Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a significant undertaking. For us at TeamKinetic, it was a worthwhile investment that underscores our deep commitment to data security and governance.
This certification is not just a badge; it’s a testament to our ongoing efforts to protect our clients’ information and to set the highest standards for the volunteering and charity sectors we serve.
Why ISO 27001?
In an increasingly digital world, the security of sensitive data is paramount. We handle information for hundreds of organisations and hundreds of thousands of volunteers. Our clients trust us to manage this data responsibly and securely. Pursuing ISO 27001 was a natural step in solidifying that trust.
The certification, an internationally recognised standard, provides a robust framework for managing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It required a comprehensive review of our policies, procedures, and controls to ensure we protect against a wide range of threats, including data breaches and cyberattacks.
The process of achieving certification was rigorous. It involved a thorough audit of our infrastructure, software, and operational processes. This wasn’t just about passing a test; it was about embedding a culture of security into everything we do. It ensures that data protection is at the forefront of our minds, from product development to daily operations.
Setting the Standard for the Sector
Our mission has always been to empower the volunteering sector through innovative technology. By achieving ISO 27001, we’re not only enhancing our own security but also aiming to elevate the entire sector. By demonstrating the highest level of governance and compliance, we can inspire others to prioritise data security.
Data is the lifeblood of modern organisations, and protecting it is a shared responsibility. We aim to lead by example, demonstrating that even in a resource-constrained environment, it is both possible and essential to invest in robust security measures. This investment demonstrates to our partners and clients that we are a reliable and trustworthy platform, dedicated to their success and security.
Our commitment doesn’t end with certification. The ISO 27001 framework emphasises the need for continuous improvement. We will regularly audit our systems and update our practices to address new threats and maintain the highest standards of data security. This is our promise to our clients and our contribution to building a more secure and resilient volunteering ecosystem.
This year, the TeamKinetic Conference goes beyond recruitment to explore everything that happens after volunteers join your cause.
Recruitment is just the start.
Every volunteer journey begins with a “yes”, but what happens next determines whether that spark of enthusiasm turns into a long-term commitment, a powerful story, and lasting social impact.
From first-day welcomes to long-term recognition, from gathering feedback to using data for better decision-making, our 2025 programme will dig into the practices, tools, and ideas that keep volunteers engaged, supported, and thriving.
Why “Beyond Recruitment”?
Too often, conversations about volunteering stop at finding the right people. But retaining, motivating, and empowering volunteers is where the real magic (and challenge!) lies. We’ll be bringing together experts and thought leaders to share insights that help you:
Build stronger volunteer communities
Measure and communicate impact
Use data and digital tools to improve volunteer experience
Foster inclusion and belonging
Keep volunteers motivated for the long haul
You’ll leave with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and new connections to help you get the best from your volunteers and give them the best in return. Whether you’re a volunteer manager, charity leader, or anyone working in volunteer engagement, you’ll find inspiration to take your work further.
Key Details
Date: Wednesday, the 24th of September
Time: All day, between 9:30am and 4:30pm. Not free all day? No problem, feel free to drop in and out where you like.
What does gardening have to do with volunteer management?
Quite a lot, as it turns out.
In this keynote, Tobi Johnson will explore how building healthy, sustainable volunteer programs is less about quick fixes and more about cultivating the right conditions for growth.
Tobi Johnson is a leading voice in volunteer engagement, known for blending fresh ideas with practical strategies that help programs truly thrive. With a reputation for sparking new ways of thinking, she brings energy, clarity, and inspiration to the challenge of engaging, supporting, and celebrating volunteers.
She’s also the host of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, where she shares practical tips and inspiring conversations each week on how organisations can grow thriving volunteer teams and harness the power of people to fuel change.
Joanne Irvine
Social Impact | Strategy | Evaluation
Session: Enhancing Volunteer Retention Through Participatory Evaluation
This session looks at how we can move beyond counting hours and pounds to better capture the real social value of volunteering. Using participatory evaluation, it explores how showing volunteers the impact of their efforts can both empower them and improve retention – drawing on research from Glasgow Life’s volunteer programme.
Once a volunteer is in the door – how do you keep them there? As we continue to see volunteering decline and as the voluntary sector grapples with the new and different expectations and ways in which volunteers want to get involved, it may be time for some new approaches.
