Welcome to Season 3 of our TeamTalk Podcast! This season, we are talking to thought leaders, customers and stakeholders from the world of volunteer management as we dive deeper into the world of volunteering.
We are also joined again by our co-host Imo Greatbatch. Imo is currently the Head of Volunteering at England Netball, she is passionate about volunteering in sports and is offering her knowledge and insight on the topic.
In this TeamTalk episode, we were super excited to be joined by Rob Jackson. Rob has worked in the volunteering movement for almost 30 years, during which time he has led and managed volunteers and volunteering in education, advice, fundraising and children’s services settings at local, regional and national levels.
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Join Chris, Imo and Rob as they discuss Rob’s journey into volunteering and volunteer management, the current state of the world of work and how it might affect volunteering, and the upcoming TeamKinetic Conference.
A big thank you to Rob. It was great to catch up and hear his journey into how he got into the world of volunteering.
Rob worked for Volunteering England for six years, most of which he spent as Director of Development and Innovation. Rob also provided the secretariat to the ground breaking Volunteer Rights Inquiry.
As well as his expertise in volunteerism, Rob has strong links with the fundraising world. He spent six years as a member of the Institute of Fundraising’s Standards Committee and chaired the Institute’s working party which developed the UK’s first code of good practice on volunteer fundraising.
In 2011 Rob established Rob Jackson Consulting Ltd and now provides consultancy, public speaking and training services on a range of topics, with strategic volunteer engagement remaining at the core of his work. Rob works with clients large and small in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Rob is an active volunteer, having previously served as chair of governors at a large Lincolnshire primary school and founded UKVPMs, an email networking resource for UK based Volunteer Programme Managers that operated between 1997 and 2020 (and now as a LinkedIn group).
Enjoyed this episode? Why not join us at our 2023 Conference, where we take a look at the changing world and its potential impact on volunteering. Rob will even be joining us as a speaker! You can get your ticket now for the low price of £10.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, including the world of volunteering. As a result, there are valuable lessons to be learned and new opportunities to be seized with post-pandemic volunteering.
So what are these lessons? What can we learn from the pandemic and how can we explore emerging opportunities for post-pandemic volunteering?
Resilience and Community Spirit
The UK yo-yo-ing in and out of lockdowns created a new kind of resilience and community spirit that many neighbourhoods may not have seen before. Those who were able to help their vulnerable neighbours were happy to do so, from befriending to shopping deliveries, the power of individuals coming together to support one another was highlighted during this time. This renewed sense of community can continue to inspire and drive volunteering efforts in a post-pandemic society.
These small acts of service during the pandemic have shed light on the power of micro-volunteering. Perhaps people now realise that they can volunteer and help their communities without long-term commitments. This perception of volunteering as a long-term commitment may have deterred people in the past due to busy lifestyles and other obligations. Micro-volunteering allows people to get involved and improve their communities in a way that works for them.
Remote Volunteering and Virtual Engagement
One of the significant adaptations during the pandemic was the rise of remote volunteering and virtual engagement. This shift presents new opportunities for volunteer engagement – especially for those who may face challenges in the form of geographical or physical limitations.
Remote/virtual volunteering is accessible, inclusive, and again, allows for more micro-volunteering opportunities. Offering volunteering opportunities that are remote opens you up to a new, wider range of potential volunteers. Remote volunteering gives flexibility, not only to volunteers but to the opportunity providers too.
Health and Safety Considerations
The COVID-19 pandemic brought health and safety to the forefront of our collective consciousness. We learned valuable lessons about the importance of implementing proper health and safety protocols in all walks of life, including volunteering. These protocols protect both the volunteers and the communities they help.
As we continue to navigate a post-pandemic world, these lessons will guide us to create safer environments for volunteers to do the work they love and improve the well-being of everyone involved. Prioritising health and safety considerations in volunteer programs can create an environment that protects volunteers, beneficiaries, and the wider community.
