York is recognized as a city that elevates and supports citizen engagement and volunteerism. The city offers a broad range of volunteering opportunities to its citizens, from looking after green areas to mentoring fellow residents. York makes it possible for people of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer in the city to help others, develop their own skills, and gain new experiences.
The city is at the start of its journey to becoming an asset-based place that focuses on citizen’s abilities, rather than their inabilities. With this approach in mind, York plans to build strong and resilient communities by harnessing the untapped skills of its people through its active citizen engagement and volunteerism programs.
York has been a member of the Cities of Service coalition since 2016.
Lord Mayor Margaret Wells
Councillor Margaret Wells is the Lord Mayor of York for the civic year of 2024 to 2025, and has prepared the following summary of her life and career to date.
The Lord Mayor of York and the Lord Mayor's Consort, 2024 to 2025
"My grandparents were all living in York by the end of the First World War and for my part I was born at home in Acomb and made my appearance on Cup Final Day. I think my dad knew then I was not going to be easy!
As a child we lived in Huntington and then New Earswick. I attended Mill Mount Grammar School and left school to work in banking, before having a family.
After the birth of my younger child I returned to education and completed an Access course before my degree at the University of York, where I studied Social Policy. After graduating I worked for the Local Government Ombudsman for 10 years, and then the MP for York.
Working for the MP I saw first hand some of the issues people were facing and I wanted to do more to help. I was elected in 2015 and am extremely proud to represent Clifton and its residents.
I met my husband later in life, when we already had families of our own, and so together we are fortunate to have 1 daughter and 4 sons, their partners and now 6 wonderful grandchildren, who keep us on our toes.
Covid was particularly tough time for us. I had a stroke, which left me with a bit of a disability but I was and still am determined it will not prevent me from doing the things I enjoy and love.