One key consideration is that volunteers sign up to ‘make a difference’ but what if they don’t see the impact they are making? Yet volunteering impact is commonly measured in activities and numbers – of events held, volunteers mobilised and number of hours volunteered calculated against the minimum wage and rarely captures the impact on the communities they serve. The financial value doesn’t show the full value – and certainly not the outcomes or the impact – of what volunteering achieves. As the people, charities and organisations from the third and public sectors in the UK fighting for equality and social inclusion, we are increasingly feeling the pressure to speak the language of funders and government: return on investment, value for money and percentage contributions to GDP. That’s because we depend on getting the funding we need to be able to do what we do best: help people.
However, if even we are putting the emphasis on economic capital and measuring our success in GBP, who will be left to tell the human stories? What if we could better capture the real social value of what we do whilst also empowering volunteers to be involved in the process, so they also see the impact of their efforts? This session will explore how participatory evaluation can help evaluate and capture a richer and more holistic social value of volunteer-led services and contribute to volunteer empowerment and retention. It will do so using learning from research carried out by Joanne on the social impact of a Glasgow Life volunteer programme.
About Jo
As a social designer with a background in international development cooperation, Joanne advocates for the social inclusion, human rights and the empowerment of marginalised people and communities to achieve equality for all. She is passionate about participatory design and putting people at the centre of strategy, social design, learning, innovation and evaluation. Jo has longstanding experience with the United Nations Development Programme and the UN Migration Agency, providing technical assistance, capacity development, strategic planning and policy advice to help governments embrace diversity, reduce inequalities, and support communities become more inclusive and prosperous.
She has been fortunate to have lived in Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Belgium and Switzerland and has travelled and worked extensively with many countries’ local and national authorities, charities and UN partners worldwide. After returning to Scotland in 2023 and pursuing further education with the Glasgow School of Art, she is enjoying combining her experience in the third and public sectors with her passion for participatory design and innovation. She is now Chair of the Board of Trustees of Volunteer Glasgow and a consultant leveraging design-led research and participatory design to enhance strategic planning, fundraising, evaluation and research for charities and the UN.
Joanne holds a BA and MA in Hispanic Studies and French from Glasgow University, an MA in International Development Cooperation and European Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, a Diploma in Forced Migration and Human Rights from the UN University of Peace and an MDes Design Innovation and Citizenship from the Glasgow School of Art. As a lifelong learner, she is also working towards a BA in Visual Communications with the Open University.
Will Watt, founder of State of Life, will be joining us at the conference to share his expertise on measuring social value and impact in volunteering.
Will is a named advisor on the 2021 HM Treasury supplementary guidance on wellbeing. He founded State of Life (formerly Jump Projects) in 2016 after leading research into the economic value of sports volunteering in collaboration with Lord Gus O’Donnell. The study became a case study in the What Works Centre for Wellbeing.
State of Life helps organisations clearly show the difference they make in people’s lives. Launched in March 2020, the company’s approach is recommended in the UK Government’s guidance for using trusted, comparable measures of impact. Since 2016, State of Life has worked for the UN, NCS, Parkrun, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Girlguiding, the FA, National Trust, BT, the LTA, Sport England, Fields in Trust and more.
Its online tools and services make it easier and more affordable for charities, councils, and businesses to measure the real-world benefits of their work, so they can focus on making lives healthier and happier.
Session Title: Designing an open data infrastructure for volunteering
This session explores how an Open Data approach could reshape volunteer brokerage and open up new possibilities for collaboration across the sector.
Through a mix of ideas, examples, and interactive discussion, participants will be invited to imagine what a shared standard for volunteering data might look like, and consider the benefits it could bring to organisations, platforms, and volunteers themselves.
You’ll leave with fresh perspectives on how greater openness and interoperability could unlock growth, accessibility, and innovation in volunteering.
About Andrew
Andrew Newman is a data specialist with over 20 years’ experience leading and managing data teams and initiatives at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). He brings a broad range of expertise in data, alongside a people-focused and collaborative approach. Passionate about building communities and fostering collaboration, Andrew works to deliver services that drive real change and improvement.
About The Open Data Institute (ODI)
Founded in 2012 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Nigel Shadbolt, the ODI is a non-profit organisation dedicated to building trust in data. Independent and non-partisan, it works with partners across business, government, and civil society to drive transparency, accountability, and innovation. Through training, consultancy, and research, the ODI helps organisations use data more responsibly and with greater confidence, positioning itself as a trusted voice at the heart of the data economy.
How can we build more inclusive communities where everyone feels they have something valuable to give? Tempo Time Credits offer a practical way to engage people from all walks of life, rewarding time and contribution instead of money.
In this session, Amy will explore how the model works, share real-life stories of impact, and highlight how organisations are using Time Credits to reach, engage, and empower wider groups of people. Participants will gain insights into how to harness the power of recognition, reciprocity, and shared value to foster stronger, more connected communities.
About Amy
Amy Cole is the Head of Programmes for Wales at Tempo Time Credits, where she leads on the design and delivery of innovative programmes that empower individuals and communities through the power of Time Credits. With a strong background in community development and partnership working, Amy has extensive experience in creating opportunities that enable people from all walks of life to contribute their time, skills, and energy – and be recognised for it.
Passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and social impact, Amy works with local authorities, charities, health boards, and grassroots groups to ensure Tempo’s model reaches those who benefit most. She is committed to building stronger, more connected communities across Wales by championing collaboration, reciprocity, and shared value.
About Tempo
Tempo Time Credits is a national charity that helps people get involved in their communities through volunteering. By connecting local organisations and partners, Tempo creates networks where people can give their time, be recognised for their contributions, and access new opportunities.
Volunteers earn Tempo Time Credits for the time they give, which can be exchanged for activities and services with local and national Recognition Partners. This reward and recognition scheme not only celebrates the vital role volunteers play but also helps to build stronger, more connected communities.
Session: 5 Current Trends in Volunteering – and How Digital can Help
This session unpacks five key digital trends shaping volunteering today – from AI to recruitment outreach – and shows how leaders can adapt ideas from wider digital practice. It introduces Part 2 of the Digital in Volunteering Toolkit, with practical use cases to help apply digital tools effectively in volunteer management.
One of the big takeaways of our work on the Digital in Volunteering initiative is how very little of what’s happening in digital is unique to volunteering. Leaders of Volunteers increasingly need to know enough about digital developments to be able to consider and apply them in the volunteering space, often borrowing knowledge and translating approaches to digital from wider spheres.
AI is one obvious example – yes it offers possibilities of transformational change, but how can we apply those strengths best in volunteering?
Or perhaps in our recruitment outreach – digital channels and platforms have revolutionised how we communicate with volunteers, but we may also need some marketing skills in order to really make the most of them.
Volunteering doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and neither does digital. That’s where part 2 of our Toolkit is coming from – deep dive use cases into current areas of volunteering practice where digital is playing a role.
In this session, we’ll explore five current trends relevant to volunteering, the role digital is playing in each and how you can use Part 2 of our Toolkit to help your practice adapt to them.
Hello and welcome to TeamKinetic’s TeamTalk September newsletter in blog form! We hope you find value in this TeamTalk, as always, we really appreciate feedback, so feel free to leave a comment, shoot over an email, or message via social media.
This roundup is designed to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on at TeamKinetic, our partners, and across the third sector in general.
If you’d like to subscribe to the TeamTalk newsletter, please send an email over to me at alex@teamkinetic.co.uk and we’ll get you on the list!
To read our roundup of stories we think you need to know about, click to go to the next page below, or choose a story from the list:
Hello and welcome to TeamKinetic’s TeamTalk August newsletter in blog form! We hope you find value in this TeamTalk, as always, we really appreciate feedback, so feel free to leave a comment, shoot over an email, or message via social media.
This roundup is designed to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on at TeamKinetic, our partners, and across the third sector in general.
If you’d like to subscribe to the TeamTalk newsletter, please send an email over to me at alex@teamkinetic.co.uk and we’ll get you on the list!
To read our roundup of stories we think you need to know about, click to go to the next page below, or choose a story from the list:
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE HERITAGE VOLUNTEERING GROUP
The Heritage Volunteering Group exists to enable the heritage sector to realise the potential of volunteering to transform organisations, lives, and communities.
Our Volunteer Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by TeamKinetic, celebrates the achievements of those who have made a difference and recognises innovative and outstanding examples of volunteering leadership and management within our sector.
Last year’s winner, Kate Powell, said on receiving the award:
“Receiving an award which recognises achievements in a role which I just love and for work that I am incredibly passionate about, is very exciting. I am so lucky to work with a team of talented colleagues both at the Science and Industry Museum and across SMG, who over the last six years have been integral in helping me to build a volunteer and placement programme with our local communities right at the centre of our ambitions.”
Kate Powell, Volunteer Manager at the Science & Industry Museum
Whether a paid or unpaid, Volunteer Coordinator, Supervisor or Manager, if you know someone who has made a real difference to their organisations or their volunteers, then we want to know about it. This year, the winner will receive a £100 gift card, including an hour’s consultation with Rob Jackson Consulting Ltd, and the runner-up will receive a £25 gift card.
The winner will be announced at our annual conference, Heritage Volunteering 2025, which is taking place online on 25-26 November. Heritage Volunteering ‘25 will focus on the role volunteering can play in transforming communities. It will feature a range of keynote speakers, workshops, and panel discussions. Tickets are on sale now at an early bird price of £30.
Applications are welcome from all areas of the heritage sector. The nomination form can be downloaded from the home page at heritagevolunteeringgroup.org.uk and should be returned to heritagevolunteeringgroup@gmail.com by 31st August 2025.
Other News: Tickets Now Available for Heritage Volunteering’25
We’re pleased to announce that tickets for the heritage sector’s flagship volunteering conference, sponsored by Investing in Volunteers, Heritage Volunteering’25, are now on sale via Eventbrite.
Taking place via Zoom on 25 November and 26 November, 9:30 to 13:15, the conference will explore the role that volunteering can play in transforming lives and communities. Our packed itinerary includes insightful keynotes, thought-provoking plenaries and engaging workshops designed to help leaders of volunteers develop and transform the work they do.
This year’s Keynote Speaker, Lisa Ollerhead, Director of the Association of Independent Museums, will explore the impact of the cutting edge Connected Communities project; whilst, Professor Martin Webber and Dr. Beth Casey, from the University of York, will discuss their research and the practical tools they have developed to help organisations build more inclusive volunteering programmes. If that wasn’t enough, attendees will have the chance to pick from 12 workshops ranging from creating communities of volunteering to creating a sense of belonging.
For more information about the Heritage Volunteering Group and the work we do to enable the heritage sector to realise the potential of volunteering to transform organisations, lives, and communities, visit www.heritagevolunteeringgroup.org.uk
Tickets
Early bird: £30 (available until Friday 24 October)
Standard £40 (available from Saturday 25 October till Monday)
Volunteer management is at the heart of many organisations, from charities to community groups, and effective leadership is crucial to ensuring both the individual and the organisation feel the full benefits. The Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM) connects, develops and empowers you to lead, support and manage volunteers effectively by offering a wealth of resources, learning and development and networking opportunities.
Here’s a closer look at the membership benefits that make AVM an invaluable asset for volunteer managers across the UK.
1. Development and Learning Opportunities
AVM places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. Members gain access to a variety of events designed to enhance skills and knowledge:
Discounted Access to Events and Conference: Members receive discounts on public peer learning events and the annual conference, ensuring they can engage with leading experts and stay updated on best practices in volunteer management.
Member-Only Events: Exclusive events such as member forums and free think-ins, these sessions provide a platform for in-depth discussions and learning among peers.
2. Mentoring and Networking
Building connections and learning from others’ experiences is vital in volunteer management:
Mentoring Programme: AVM’s mentoring initiative pairs experienced professionals with those seeking guidance, fostering personal and professional growth. This programme is exclusive to AVM members and opens twice a year.
AVM Connect: A facilitated networking scheme that matches members with peers to share experiences, challenges, and solutions, helping to build a supportive community. This is also exclusive to AVM members and runs 5-6 times a year.
Face-to-face meetings: AVM has established regional networking groups across the UK to facilitate in-person peer support.
3. Exclusive Resources and Content
Members have access to a treasure trove of resources to support their work:
AVM Replay: Members can access a series of short webcasts and recordings from past events, offering insights into innovative practices and thought leadership in the sector.
4. Advocacy and Representation
AVM serves as a collective voice for volunteer managers, advocating for the recognition and development of the profession:
Representation: Through its activities, AVM works to raise the profile of volunteer management and influence policy and practice in the sector.
Membership Options
Recognising the diverse nature of volunteer management, AVM offers flexible membership fees:
Individual Membership: Annual fees are based on salary, with reduced rates for those managing volunteers in a voluntary capacity.
Organisational Membership: Organisations can choose the Learning & Development package that best fits their size, ensuring all staff and volunteers benefit from AVM’s offerings.
Joining the Association of Volunteer Managers provides a comprehensive support system for those dedicated to leading and developing volunteer programmes. From professional development and networking to exclusive resources and advocacy, AVM equips its members with the tools and community needed to excel in volunteer management. Whether you’re an individual professional or part of an organisation, AVM offers a pathway to enhance your impact and contribute to the growth of volunteering across the UK.
Join AVM today to feel the full benefit of connecting with fellow leaders of volunteering to make change happen together.
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Hello and welcome to TeamKinetic’s TeamTalk July newsletter in blog form! We hope you find value in this TeamTalk, as always, we really appreciate feedback, so feel free to leave a comment, shoot over an email, or message via social media.
This roundup is designed to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on at TeamKinetic, our partners, and across the third sector in general.
If you’d like to subscribe to the TeamTalk newsletter, please send an email over to me at alex@teamkinetic.co.uk and we’ll get you on the list!
To read our roundup of stories we think you need to know about, click to go to the next page below, or choose a story from the list:
Hello and welcome to TeamKinetic’s TeamTalk June newsletter in blog form! We hope you find value in this TeamTalk, as always, we really appreciate feedback, so feel free to leave a comment, shoot over an email, or message via social media.
This roundup is designed to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on at TeamKinetic, our partners, and across the third sector in general.
If you’d like to subscribe to the TeamTalk newsletter, please send an email over to me at alex@teamkinetic.co.uk and we’ll get you on the list!
To read our roundup of stories we think you need to know about, click to go to the next page below, or choose a story from the list:
Hello and welcome to TeamKinetic’s TeamTalk May newsletter in blog form! We hope you find value in this TeamTalk, as always, we really appreciate feedback so feel free to leave a comment, shoot over an email, or message via social media.
This roundup is designed to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on at TeamKinetic, our partners, and across the third sector in general.
If you’d like to subscribe to the TeamTalk newsletter, please send an email over to me at alex@teamkinetic.co.uk and we’ll get you on the list!
To read our roundup of stories we think you need to know about, click to go to the next page below, or choose a story from the list:
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending my very first HVMN Conference in Leeds. If you’re from the hospice sector, chances are we may have crossed paths over the past year. Finally getting to meet so many incredible people in person, hear their stories, and share experiences was truly a highlight.
This year’s conference took place at the beautiful Horizon Hotel in Leeds. The venue was spacious, which was a blessing given the number of sponsors and exhibition stands – no risk of feeling cramped! Our stand had a prime location right next to a coffee machine, which, if you ask me, is a small but significant win.
I spent two days immersed in conversations, listening to stories from hospices across the country – their challenges, their worries, but also their wins and hopes for the future. There’s something incredibly inspiring about being in a room full of people so dedicated to making the world a better place. Yes, my social battery was running low by the end of each day, but I left with a renewed sense of hope and excitement for what’s ahead.
Lessons learned
Leaving the event after two days was bittersweet – I only wish it happened more than once a year! But more than anything, I felt grateful to be part of such a passionate and resilient community.
Each day was packed with insightful speakers who weren’t afraid to tackle big, sometimes controversial, topics. And that’s what made these talks so impactful. They reminded everyone in the room that they’re not alone in their struggles. It’s easy to forget how isolating this kind of work can be until you’re in a space where others openly share the same feelings. The camaraderie in the room was undeniable. It’s no wonder so many people left with big smiles on their faces.
From TeamKinetic’s perspective, it was fantastic to see our clients in person and catch up over a coffee. I had the chance to chat with many people, including those who didn’t end up using our system – it was still lovely to check in and see how things were going.
Having attended a few conferences during my time at TeamKinetic, I can say that each one has its own unique character. What makes the HVMN Conference stand out is that everyone there is in the same boat. There’s an unspoken understanding, a shared mission, and even the formation of friendships.
