Overview

• Pilots will run in South East England, Yorkshire and Humberside, and Scotland, with results guiding any wider UK changes no earlier than the end of 2028.
• The charity says it will operate with fewer than the current 200 branches by 2036 but has not set specific closure totals.
• The reorganisation is UK-only at this stage, with engagement with volunteers in Ireland scheduled to begin in 2027.
• Expanded remote volunteering will focus on overnight coverage and online chat, and the option to handle calls from home is being tested on a voluntary basis.
• Leaders describe the plan as an evolution aimed at answering more calls, with a target of 90%, as some volunteers raise concerns about branch closures and local community ties.