It gives us great pleasure to contribute to the foreword of the Volunteering during COVID-19 – Lessons for the Future. The research team from the Institute of Education at Dublin City University are very pleased to have been involved in this innovative collaboration with Volunteer Ireland. In managing the project and in partnership with Volunteer Ireland, we followed best practices to deliver an evidence-based report which provides rich and noteworthy information. This is not only relevant in the current post-pandemic climate but also provides a platform for ongoing and additional interrogation of the volunteering sector. The study provides a rich insight into the experiences of volunteers throughout Ireland around their participation in volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is particularly beneficial in highlighting many benefits of volunteering for both the individual and for communities. During the pandemic, volunteers were the lifeline for many in our society and never before has the work of volunteers received much attention. This research included an online survey sent to every registered volunteer on the national volunteering database, I-VOL, followed by focus group interviews with a range of volunteers from across the country. We are most appreciative of the contributions of the volunteers who took part in the survey and focus group interviews. This research will inform the work of Volunteer Ireland and enable them to share and exchange ideas with Volunteer Centres, volunteers and organisations on what can be done to deal with the challenges that the report raises. Caitriona Pennycook, Dr Justin Rami, Dr Maura Coulter and Dr Peter Tiernan Research Team from the Institute of Education, Dublin City University