Reimagining Volunteer Roles and Skills
During the pandemic, traditional volunteer roles were re-evaluated and re-purposed to dynamically meet the needs of local communities. COVID-19 prompted people to learn new skills and adapt. The shift to remote communication caused many people to learn how to use digital technologies for the first time – something that will no doubt be handy in the years to come. It has also opened the door for new volunteering opportunities centred around aiding people use these technologies who may have difficulty on their own.
The adaptability of people during this difficult time is admirable. The ever-changing world in which we live is likely to throw up new challenges again, but we can be confident in the population’s ability to adapt and respond in order to help their community.
Mental Health and Emotional Support
One big impact of the pandemic and lockdown was a rise in social isolation. People who lived alone were suddenly separated from society. To combat this, we saw a large increase in befriending services, with people giving their time to regularly contact someone within their community to combat those feelings of isolation.
Aside from that, the pandemic also took a toll on mental health generally. It highlighted the importance of taking care of your mental health and the need for good access to mental health services. Incorporating mental health resources and prioritising emotional well-being within day-to-day volunteer programs is now crucial. This approach not only enhances the support available to volunteers but also allows them to better serve and empathise with those they assist, building a better community.
You can do this by:
Regular training for all volunteers about mental health awareness
Providing resources and information about local services they can use
Peer support networks
Regular mental health check-ins
Promoting open conversations about mental health
Continually evaluating the resources you provide to your volunteers is also essential. Remember to keep everything up-to-date and relevant to make the best impact!
Enjoyed this blog? Why not join us at our 2023 Conference, where we take a look at the changing world and its potential impact on volunteering. You can get your ticket now for the low price of £10!
Ensure you follow us on our social media pages to receive regular updates about the voluntary sector and learn more about the TeamKinetic system. You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
TeamKinetic are proud to have provided volunteer management for the Eurovision 2023 song contest! Hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine, Eurovision was set to be a unifying yet moving event. Thanks to all involved, Eurovision 2023 was about far more than music alone.
Who, What, Where, Why TeamKinetic?
Nicknamed the ‘Eurovols’, Eurovision 2023 created a unique community of volunteers. Comprised of people of all backgrounds, ethnicities and lifestyles, there were a staggering total of 2,558 registered volunteers on the TeamKinetic Eurovision site. Eurovision could access information regarding volunteers’ language capabilities, accessibility needs and personal skills to form a diverse, inclusive volunteer group. With the help of TeamKinetic, Eurovision achieved its ambition of blending local volunteers with volunteers who had knowledge of the Ukrainian culture and language.
Eurovision events took place across multiple Liverpool locations. Therefore, Eurovision sought a platform that could engage with and manage volunteers who were travelling from near and far for a spectacular series of events. Volunteers were posted across Liverpool’s city centre, at transport hubs, the Eurovision Village on the Pier Head, and at the Tourist Information Centre in Liverpool ONE. Duties included scanning tickets, meeting and greeting visitors and welcoming performers to backstage areas in the Eurovision Village.
Making History
There were an astounding 11,547 volunteering hours logged on Eurovision’s TeamKinetic system; that’s over 480 days worth of volunteering! 1 year of planning for more than 1 year of volunteering hours seems justified! Eurovision 2023 scored highs in many other areas too:
As communicated by the Eurovision 2023 slogan ‘united by music’, hosting on behalf of Ukraine was a symbolic gesture of hope and alliance. With 18 languages performed, there was also a resurgence in participant entries not sung in English. ESC 2023 was a 2-week long cultural festival involving many Ukranian volunteering and collaborations between UK and Ukranian artists. Even The Beatles’ iconic yellow submarine became yellow and blue to honour the Ukranian flag!
I want to be part of Eurovision this year because it will make me feel closer to my home when I am far away.
Olena, a Ukranian who fled to Liverpool in May 2022
2023’s event lived up to Eurovision’s reputation as an embodiment of LGBTQ+ culture. Comprising 53.5% of TV viewers, 15-24-year-olds are clearly embracing the spirit of Eurovision! When questioned as to why she thinks the LGBTQ+ community love Eurovision, Mae Muller, the UK’s 2023 entry, described Eurovision as:
…very inclusive, there’s not a lot of judgement. You can feel that as a fan watching, but being in it, [you] can really see just how true that is.
