Staff Development
Increasing numbers of employers now recognise the value of employee volunteering as a means to develop and diversify employee skills, build up confidence and decision-making skills as well as boosting staff morale and retention. In some organisations, the volunteering work undertaken feeds into the employee's appraisal process.
For example, if an employee is performing well at work but a lack of confidence when making presentations is holding him back, then asking him to talk about his professional role to a group of students or to be a judge at a challenge event could make all the difference.
The outcome can only be a more motivated and multiskilled workforce. Volunteering is not just about your staff providing expertise - they too will gain valuable experience that will enhance their careers and your business. It is a definite two way street.
How to get involved
There are many ways for business volunteers to get involved. We are always looking for:
- Speakers: on a huge variety of subject, presentation skills, marketing, financial planning, business planning, assertiveness skills, interview techniques, HR. specialist knowledge in any business or service from Health Care to Scientist, farming to event management
- Judges: at a skills development or challenge event
- Advisor: at an enterprise skills event
- Mentor or Business Buddy: to support young people from 14-19 years of age supporting personal development in preparation of confidence for world of work or curriculum subject focused mentoring
The good news is that support can be from a one-off session of one hour to once a week, for example as a Reading Buddy. No long term commitment is required - but once someone is involved they almost always come back for more!
Plus we look after all the training support, CRB checks if required and administration. All we ask from our business volunteers is their time and enthusiasm - we, and the schools, do the rest!