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.
Hello and welcome to TeamKinetic’s TeamTalk April 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:
Volunteering has always been a powerful way to support causes that truly make a difference. War Child, an incredible charity dedicated to helping children affected by conflict, is no exception. As an organisation that will soon be using our volunteer management software, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience their work firsthand by volunteering for War Child at one of their events.
Why Volunteer for War Child?
War Child has an amazing presence in the UK’s music scene, organising events that raise funds to support children in need. Their work extends beyond just fundraising. It’s about bringing people together through music to make a real impact.
If you’re a music lover and enjoy being part of live events, volunteering for War Child is an incredible way to combine your passion with a great cause.
My First Time Volunteering for War Child
When I learned that War Child needed volunteers for a Tom Walker concert in Glasgow, part of Brits Week, I jumped at the opportunity. Having spoken to their team before, I already knew how passionate and genuine they were.
Before the event, I was in regular contact with Georgie and the UK fundraising team, who ensured everything was well organised. On the day of the concert, I arrived at the venue and was greeted by two volunteer managers, Rich and Jim. They made sure all the volunteers felt welcome and prepared.
What Did We Do?
The main role of volunteers at the event was to sell merchandise and encourage donations. Before the concert started, we received training on how to use card readers and handle different customer situations. It was great to see how smoothly everything was run and how much thought had gone into making sure volunteers felt supported.
One of the best parts of the night was working alongside other volunteers, including Gaelle, who also shared her thoughts on the experience:
“It was my first time volunteering at a music event, and I loved how engaging it was. Everyone was in great spirits, and knowing we were helping War Child’s cause made it even more rewarding.”
Why This Experience Stood Out
This was not just my first time volunteering for War Child. It was my first time volunteering in the UK.
As someone who works in the volunteer management sector, I was eager to see how volunteering works in practice at a large-scale fundraising event. War Child’s approach was efficient, well-organised, and welcoming, setting a great example for other charities looking to engage volunteers effectively.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering at the Tom Walker concert was an unforgettable experience. It combined my love for music with a meaningful cause. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into organising charity events. If you’re a music fan looking for a way to give back, I highly recommend volunteering for War Child.
Who knows – you might just find yourself at the next big concert, making a difference one donation at a time.
Interested in Volunteering? Keep an eye on War Child’s website for future opportunities. You can also reach out directly to see how you can get involved!
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
Hello and welcome to TeamKinetic’s TeamTalk March 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 February newsletter in blog form! Well to kick things off, all of us at TeamKinetic wish you all a very happy new year! We hope you found the time to rest and recover over the holidays.
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 January newsletter in blog form! Well to kick things off, all of us at TeamKinetic wish you all a very happy new year! We hope you found the time to rest and recover over the holidays.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? They’re always easier to make than stick to, aren’t they? But it’s always nice to have a goal to work towards, no matter how big or small it may be!
We hope you find value in this TeamTalk to kick off the year. 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:
As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to look back at everything that’s happened at TeamKinetic in 2024. It’s been a year full of exciting launches, inspiring conversations, and new ways to support the amazing volunteering community. Here’s a TeamKinetic 2024 roundup of what we’ve been up to!
January: Easing Back Into It
January was all about getting back into the swing of things after the holidays. Sometimes you need a bit of a reset to prepare for the big things ahead – and trust us, there was a lot coming! Behind the scenes, we were working on new updates, upcoming events, and a full rebrand. That meant that January contained a lot of strategy meetings around how we could make your volunteer management smoother than ever.
February: Tempo Time Credits Integration
February was when things really got going, starting with the launch of our Tempo Time Credits integration. This was a game-changer for recognising volunteers’ contributions, making it easier than ever for you to show your appreciation. Volunteers could now earn credits for their time and trade them for amazing experiences like cinema trips or days out. A win-win for everyone!
We also gave the TeamKinetic app a much-needed refresh. With a fresh, modern interface and smoother user experience, the updated app makes volunteering on the go a breeze. It’s all about saving you time and making your life easier.
We held a launch event to celebrate the release of both of these things. You can watch the recording to find out more:
March: Partnerships That Make a Difference
March was all about building connections to expand opportunities for you.
First, we teamed up with the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) to dive into volunteering in events, an area that’s so close to our hearts. Festivals rely on passionate volunteers, and this partnership aims to make their contributions more visible and impactful.
We alsojoined forces with DoIt, laying the groundwork for our integration that would help you share volunteer opportunities widely, including during The Big Help Out. These collaborations weren’t just about us. They were about creating more ways for your opportunities to reach the right people.
April: Testing New Ideas
April was all about trying new things. We launched our first-ever white-labeled app for Manchester City Council, giving them a customised platform to engage with their volunteers in a way that reflected their unique identity. It was a proud moment for us and a glimpse into what’s possible when technology meets creativity.
In April, Chris and Imo also sat down with Ian Braid for TeamTalk S3E2. Ian, founder of DOCIASport, gave us some brilliant insights into mental health and volunteering in sports.
DOCIAsport is an award-winning business that supports ‘the people who look after the people’. DOCIA stands for ‘Duty Of Care In Action’ and it’s something that may have been overlooked in the past. Ian and his team are doing incredible work across the sport sector now, so check out the episode below:
And that’s not all! We also partnered with the Heritage Volunteering Group (HVG) to support organisations in the heritage sector, opening up new avenues for engaging volunteers in cultural and historical spaces.
May: Big Updates, Big Changes
May was all about delivering on the promises we’d been working on for months. We launched TeamKinetic 2.5, packed with features designed to make managing volunteers more intuitive. From smart searches to better email tools and the ability to merge duplicate accounts, this update was built to tackle some of the most common challenges you face.
The full list of updates was as follows:
Creating and saving personalised smart searches
New search filters
WYSIWYG emails
Self-reported volunteering
Email delivery reports
Hide inactive volunteers
Merge volunteer accounts
Share private notes
The Big Help Out DoIt integration
TheDoIt integration for The Big Help Out made it easier for you to promote your opportunities and connect with the surge of people inspired to volunteer. It was all about making sure you could make the most of this nationwide event.
June: Celebrating Volunteers Everywhere
June was another busy month for us!
To kick off June, we joined the Volunteers’ Week celebrations. Between the 3rd and 9th of June, we celebrated the amazing contributions of volunteers around the world. Not only that, but towards the end of the week we saw The Big Help Out take place. With our DoIt integration, your opportunities got the spotlight during The Big Help Out, connecting you with a massive wave of 6.5 million people ready to give volunteering a go.
And that’s still not all! Tobi Johnson hosted an inspiring event, Beyond the Big Help Out, all about improving volunteer recruitment and engagement. We were so excited to sponsor this event, hosted by AVM. During the day, Tobi challenged pre-existing ideas of what a good volunteer strategy looks like and offered some great tips and practical advice to take on.
July: Sharing New Perspectives
In July, we focused on sharing insights and connecting with the community.
Chris appeared on Tobi Johnson’s Volunteer Nation Podcast, talking about fresh ways to think about volunteer data and technology. He shared our mission to simplify volunteering and how TeamKinetic is all about creating tech that drives social good.
We also shared tips on linking TeamKinetic with Google Analytics. By linking TeamKinetic with Google Analytics, you get the inside scoop on your volunteers and can make smarter decisions about recruitment and engagement.
August: Creativity and Updates
August was all about keeping things fresh and innovative. We rolled out TeamKinetic 2.5.1, a smaller update but packed with meaningful tweaks to make the platform even better for you.
We also explored the power of creativity on TeamTalk with Katherine Perrin, who showed us how LEGO Serious Play can spark collaboration and problem-solving within volunteer teams. It was a fun and inspiring way to think about building stronger connections with your volunteers.
September: Conference Season is Here
September was all about bringing people together! The TeamKinetic 2024 Conference was a big highlight of 2024 for us. We had volunteer managers, sector leaders, and experts from across the UK all in one (virtual) room, sharing ideas and inspiring each other.
The mix of practical insights and big-picture thinking made this year’s conference extra special. We covered everything from the latest trends in volunteering to tips for making the most of tech tools (like TeamKinetic!). Our speakers delivered sessions on creative problem-solving, digital transformation, and volunteer engagement.
For us, the conference is more than just an event. It’s a way to show our commitment to supporting you. Whether you walked away with actionable tips, a new perspective, or just a sense of community, we hope it reminded you why we’re so passionate about what we do.
October was all about stepping back, looking at the bigger picture, and thinking about what’s next for volunteering. We had some incredible opportunities to connect with leaders in the sector and explore how we can continue to support you in managing and inspiring your volunteers.
On TeamTalk, we hosted Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland. He shared some amazing insights into the trends shaping our sector, particularly for Scotland. From adapting to the challenges of modern volunteering to making sure we’re creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for everyone.
October was also conference month for the Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM), and we were thrilled to take part. The AVM Conference is one of the best places to connect with volunteer managers across the UK, and this year was no different. We had some great conversations, exchanged ideas, and shared how TeamKinetic can help make managing volunteers simpler and more effective.
What we love about events like the AVM conference is that they’re not just about the present, they’re about preparing for the future. Whether it’s tackling the challenges of recruiting younger volunteers, embracing new technologies, or redefining what it means to support your team, these events spark the ideas and actions that shape the years ahead. Not just for you, but for us and the TeamKinetic software too!
For us, October reaffirmed the importance of staying connected to the community. We’re not just here to provide software. We’re here to understand your needs, amplify your voice, and work alongside you to make volunteering the best it can be.
November: Highlighting the Importance of Inclusion
In November, we explored equality, diversity, and inclusion in volunteering with Shruti Saujani from the FA on TeamTalk. Shruti gave us plenty to think about, from breaking down barriers to creating more welcoming spaces for volunteers from all walks of life.
It was a powerful reminder that volunteering should be accessible to everyone and that small changes can make a big impact in building inclusive teams. You can catch the full episode below:
December: Finishing the Year Strong
We wrapped up the year with the launch of the Digital in Volunteering Toolkit, an exciting project we’ve been working on for a long time. The Toolkit was created in collaboration with AVM and Gethyn Williams. This toolkit is designed to help you thrive in today’s digital-first world, packed with tips and resources to make managing volunteers easier and more effective.
It was the perfect way to end a year full of growth and innovation, and we’re so excited to see how you use it to create even more impact in 2025. Stay tuned for more on the Toolkit and Community of Practice. And if you have absolutely no idea what either of those things are, watch the launch recording below and download the toolkit now.
What’s Next? 2024 has been an incredible year for TeamKinetic, and we couldn’t have done it without all of you. Our partners, users, and of course, all the amazing volunteers out there. Here’s to more growth, connections, and opportunities in 2025. Let’s see what the new year brings!
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
On 5th December, we celebrated the launch of the Digital in Volunteering Toolkit, developed by TeamKinetic, Gethyn Williams, and the Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM).
This toolkit, designed with input from experts in volunteer management and technology, aims to help organisations navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with confidence.
Here’s a recap of the event and a look at what’s next for volunteer managers:
A Dynamic Panel
We kicked things off by discussing how to use technology in the most meaningful way. It’s not about jumping on the latest tech trends just because they’re shiny, but figuring out how digital tools can genuinely help tackle challenges.
This led to the idea of creating the toolkit – something that started as a small project but grew into a game-changer over the past year.
The online launch event gave us an excuse to bring together a fantastic panel of speakers to explore the opportunities and challenges of adopting digital tools in volunteer management.
Hosted by Ruth Leonard (AVM), the panel featured:
Chris Martin (TeamKinetic)
Alan Stevenson (Volunteer Scotland)
Maddy Desforges (NAVCA)
During the panel session, Maddy shared her struggle with CRMs. This probably hit home for a lot of people at the launch. It’s that classic problem of spending so much time putting data in, but being unable to pull out what you need when needed. Finding that sweet spot of efficiency and usability is still a work in progress for many of us. The Toolkit hopes to help you solve issues like that.
They also talked about the value of having ‘critical friends’. These are people who tell you when you’re off track and help you engage better with volunteers. It’s not just about having the right systems in place; it’s also about building relationships and keeping volunteers on the journey with you.
Exploring the Toolkit
After the panel, Gethyn Williams guided attendees through the toolkit’s contents. Packed with practical advice and insights, the toolkit is a resource to help organisations:
Assess their digital needs
Identify suitable tools and solutions
Overcome common barriers to adoption
If you’ve not yet accessed the toolkit, it’s available to download for free:
The toolkit is a way to make tackling volunteer challenges less daunting. Think of it as breaking down a huge task into bite-sized pieces. It will help organisations get started without feeling overwhelmed. It looks at digital adoption through three lenses: scale, efficiency, and experience. Whether it’s about reaching more people, streamlining internal processes, or creating a standout volunteer experience, the toolkit uses these principles to guide organisations.
Bonus: it can even help build a strong business case for your volunteer programs.
We wanted this toolkit to feel different. It’s based on the real-world challenges that volunteer managers face daily. The feedback and iterations over the past year have shaped it into something truly tailored for leaders on the front lines.
Introducing the Community of Practice
The launch event also marked the beginning of a new Community of Practice, designed to create a space for volunteer managers to collaborate, share, and advocate for the role of digital technology in volunteering. You can sign up for the community of practice when you download the toolkit.
What the Community Offers
Learning: Peer support and shared knowledge to navigate digital challenges
Influence: Mobilising collective voices to shape the market and contribute to national conversations
Access: Priority access to Parts 2 and 3 of the toolkit, as well as early notice of training opportunities
Hosted by AVM and supported by TeamKinetic and Gethyn Williams, this vendor-neutral Community of Practice is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and drive positive change.
Looking Ahead
What’s next? More conversations!
Podcasting, blogs, and social media will play a big role in keeping the discussion alive, with experts and practitioners sharing insights on volunteering, tech, and everything in between.
As technology continues to evolve, the need for adaptable, innovative solutions in volunteer management has never been greater. The Digital in Volunteering Toolkit and the Community of Practice provide the resources and networks volunteer managers need to thrive in this dynamic environment.
We’re excited about the conversations and collaborations this initiative is going to spark. If you’re passionate about harnessing digital tools to enhance volunteering, we invite you to join us on this journey.
Download the toolkit now and stay tuned for updates and opportunities to engage with the Community of Practice. Together, we can shape the future of volunteer management.
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