As evidenced by the amazing testimonies and record-breaking statistics, Eurovision 2023 was much more than music. TeamKinetic was beneficial for presenting cohesive, organised communication and, in turn, events. Without volunteers, Eurovision would not be the amazing spectacle that we know and love!
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
Having a learning or physical disability should not be a barrier to volunteering. However, the 2023 NCVO Time Well Spent report found that due to both practical and attitudinal challenges, volunteers with disabilities are less satisfied than volunteers without disabilities. In reality, it is often those who would receive the greatest benefit from volunteering who are least likely to be able to take part. Through increased understanding and inclusivity, this can change.
Understanding your volunteers
Make your volunteers welcome by providing opportunities that showcase their strengths. Many skills, such as befriending, do not rely on being physically capable.
Like understands like. Utilising volunteers who can empathise with those going through similar experiences is invaluable for both your organisation and your volunteers.
In a world that is often inaccessible and unpredictable for people with a disability, building the confidence and trust of volunteers with a disability is vital. Your organisation can be a safe space for those who feel excluded elsewhere.
Active opportunities
For those with a disability, leading a healthy lifestyle is still a priority. Sport England cites low confidence and a lack of appropriate opportunities as contributors to high levels of inactivity among the disabled community. However, TeamKinetic users British Blind Sport and UK Deaf Sport exemplify the growing possibilities for sportspeople with disabilities. As bid for by British Blind Sport, the upcoming International Blind Sports Federation World Games is set to be an inspiring occasion. If carried out in a way that is accessible, volunteering is a brilliant way for people with disabilities to be active both physically and within their community.
Online opportunities
For those who are less able to take part in physical activity, online volunteering is the perfect way to get involved. Since Covid, the amount of organisations offering online volunteering opportunities has risen, and it looks like online opportunities are here to stay. Alongside a low satisfaction rate amongst volunteers with disabilities, the Time Well Spent report concluded that there is no reduction in online volunteer satisfaction as opposed to in-person. This is great news for organisations with a tighter budget, reduced staff, and, importantly, volunteers with additional needs.
TeamKinetic for inclusivity
We have developed a keen understanding of the need for any solution to be inclusive and accessible. All TeamKinetic’s work adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA), and we have undertaken real-world user testing with the Glasgow Disability Partnership and British Blind Sport. There are several features on our volunteer management system that accommodate volunteers with disabilities:
TeamKinetic is compatible with Screen Reading software.
All volunteers can disclose their disability when registering and can update this at any time.
Volunteer managers can manually add volunteers to an opportunity if volunteers are unable to do so themselves.
As this post has highlighted, inclusivity must be prioritised. If you have any suggestions as to how TeamKinetic can become more inclusive, please comment below or get in touch with alex@teamkinetic.co.uk
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
Here at TeamKinetic, we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Volunteer Centres across the Liverpool City Region (LCR) to revolutionise volunteering accessibility. We’re providing organisations across the LCR our volunteer management tools that can work in collaboration with one another. With each organisation using TeamKinetic, we’re able to establish a unified and dynamic platform that boosts Liverpool City Region volunteering efforts.
The Liverpool City Region Volunteering Orbit is a central place to showcase voluntary opportunities across the LCR, managed by the Volunteer Centres across Halton & St Helens, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.
The roots of this project can be traced back to 2016 when TeamKinetic first introduced its digital volunteer management tools to Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the award-winning ‘I Can Help’ community task app was developed. Building on these successes, a comprehensive report was commissioned to explore the integration of TeamKinetic’s platform with other digital volunteer services in the LCR, ultimately enhancing the sector’s response to future challenges.
Through TeamKinetic, organisations across the LCR can collaborate, share volunteers, and promote various volunteering opportunities, significantly amplifying the region’s community impact. Currently encompassing six volunteer boroughs and five volunteer centres, the model aims to expand by involving additional voluntary organisations and major events within the region.
