In any project or organisation I’m involved with, I do it because I know I can make an impact. This is why I engage in numerous volunteering opportunities outside of the impact I make in my day job.
For those who follow my LinkedIn or know me personally, volunteering is something that is very important to me. I’m involved in many different projects, some more technically focused than others. In this blog, I am going to talk about all the projects I am or have been involved in and why I do or have done them.
My volunteering journey started way before I even entered the world of work. My dad was involved in many different volunteering projects himself, such as chair of my primary school’s PTA and chair of a camping and caravanning group we were part of. I used to get involved with creating posters, newsletters, presentation slides for events—you name it, I probably did it. It’s where I self-taught myself a lot of my early Microsoft Office skills (especially Microsoft Publisher, days before the likes of Canva were around). So you could say volunteering was in my blood.
In 2015, I joined an e-panel for LiveWest. Again, my dad was involved in something different within LiveWest and introduced me to this e-panel as something I could do alongside my IT apprenticeship that I had started at the same time. Working with the Strategic Fund Management team, I worked on a virtual e-panel to review funding applications for the Knightstone Community Improvement Fund (KCIF). In this volunteering role, I evaluated funding applications and made recommendations when necessary. I stopped doing this project later that year as I didn’t find it challenging or interesting enough and wanted to expand my skills.
Later in 2015, I became the Webmaster & IT Support Officer for SGDEN (South Gloucestershire Disability Equality Network). Spotting a pattern here—it was again something my dad was involved with. He was the chair of the network and asked me to get involved to help with IT matters. I worked with the trustees, employees, and members of SGDEN to create a user-friendly and informative website using WordPress. This is where I started learning WordPress and how to manage content and design. I also provided IT support for employees and trustees. If they had a problem with their system, they could email me and I would try to solve their fault as quickly as possible, depending on my workload. This allowed me to further use the skills I had been learning for my IT apprenticeship.
I stopped volunteering in any official capacity after 2016 until 2022, while I focused primarily on my career. In December 2022, I became an Academy Councillor (Governor) for John Cabot Academy. I was exploring different volunteering opportunities at the time. My goal was to find something related to schools or mental health. I hadn’t thought about becoming a governor before, but I thought it would be a new experience and new skills to learn. I also thought about how I could bring my school experience to help develop a local secondary school. I assisted in monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress, reviewed budgetary allocation and control, and reviewed plans for school improvement and oversaw their implementation. When I started this, I was the youngest person involved, which allowed me to add a different perspective. I had to stop committing to this in September 2023, as I had started my new role at Shine and at the time I didn’t drive, so I wouldn’t get to the meetings on time. However, it was a very valuable experience and insight into a different side of school and education.
2023 is where my volunteering really ramped up. It started off in July with becoming a Volunteer Expert with Digital Candle. Digital Candle is a service that gives charities and non-profit groups the opportunity to ask for free digital advice on problems they’re facing, which will be sent to a professional within the industry. Since becoming a Volunteer Expert, I have supported seven charities, all through one-hour calls, with the offer to remain in contact if they require any further support (where I could). Working in an MSP most of my career, I saw firsthand how nonprofits were and still are facing a lack of digital knowledge with the lack of funds to innovate, so I knew how important this kind of offering is.
While I am still involved with Digital Candle, as opportunities come through when your skills match, I wanted to do something more to keep me busy and continue to make a difference. I was on Reach Volunteering searching for opportunities. Like with the Academy Councillor, becoming a trustee wasn’t something I was considering. I was looking at general IT and digital opportunities, either ongoing or one-off projects. I came across the opportunity for YMM, which really resonated with me as I am extremely passionate about supporting mental health and raising awareness. They were looking for skills that I have, so I applied, and the rest is history, as they say. What an experience it has been and continues to be, both from understanding governance more but also knowing anything I can do to help with technology or marketing is making a huge impact on the young people we are supporting.
When I became Head of Technology with only being in the industry for 8.5 years, I knew my journey was something to be proud of. I knew the impact of mentoring already as I had mentored apprentices at my previous job, so I knew the impact I could have on a mentee. I was already a member of the BCS, so I decided to sign myself up as a mentor. I’ve been supporting early-career and junior professionals. Leveraging my experience and expertise, I’ve provided mentorship to help them navigate their career paths, develop essential skills, and achieve their professional goals. My commitment to fostering growth and development in the tech community continues to empower the next generation of professionals through personalized guidance and support.
In December 2023, I joined the BCS Bristol & Bath branch, initially focusing on supporting initiatives related to STEM (promoting the industry into schools). However, I knew I had the passion to support nonprofits, so I took on the role of Skills-Based Volunteering Lead. I spearhead initiatives to match BCS industry members in the Bristol & Bath area with nonprofit and charitable organizations, as well as schools. My efforts focus on fostering meaningful collaborations that benefit both the volunteers and the communities they serve. I have future plans to look at how volunteering opportunities can further expand to support digital inclusion. It’s how I became an IT consultant for the BANES Third Sector Group (3SG), & Pomphrey Hill helping them create and implement their IT strategy. The work I started with Pomphrey Hill led me to becoming a Trustee recently, as I felt passionate about its aims.
My volunteering experience doesn’t just stop there, as I further took on other opportunities in February 2024. I took on the role of an Enterprise Advisor for Culver Hill, Special Educational Needs School, which is all about bridging the gap between the world of work and education to help prepare our young people for the world of work after leaving school. As an Enterprise Advisor:
- I support a local school’s senior leadership team to develop and evaluate their careers plans.
- I provide an employer’s perspective on how the school can embed labor market information and opportunities into careers services.
- I complete networking opportunities with relevant employers or businesses to put a wide variety of career opportunities at the heart of young people’s education.
Conclusion
Volunteering has been a significant part of my life, shaping my skills, experiences, and perspectives. It has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on various communities and causes, from education and mental health to digital inclusion and nonprofit support. Through volunteering, I have not only contributed to the betterment of others but also grown personally and professionally. I encourage everyone to find their passion and get involved in volunteering opportunities. The rewards are immeasurable, and the difference you can make is profound.
Comments are closed