The National Lottery operator, Allwyn, has been confirmed as the official volunteer learning and development partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, strengthening the National Lottery’s long-standing commitment to supporting major sporting events and community outcomes across the UK.
As part of the partnership, Allwyn will lead the design and delivery of a comprehensive learning and development programme for the Games’ volunteer workforce. The programme is focused on equipping volunteers with practical, transferable skills that extend beyond the Games, supporting long-term employability and delivering lasting social impact.
The volunteer learning framework will cover areas including customer service, teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving within a high-pressure live event environment. The objective is to ensure volunteers are fully prepared to support the delivery of a world-class Commonwealth Games while gaining experience applicable across sectors such as events, tourism, hospitality, and retail.
Andria Vidler, Chief Executive Officer of National Lottery operator, Allwyn, said, “The Commonwealth Games are a cornerstone of the sporting calendar, and volunteers help make them exceptional. Allwyn is proud to power the Glasgow 2026 volunteer programme through our Social Value Fund, helping ensure every volunteer is ready to deliver a world-class Games.
“I’m especially pleased that colleagues from across Allwyn will join the 3,000‑strong volunteer team – an experience that will benefit the Games, local communities and our people alike.”
Diane McLeod, Director of Workforce and Games Services at Glasgow 2026, added, “Our campaign for Glasgow 2026 volunteers had an incredible response with thousands of individuals putting themselves forward to support the Games to return to Glasgow. We’re now in the selection phase, reviewing applications and creating a diverse group of both experienced and first-time volunteers to bring the Games to life.
“Their passion is reflective of the spirit of the Commonwealth Games, and with Allwyn’s support, we can deliver an enhanced volunteer training programme that will prepare more than 3,000 volunteers for this Summer’s event.”
Eilidh Doyle continued, “As an athlete, I can tell you that volunteers are integral to the success of a Games. They are the brilliantly efficient army working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs on time and to create a legacy of community impact. I have discovered the joy of volunteering for myself, supporting as a volunteer within schools and Scottish Athletics.
“Glasgow is one of the most passionate sporting cities on the planet, and I’m sure the volunteers will enhance its reputation as a host of world-class events. I can’t wait to help show how our 2026 volunteers will once again be the legends of the Games.”
The partnership aligns with Allwyn’s role as operator of the National Lottery, which places a strong emphasis on social value, skills development and community investment alongside funding sport, arts and grassroots initiatives.
With Glasgow 2026 organisers placing legacy at the centre of planning, volunteers are expected to play a key role as ambassadors for both the Games and the host city. Through its learning and development partnership with Allwyn, the volunteer programme is positioned not only as an operational pillar of the event, but as a platform for long-term skills creation and community benefit across Scotland.