Local organisations within the LCR can now sign up for free and utilise a single account to showcase their volunteering opportunities across the entire region.
On the other hand, volunteers benefit from a seamless experience by easily accessing and joining opportunities, logging their hours, and tracking their volunteering journey across the LCR from a single login.
A volunteer’s dashboard on TeamKinetic
The Liverpool City Region Volunteering Portal secured funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority after the successful deployment of a TeamKinetic approach to community-based volunteering programmes through the Covid-19 pandemic. Bringing volunteering opportunities and a one-stop space for volunteers to find them is part of a City Wide Solution to better partnership working and responding to events; activities and emergencies across the patch.
Claire Redford-Kerr Volunteering Lead, Halton & St Helens VCA
At TeamKinetic, our ambition has always been to make volunteering easier. This project is a testament to that commitment for the people of the Liverpool City Region, made possible by the fantastic and forward-thinking teams at each of the local infrastructure organisations.
Chris Martin director, TeamKinetic
The partnership is live now at https://volunteeringlcr.org/ marking a significant milestone in enhancing access to volunteering opportunities throughout the Liverpool City Region.
TeamKinetic is a leading provider of volunteer management solutions, dedicated to streamlining and enhancing the volunteering experience for organisations and individuals. With innovative technology and a passion for community engagement, TeamKinetic aims to transform the way volunteering is managed and accessed, making it easier for people to contribute to their communities and create a positive impact.
The Volunteering LCR partnership consists of Halton & St Helens VCA, Liverpool CVS, One Knowsley and Sefton CVS working with the 8,600 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups operating across the Liverpool City Region.
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
As a volunteer manager in a museum, you have the responsibility to ensure that your volunteers feel supported and engaged, while also helping the museum achieve its mission. We’ve put together some tips to help you manage museum volunteers effectively.
Set clear expectations
Before volunteers begin their role, make sure they understand their responsibilities and the expectations for their performance. This could include the expected volunteer hours, their duties and the rules and regulations they should follow. By setting clear expectations, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Ensure you provide suitable training and resources
Volunteers will perform their best when they feel confident and knowledgeable about their role. Provide them with training that covers everything from the history of the museum to the specific duties of each volunteer position. Consider developing training materials, such as videos or handouts, to help volunteers learn more about the museum.
Communication is key
Regularly check in with volunteers to assure they’re satisfied with their volunteering role and answer any questions they may have. If you opt for a volunteer management system such as TeamKinetic, you can ensure you are communicating with your volunteers efficiently at all times.
Within our system, there are a variety of customisable automatic emails and other ways you can contact your volunteers using system notifications, SMS texts and opportunity chat rooms to help you maintain strong relationships with your volunteers. With these communication tools you can keep volunteers informed about upcoming events, news, and changes at the museum.
Learn more about sufficient volunteer management using TeamKinetic here.
Show appreciation and reward your volunteers
Volunteers dedicate their time and energy to helping the museum succeed, so it’s vital to recognise their contributions. Consider offering small tokens of appreciation, such as certificates, thank you letters or awards. You could also organise volunteer appreciation events or offer perks such as free admission or discounts in the museum shop.
You can easily reward your volunteers using system. We have a few ways you can reward volunteers including achievement badges and even our Unique HourTrades feature which allows volunteers to swap their logged hours for special rewards.
Use volunteer management software
Using a volunteer management system can ensure your volunteers are managed efficiently. Volunteer management software can automate many time-consuming tasks such as volunteer registration, communication, and scheduling. This can save a significant amount of time for volunteer coordinators, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.
Interested in speeding up your volunteer registrations and reducing administrative burden? Get started with our volunteer management software today! With TeamKinetic you can start a FREE trial today over on our website or book a demo!
By following these tips, you can create positive and productive management for your museum volunteers. With clear expectations, effective communication, and a supportive environment, volunteers will feel valued and engaged, and the museum will thrive.
Ensure you follow us on our social media pages to receive regular updates about the voluntary sector and learn more about the TeamKinetic system.
