Network, the Youth Hostels Association and the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs.

[9] In 2021, Karl Wilding, who had succeeded Sir Stuart Etherington as Chief Executive in 2020, was replaced by Sarah Vibert on an interim basis.

[11] The review was reported to have found "evidence of 'bullying and harassment' on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation and disability happening 'with impunity' at all levels of the organisation, leaving members of minority groups there feeling 'unsafe at work'.

[13] Karl Wilding stepped down from the position of chief executive in February 2021, citing the need for new leadership to bring about systemic cultural change at the organisation.