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
Managing volunteers can be challenging, especially if you want to maximise their engagement and impact. Opting for a volunteer management system can help you manage your volunteers successfully. Here at TeamKinetic, we’ve put together our top tips for managing volunteers effectively to help you lead a fantastic team of volunteers.
Clearly define roles and opportunities
One of the essential elements of effective volunteer management is to clearly define the roles and expectations of each volunteer. This includes what tasks they will perform, how much time they are expected to commit, and what skills or experience are required. Having a clear understanding of expectations and roles helps to minimise confusion, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure everyone is working towards a common goal is a key starting point for managing your volunteers effectively. By using a volunteer management system such as TeamKinetic, you can write detailed role descriptions when creating opportunities.
We have a blog post all about how you can get the best out of your opportunity descriptions which you can read here.
Recruit volunteers strategically
To build an effective volunteer team, it’s important to recruit strategically. This involves recognising the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for each role and targeting specific demographics or groups. You can use social media, community events, and word-of-mouth referrals to attract potential volunteers. We have a blog post about what qualities to look for when recruiting volunteers which is useful to read.
Consistent communication
Effective communication is key to managing volunteers successfully. Establishing clear communication channels is essential, including regular team meetings, email updates, or newsletters.
With our volunteer management system, you can keep in close contact with your volunteers at all times. Within our system, there are a range of customisable automatic emails and other ways you can contact them using system notifications, SMS texts and opportunity chat rooms to help you maintain strong relationships with your volunteers.
Read our guide to effective communication with volunteers here.
Opportunity chat rooms within the TeamKinetic system
Provide sufficient training
Volunteers may need suitable training to perform their roles effectively. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide adequate training to ensure that volunteers have the knowledge and skills they need to complete their tasks. Training can include onboarding sessions, mentoring, and ongoing coaching to help volunteers develop their skills and stay motivated.
Offer flexible schedules
Volunteers often have other commitments, such as work or family, so offering flexible schedules can help with retention. At the end of adding an opportunity within the TeamKinetic system, you are given a choice to list your opportunity as a flexible or individual session. A flexible opportunity is when you need a volunteer for a certain role but it’s not always on the same date when it’s needed. Meaning you have the date you want the volunteering role to be completed but you are flexible about when the volunteer attends.
Option to choose individual or flexible sessions on the TeamKinetic system
Reward your volunteers
Volunteers dedicate their time and energy to support your organisation, so showing appreciation is crucial to keeping them engaged and motivated.
You can easily reward your volunteers with our system. We have a few ways you can reward volunteers including achievement badges and even our Unique HourTrades feature which allows volunteers to swap their logged hours for special rewards. TeamKinetic will also send automated messages to your volunteers on milestones, such as their birthdays or when they reach a new achievement level.
Provide feedback
A positive culture can help volunteers feel valued and included, increasing engagement and retention. You can create a positive culture by encouraging a sense of community, providing opportunities for volunteers to socialise, and promoting a shared mission. Within the TeamKinetic system, you can have two-way feedback on every opportunity, which ensures your volunteers are kept happy and fulfilled.
Track performance and progress
Monitoring performance and progress is essential to ensure that volunteers are meeting their goals and making an impact within the organisation.
Real-time, detailed, and effective analysis of all aspects of your volunteer programme helps you tell a clear story of your organisation’s social value. With TeamKinetic you can receive two-way feedback on every opportunity, so you can ensure volunteers are kept content and fulfilled.
Example of the Reports & Analysis Quick Stats page within the TeamKinetic system
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, effective volunteer management is crucial to maximising engagement and impact. With these top tips, you can build a successful team of volunteers that make a meaningful contribution to your organisation’s mission.
Interested in speeding up your volunteer registrations and reducing administrative burden? Why not start with a volunteer management system? With TeamKinetic you can start a FREE trial today over on our website or book a demo!
Make sure you follow us to receive regular updates about the voluntary sector and learn more about the TeamKinetic system.
You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:
