Category: Events and Conferences

TeamKinetic’s 4th annual volunteer conference – Day 1

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On 18th September 2018

In Events and Conferences

TeamKinetic hosted their 4th annual volunteer conference on the 11th and 12th of September in partnership with Greater Sport and the Manchester Metropolitan University.

Day 1 of the conference allowed current customers to attend the exclusive event and gain further insight into current developments and new features on the volunteer system.

TeamKinetic Logo

Introduction to customer workshop

The volunteer conference was initiated by current customers arriving at the venue where they had some time to talk among one another and grab a quick tea or coffee before the workshop masterclass by Steven Hall. Some of the TeamKinetic customer organisations present were…

The volunteer conference workshop kicked off by an introduction of the TeamKinetic itinerary and organisation, as well as an opportunity for all customers present to formally introduce themselves and their organisation.

Update Overview

After the introduction, Steven went on to discuss the update overview and explain what each update would mean to the TeamKinetic customers. This was an opportunity for our customers to get a further understanding of the changes being made, and inquire more information regarding the update. Here are some of the topics that were covered.

Weekly emails

The second overview was regarding weekly emails sent out to volunteers using the volunteer system. This was a chance for customers to highlight anything they believed was important to include in the emails received, which led to many strong suggestions.

Custom Fields

The custom field update informed the customers of the ways they could gather information from volunteers and the different ways they could store them.

Mobile App

Many customers liked the mobile app update for volunteers as it would allow them to complete things on the go, such as:

  • Join opportunities
  • Search opportunities
  • View opportunities they are on
  • Log hours
  • Leave feedback
Searching For Opportunities

Customers were able to find out more about the search options available for volunteers and how they can analyse exactly what volunteers are searching for and utilise this information when producing future opportunities.

TeamKinetic customers at the volunteer conference masterclass

Lunch

The morning session came to an end which meant it was lunchtime!

The guests and TeamKinetic took a short walk to a local Indian restaurant, which allowed everyone to get to know each other better and reflect on things they found useful from the morning session.

This was also a terrific opportunity to get to know our customers even better in person and find out more about them as individuals.

Zouk bar and grill restaurant were great hosts as they provided alternative options for our vegan/ vegetarian/gluten free guests and the food was fantastic!

Q /A and interviews

After arriving back from lunch I was able to interview some of the TeamKinetic customers and find out how their day was going and ask them more about the work they do in their community. Here are some of the questions and responses we received from our customers.

What do you hope to get out of the volunteer conference?

“Getting tips on improving our skills and how to use the system properly and understand the functionalities. we deal with individuals and organisation who are using the system and their point of contact is us, so we need to be on top of our game.”

Carwyn Humphreys – Volunteer Manager (Mantell Gwynedd)

What have you found valuable from today?

“Today has been really useful on how to use the systems new features. Coming together as a group and listening to volunteering organisation and how they manage things has also been really important today”

Dawn Georgeson – Volunteer Lead (Liverpool FC Foundation)

Can you tell us about a memorable volunteering experience you’ve had?

“We were asked to find a volunteer to look after a pony and a ram. This was near enough impossible to ask or find a volunteer for. It was on the way home for me so I ended up doing it for quite a long time. It became great fun!”

Michiel Blees – Volunteer centre officer (PAVO)

how have you found today’s masterclass session?

“Really impressed, we’ve got the opportunity to talk about day-to-day practice. We’ve had lots of time for questions and gaining more knowledge on the system. But also where it is going in the future, really really positive session!”

Julia Manser – Swansea volunteer centre manager (SVS)

Interview setup for TeamKinetic customers

TeamKinetic customers were also able to ask Chris, Steve and Rolf questions about the system and anything they wanted to learn more about. Many of the customers found this a beneficial part of the day as they were able to ask specific questions relating to their organisation. They were also able to ask questions regarding updates and how these can be used for more effective management.

The Q and A was followed by a tea break, allowing customers an opportunity to network and discuss the system developments from the morning sessions. TeamKinetic got to gain more customer insight. This was important to us as it will help us increase the effectiveness of the volunteer system for the consumer.

The Road Map

The final session of the day was led by Rolf Herbert. This was a chance for customers to find out where TeamKinetic are heading. Some of the system developments on the road-map were:

  1. Applying/Show Interest Opportunities
  2. Improved search
  3. Remove Induction Process
  4. Improve Post Creation Session Editing
  5. New Social Media Triggers
  6. Increase Email and Communication Customisation

The roadmap was a focus on making the volunteer recruitment process even simpler. Rolf also discussed plans of refactoring, regrouping, and repackaging. This would mean that current features would be enhanced for the user.

Our customers gained a further insight into the system developments and improvements on the way. The day also allowed customers to strengthen their ability to use the volunteer system. For TeamKinetic, it was a chance to have customers together and share experiences.

The workshop was a chance to better understand our customer requirements, but more importantly, it was a great chance to go out for a drink and pizza and get to know one another!

 

Find out more about TeamKinetic 

01619145757

The Liverpool FC Foundation’s impact on volunteers with a disability 

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On 6th September 2018

In Community, Events and Conferences

Volunteering organisations like the LFC Foundation are increasing sports participation amongst young people with complex and additional needs, and the positive impact those volunteers have on their community.

We spent a few days volunteering at the LFC Foundation at their Respect 4 All activity day.

Volunteering for the LFC Foundation

Our day as volunteers at the LFC Academy was non-stop from the get-go. We arrived and were given our volunteering kit as well as a detailed briefing about the day ahead. We had just enough time for a quick coffee before people started to arrive.

I could immediately tell that the children looked forward to these events from the big smiles on their faces and the numbers just kept growing and growing. It was going to be an action-packed day for the volunteers and participants.

There were a number of different games, which offered something for everyone there. The coaches split everyone into groups by age categories. My group were all full of energy before the goalball activity. They even insisted on penalty shootouts and racing me while we waited for our next game. I was exhausted!

As the day went on, we all got to find out more about each other, and what activities we enjoyed the most. For me this was the most striking effect of the activity day, not the activities, fun though they were, but the interaction and the positive energy. The inclusivity of the day was amazing and differences in situation and ability were quickly forgotten as everyone got involved.

The event on the day had over fifty participants with thirty parents and guardians attending. It was a great turnout and a brilliant success and I would encourage anyone to get involved.

The impact of foundations on volunteers with a disability

Respect 4 all is Liverpool FC foundation’s inclusive, weekly multi-sport event. The event is for children and young people with complex and additional needs in the Liverpool community.

The Foundation is one of many across the UK, helping get more disabled young people into sports and regular physical activity. The Liverpool FC Foundation is one of many that are funded by the premier league and BT.

Volunteering with a disability

We all know the social benefits that volunteering can generate, both for the individual volunteer and those around them.  These benefits are arguably even more important to a person with a disability.

But, for years there has been an underrepresentation among people with a disability in the voluntary sector. In 2015 only 36% per cent of people with a disability or long-term illness participated in some form of volunteering. However, through the work of Liverpool FC Foundation, the hope is we can help these numbers grow.

30% of grant-receiving organisations, like Liverpool FC Foundation, have reported that they have seen an increase in confidence and development of people skills in their volunteers. This was evident in my interview with Steve and Dylan, two young men who are involved with the ‘Respect 4 all’ programme.

16% of these organisations have also suggested that volunteering has enabled disabled volunteers to gain employment. Disabled volunteers experience a reduction in social isolation, become role models for other disabled participants and develop real-life skills.  These are serious benefits that really impact the quality of peoples lives and should not be taken lightly as to their importance.

So what are the benefits of engaging volunteers with a disability?

Volunteering is an act of kindness, a way of helping others, therefore,  it should be universally accessible. Engaging volunteers with a disability would not only enhance their skills but the capacity of the organisation itself.  It is important to break the social stereotypes.  A diverse voluntary organisation better understands the barriers disabled people face on a daily bases and that understanding can only lead to an improvement in the provision; especially when organisations see the potential disabled volunteers hold.

Overall, our day at the LFC Academy was enjoyable, educative and inspiring. It was amazing to see the high turn out and how much everyone looked forward to these weekly activities. The LFC Foundation has impacted so many peoples lives and by the success of the program, it looks like they will continue to do so.

TeamKinetic is volunteer management software that works and is use by the LFC Foundation to help build their volunteer community. Read our reviews to find out what other volunteer managers think about TeamKinetic.

 

Why attend TeamKinetic’s volunteering 4th annual volunteering conference?

By

On 6th September 2018

In Events and Conferences

On the 12th September 2018, TeamKinetic will be hosting our fourth annual volunteer management conference at the Manchester Metropolitan University.

There will be a host of exciting speakers, from award-winning volunteers to key members of the sector. After three successful previous events we hope to welcome back many of our delegates, but if you have not been before, why should now?

Let us help you make the right choice.

Blue banner displaying advertisement for TeamKinetic 4th Annual Volunteering Conference

1. NETWORKING

There will be people from right across the volunteering community at the event,  meaning this is the perfect opportunity for you to break out the old business cards and get networking.  The knowledge and experience available from the delegates in the room will be second to none and building that network of volunteer managers will only provide you with more help and support.

2. BE INSPIRED

We are lucky to work in a job that is never short of amazing and inspiring stories and anecdotes, and this event will bring some of these stories to life.  Our speakers all have stories to share and insight to impart.  Our opening speaker, Dennise Larrad the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Volunteer of the year for 2017, is going to open the event sharing some of her experiences as well as what it’s like to share a stage with Tom Daley.

3. LEARN (About TeamKinetic amongst other things)

Whether you have 10, 100 or 1000 volunteers, there will be learning and opportunity to exchange ideas. Our speakers have a wealth of experience and the format of the day leaves lost of opportunity for you to question them and to dig deep into their knowledge.   We also invite you to come and chat with us at TeamKinetics stand, our volunteer management software can cater to your volunteer management needs and is available at a price that might just surprise you.

4. GET A GREAT DAY OUT OF THE OFFICE! 

We will fill your day with interesting people, great knowledge and insight and some thoughts for you to take back to your organisation to think about.  On top of that we will put on a good buffet, so at worst you don’t go home hungry.

It would be fantastic if you could come along to this event and if you are interested you can purchase your tickets here

Jerome Pannell – Marketing Cordinator

Volunteering Conference – Getting to know Kristen Stephenson

By

On 5th September 2018

In Community, Events and Conferences

As TeamKinetic 4th annual sports volunteering conference approaches,  we thought it would be an excellent opportunity to get to know some of our guest speakers for the event. The theme of this year’s conference is:

‘What can sports volunteering learn from the wider voluntary sector’. 

This year’s volunteering conference will allow volunteer managers, volunteers, policymakers and academics to come together to discuss best practice as well as insights in the wider voluntary sector.

DAY 1 (TeamKinetic Customers only)

  • FREE event to TeamKinetic customers.
  •  A masterclass by Steven Hall on the TeamKinetic volunteer system.
  • Customers will also be able to discuss the future software developments of TeamKinetic.

DAY 2

  • Denise Larrad – BBC Sports Personality 2017 Unsung Hero award winner
  • Kirsten Stephenson – Head of Volunteering – Sport England
  • Laura Hamilton – Volunteer Management Consultant – Laura Hamilton Consulting and member of the Association of Volunteer
    Chantel Scherer – Director of Marketing, Communications and Member Engagement at Sport & Recreation Alliance
  • Mike Howlett – Volunteer & Citizenship Lead – Sefton Volunteer Centre
  • Claire Jones – Head of Volunteering – Halton and St Helens Volunteer Centre
  • Fiona Liddell – Volunteering Development Manager – Welsh Council Voluntary Action (WCVA)

Kristen will be leading the first session at our conference with a session on…

“Volunteering in an Active Nation: How cross-sector collaboration can unlock the potential of volunteering in sport and physical activity”

Kristen has recently joined Sport England as Head of Volunteering. She leads on managing the 32 projects across Sport Englands Volunteering Funds and supporting the delivery of the strategy ‘Volunteering in an Active Nation’. These funded projects are focused on getting young people involved in making a difference through; social action, sport and physical activity and creating opportunities to get people from economically disadvantaged areas involved in volunteering.

The most important things for you as a volunteer manager at Sports England?

“A key priority for my role is to focus on how we can increase the diversity of people volunteering in sport and physical activity. I manage our Volunteering Funds which are all testing approaches to reaching people who are currently underrepresented; particularly those in lower socio-economic groups and women. This is one of the most challenging but exciting areas of my work! I am really passionate about making volunteering in sport more inclusive so that more people can experience the benefits.”

Your best or most memorable volunteering experience?

“One of my most memorable volunteering experiences has to be helping out at my running club’s midsummer relay race in my local park. It was a beautiful summer’s evening with a great turnout! I was taking on a new volunteer role- timing the runners taking part. This was a bit nerve-wracking, to begin with, and hard work but starting the big race clock and seeing everyone have a great time was totally worth it!”

What to expect from you on the day of the conference?

“Expect to find out more about Sports England’s strategic ambitions for volunteering and hear how we’re working with and learning from the voluntary sector to make these a reality. I hope people will find out more about our work to increase the number and diversity of people volunteering in sport and physical activity and perhaps be surprised at how we are working differently to achieve the aims and objectives of our strategy. I’m also really keen to hear from delegates about their work in this area too and so I hope it encourages people to come to share their ideas and what they are working on too.”

We look forward to having Kristen at the conference and learning about more Sport England’s strategy.  We hope you are as excited as we are TeamKinetic is to hear what our other guest speakers have to talk offer. Above all, we hope to see you there for a great day!

If you’re still undecided,  why not read our six reasons to attend the volunteering conference!

For more information on the volunteering conference and how to purchase a ticket. Please click this link.

 

 

Introducing TeamKinetic: Meet the tenacious Ash

By

On 2nd August 2018

In Events and Conferences

If we go back just two years ago…

I was a dedicated track and field athlete plagued with injury whilst pushing myself to my limits. University was fast approaching and I needed a career plan for the future.

One day I was watching an Ad campaign by New Balance and the impact it had on me was something I wanted to share with others. I wanted a career in which I could capture an audience’s attention and retain it, by creating and developing relationships that they would value within the business world.

Ashraf Liles running for carmarthen

 

EUREKA!

That is when I knew marketing was the route I wanted to take. So now we have a passionate sports marketing student with little experience, but a vast amount of enthusiasm and the willingness to learn.

Since starting university, my perception of volunteering got flipped upside down, and I was forced to change my stereotypical views. My first real volunteering experience was at the Manchester City V Monaco match. I say “real” because all my previous volunteering experiences felt like a chore and my heart was not in it for the right reasons. So I thought I’d give it all another chance, and since that day I have never looked back…

Volunteering has given me the opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest charities in the UK and appreciate the hard work that goes on to help those people less fortunate and in all kinds of challenging circumstances.

It has made me value volunteers in a different way, as sometimes we forget that many of the biggest events around the world are fueled by the labour and endowing nature of these people.

I have also developed skills, that have aided in my development at University and work. these skills allow me to apply my experiences to academic work and really understand what I am doing. The connections and relationships I have created have improved my professional interpersonal skills and opened up new opportunities.

My volunteering has allowed me to gain sponsors and raise money for charity events that I have helped to run and organise. These experiences have led to my involvement with StreetGames, a fundraiser to help disadvantaged children receive meals throughout the summer holidays and, Street2Feet a football tournament for people who are currently homeless or come from a disadvantaged background. I also set up and run a jogging club at Manchester Metropolitan University, for which I organise runs, events and manage the club’s social media activity. Additionally, volunteering has provided me with the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals that have inspired me to pursue my life goals.

It was during my volunteering that I had unknowingly started using TeamKinetic’s volunteer management software, as it powers MCRVIP to keep track of my volunteering hours and to apply for new opportunities. The volunteer management system made it simple for me to keep track of all my work, and meet my volunteering hour targets which are well over a 100 hours now. So when the opportunity of a placement with TeamKinetic arose, I had no hesitation in applying for the job role of a marketing coordinator.

I had confidence that all the hard work I had invested in my academic and voluntary pursuits would put me in good stead in the application process. I was delighted to have been invited to interview and despite all the nerves I had, I left the interview unsure of the whether I had done enough…

Thankfully, it would appear I did. As here I am writing my introduction blog surrounded by a driven team, with shared values and aspirations.

I look forward to beginning my journey at TeamKinetic and sharing my experience through our blog. Thank you for your time. Feel free to reach out to me if you have anything you would like to share.

Ashraf Liles
Marketing Coordinator
ash@teamkinetic.co.uk

6 Reasons to Attend a Volunteering Conference

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On 25th June 2018

In Events and Conferences, News & Views

In a digital age where it seems that everything relating to training, development and even networking can all be accessed online it can sometimes prove challenging to convince or justify time away from the office. We wanted to provide you with 6 reasons to get out of the office and hopefully, convince you to attend a volunteering conference in the future!

You owe it to your volunteers

Countless volunteers travel, give up their time and go out of their way for various volunteering roles. Whether it’s staying an extra couple of minutes to tidy up or responding to an urgent last-minute call to cover a shift, volunteers always have a knack for giving more than expected.

Yet, as volunteer managers, we sometimes forget to prioritise operational and strategic tasks which will provide a greater long-term benefit, becoming immersed by working in our volunteer programme instead of on it.

Sometimes we need to take a step away from our organisation’s day-to-day running to learn, exchange best practice and hard-learned lessons with your peers, or just simply reiterate the steps we need to ensure long-term value in our volunteering programmes. A focused conference can do just that.

If you stop learning, you stop growing (and so does your volunteer programme)

This nugget of wisdom often echoes through any informative or educational events marketing material. Yet, despite its excessive use, it remains true and is one of the most important factors for ensuring you prioritise your personal and professional development.

Without developing your skills and knowledge of the latest trends, technology and discoveries, you put yourself at a disadvantage. Ensuring that you spend sufficient time developing an awareness of new developments will ensure that you protect your volunteer programme and safeguard preparation for future changes.

Who said work should be boring ….have fun

We have all been guilty of slipping into a routine where we repeat activities daily, trying to reduce any distractions and focus on what matters. In doing so, we inadvertently remove the sources of entertainment, creativity and inspiration we previously amused ourselves with and used to fuel our work with the necessary passion it deserves.

Attending a conference provides an opportunity to find new inspirations in an environment that is fun, welcoming and different. Simply by removing ourselves from the confines of our office, we open our minds to new stimuli that can inspire a change in our approach. The opportunity to meet new people, learn new ways and experience new places, genuinely excites (most) of us.

Network, Network, Network

Meeting someone in person provides a real chance to connect. You notice their body language, facial response and their voice. Collectively these interactions have a much greater value which is longer lasting and valued.

The importance of building your network is beneficial to both yourself and your organisation. It could be as simple as identifying new suppliers or sharing approaches to a shared challenge. The value and potential of collaboration, open discussion and mutual interest make networking very worthwhile.

Industry Insight

The opportunity to listen to industry-leading figures can provide a chance to learn valuable information and insight that you may not have been aware of or had access to. As speakers want to be recognised for their experience and expertise they will supply their audience with an arsenal of practical and easy-to-implement takeaways; from bite-size easy wins to long-term strategic considerations.

Lunch, Lunch, Lunch

As every volunteer manager knows, it is important to keep your workforce focused and fed. So make sure you don’t miss out on the top lunch provided and enjoy a freshly prepared, wholesome and tasty lunch with refreshments.

So what are you waiting for, you owe it to your volunteers!

So there you go, 6 compelling reasons for you to give up your desk for one day, go on an adventure to discover, network and learn.

If you would like to find out more about TeamKinetic’s Annual Conference or Volunteer Management Software, please get in touch.

You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:

Twitter       Facebook       LinkedIn       YouTube       Instagram       Podcast

 

Have you enjoyed using TeamKinetic? If you could leave us a review on Capterra, we’d really appreciate it! We’ll even send you a little thank you.

A Volunteers Experience: Volvo Ocean Race

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On 18th June 2018

In Events and Conferences, News & Views

TeamKinetic’s James volunteered at the Volvo Ocean Race in Cardiff last week. The major international sports event visited Cardiff for fourteen days and nicely coincided with national Volunteers Week 2018. Take a read of James’ experience and how the event catered for volunteers welfare.

Volvo Ocean Race

Arriving at the event ready for the start of shift briefing, I was unsure what to expect from my volunteering. I had no past encounters with  Yachts and had only been sailing a couple of times. However, my previous experience volunteering had provided me with the reassurance that management is usually one of the nicest and most welcoming around.  Sport Cardiff was no different. Arriving to the volunteer hub I was welcomed by Gareth Power, Volunteer Coordinator for Sport Cardiff . He welcomed me to the event, thanked me for travelling there and supplied me with a ‘port crew’ polo, poncho, cap and even a reusable plastic bottle. I was then showed  a seat ready for the briefing.

One thing I noticed was how friendly, welcoming and understanding everyone was at the event. Whether it was your first day or tenth, everyone was smiling and eager to help one another out. Following a light-hearted brief, we were given the opportunity to put ourselves forward for the different positions at the various stands available. During the brief we were told about the running order of the day, the time of lunches and shown were we could make hot drinks, and find the toilet. There were also various watering stations and sun cream dispensers across the event, an additional touch which was greatly welcomed in the days heat.

At my station, I was greeted by several volunteers who explained my role and helped me find my feet in the role. Before we knew it, we were welcoming people into the stand and showing them through the various aspects.  At various points in the day, we were checked on by the event staff both from  Sport Cardiff and Volvo Ocean Race, making sure we were okay and all comfortable. Halfway through the shift, we received our tasty lunch and given the opportunity to take a comfort break as other volunteers minded the stand.  Once our shift was completed we were free to spend a little longer socialising and invited to a local pub to enjoy a socialise.

The following day I returned to the volunteer hub and the briefing process was repeated, with a different joke but just as much enthusiasm. This time around I went to a different stand for my shift. The  Grinding Challenge was a competition stand where entrants had to raise of the mast as quickly as possible. As part of a four-person team, we were responsible for encouraging attendees to participate, demonstrating their technique and capturing an action picture using the stations ipads, which could be sent to them via email. The stand brought out everyone’s competitive side and was amusing to watch…of course I had to have a go!

James' Attempting the Grinding Challenge

James’ Attempting the Grinding Challenge

During my time at the event, I took the opportunity to speak with several volunteers and ask why they decided to give up their time. The answers varied greatly, from enjoying sports, to be being a yacht enthusiast, gaining work experience, previous experience volunteering with  Sport Cardiff and even just to say ‘I was there’. It was clear that everyone had their own reasons for being there, but in doing so the gained a sense of gratification and provided others with their time and efforts.

A few days after the event, I received an email from Gareth titled: VOR – Thank You / Diolch. The email was a perfect example the simple things you can do to say ‘Thank you’ and really helped to make me feel a valued member of the volunteer team at the event.

Despite only spending a short time at the event, I had a truly great experience and learnt much more than I had expected. Whilst at the event I developed my people skills and adapted to new environments, operating in a team and learning about yachts, volunteering at the Volvo Ocean Race had provided me with an opportunity to do something completely different to my regular day and connected me with so many people whose path I may never have crossed.  Volunteering at the such a large sport event was a truly enjoyable experience and one I would happily repeat in the future.

TeamKinetic Academy

TeamKinetic 4th Annual Volunteering Conference

By

On 31st May 2018

In Events and Conferences, News & Views

TeamKinetic’s Annual Volunteering Conference 12th September 2018

Every year TeamKinetic runs an Annual Volunteering Conference at Manchester Metropolitan University. This year, the event is being run in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Business, Sports Policy and Law Department and GreaterSport. Collectively, we aim to host an insightful and inspiring event for all those in attendance through a series of talks and break out workshops focused on volunteer management.

Previous events have drawn a crowd of over a hundred and this year we are hoping to host our largest to date. With an incredible list of speakers and attendance from a variety of roles in including volunteer managers, events coordinators, community engagement officers, sports development, HR and Operation staff, and more, this is not one to be missed.

To purchase your ticket please visit one of the followiing:

TeamKinetic Customer Tickets (You will need the password available on your dashboard to access this page):

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/teamkinetic-customer-conference-tickets-46520590338

Non-Customer:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teamkinetic-4th-annual-sports-volunteering-conference-2018-tickets-46610728945

TeamKinetic Customer Exclusive Pre – Conference Day

Tuesday 11th September

10:00 – 17:00

TeamKinetic will be offering a free event on 11th September 2018 specifically for all of our customers to attend. The exclusive event provides the perfect opportunity to discuss TeamKinetic’s future software development, talk about how other similar sectors professional use the software and attend workshops master classes.

TeamKinetic 4th Annual Volunteer Management Conference

Wednesday 12th September

9:00-17:00

Speakers confirmed for the event include:

Denise Larrad – BBC Sports Personality 2017 Unsung Hero award winner

Volunteer Denise Larrad has been named the BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero award winner at the Sports Personality of the Year 2017 ceremony.

A mother of two, 56-year-old Denise Larrad was selected to be a torchbearer for the Olympic Torch Relay at the 2012 Games. She was selected for her outstanding contribution to fundraising work by Asda, her employer. After being chosen to carry the Torch for the Games Denise had one sole aim – to get the people of Hinckley, Leicestershire, active.

Despite working night shifts in a warehouse, she finds time to help lead walking, orienteering, running and general fitness classes for children, families and the elderly. With a host of different activities and exercises sessions, Denise motivates and nurtures participants to be more active.

She is a trained walk leader, putting on weekly sessions for the elderly on behalf of the charity Age UK and also organises orienteering courses across the borough in town parks, woodlands and schools.

Title: Understanding what motivates volunteers?

In this talk, Denise is going to share her experiences and motivators which led to her becoming such an inspirational volunteer, with an emphasis on how you can emulate the same in your own volunteers.

 

Kristen Stephenson – Head of Volunteering at Sport England

Kristen has recently joined Sport England as Head of Volunteering and leads on managing the 32 projects across their Volunteering Funds and supporting the delivery of the strategy ‘Volunteering in an Active Nation’. These funded projects are focused on getting young people involved in making a difference through social action, sport and physical activity and creating opportunities to get people from economically disadvantaged areas involved in volunteering.

Kristen’s previous role was with the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) where she led the work on volunteering ranging from policy work to influence decision making in government and writing practical resources on volunteer management.

She has experience of working with a diverse range of organisations to develop their approach to volunteering including charities big and small, the police, museums, galleries and the NHS.

Title: Volunteering in an Active Nation: How cross-sector collaboration can unlock the potential of volunteering in sport and physical activity

Kristen’s presentation will look at the important role cross-sector partnerships and collaboration will be to delivering Sport England’s volunteering strategy. She will draw on her experience in volunteering development in the voluntary sector and her current work at Sport England to explore what opportunities there are for volunteer managers in sport to learn from the voluntary sector and provide some interesting examples of how the two sectors are already working together to develop volunteering at a national and local level.

 

Mike Howlett – Volunteer & Citizenship Lead at Sefton Volunteer Center

Mike has been involved with the Voluntary, Community & Faith Sector on Merseyside for over 20 years, 11 of those in a paid capacity. His experience of volunteering includes fundraising, service development, training and stints as trustee and chair.

He joined Sefton CVS during Volunteers Week in 2007 and as a Development Worker before taking on a variety of roles involving the management of volunteering services and the strategic development of volunteering throughout the borough. The common theme throughout his work has been the support of local VCF Sector organisations in developing their volunteering programmes through the provision of information, advice and training.

Title: Widening the Net

Are you making the most of the resources available to you from outside the Sports Sector? This session will explore how diversifying your volunteering roles and engaging the wider community can help you to develop your organisation, and provide hints and tips regarding organisations and tools that might help.

 

Claire Jones – Head of Volunteering at Halton and St Helens Volunteer Centre

Claire has a passion for the Voluntary Sector, dedicating her career to supporting organisations and individuals to make a difference to their chosen communities through developing their systems and approaches to their people. Engaging in volunteering has been a part of her life from an early age, raising money for various causes, volunteering with women, girls, young carers and ex-offenders through to strategic decision making on trustee boards.

She joined VCA in April 2001, holding a variety of development and management roles and has a specialist knowledge in the strategic development of volunteering. This has been shared through a variety of mediums, including training, workshops, group and individual support. Key achievements include supporting the redevelopment of the National Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation system and process; leading the success of local accreditation of our Volunteer Centres for 4 consecutive waves and securing new and innovative services for volunteering development.

Title: Supporting and Supervising Volunteers

Involving volunteers can be increasingly more complicated as our roles change and the time we have available shrinks. In such a busy world it can be difficult to implement effectively. This session will help you explore the benefits of good support and supervision for your volunteers and look at ways you can put it into practice.

 

Chris Martin – Founding Director at TeamKinetic

Chris had many years of experience working in the leisure industry, sport and at Manchester City Council before becoming one of the founding directors of TeamKinetic. For the last ten years, he has actively operated within the third sector, helping organisations to evolve their volunteer management.

Title: The use of rewards and incentives for volunteers

TeamKinetic has extensive data on how the use of gamification, incentives and rewards can impact your volunteers both in a positive and negative manner. In this session, we will explore how rewards and incentives can be used to keep your volunteers engaged and motivated.

 

Will Watt – Director of Product at Jump Projects

Will has a diverse resume, with experience working in publishing (Viz), digital publishing (BBC), music (NME) and the Sports Sector.

His voluntary experience includes founding the King’s College Old Boys FC; and set up ‘The Swimmer’, a community cold water swim run across London and also runs his son’s U9s Old Alleynians RFC team.

Title: The behavioural science of volunteering and how it varies for different groups in society – with a focus on ethnic diversity and low socioeconomic groups

At Join In, a charity set up to continue the legacy of 2012, Will carried out research into the economic and well-being value of sports volunteering, presenting the findings in a case study for Lord Gus O’Donnell’s ‘What Works Centre for Wellbeing’. Will has continued this work and founded Jump. Jump measure the well-being impacts of physical activity and volunteering whilst understanding the motivations for more people to do both.

Will was also responsible for the development of the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year #bigthankyou campaign and helped to organise the UK’s biggest sports day in 2016.

 

Chantel Scherer – Director of Marketing, Communications and Member Engagement at Sport & Recreation Alliance

Chantel Scherer is a senior communications professional with over 20 years’ experience implementing successful, integrated, strategic communications across large, complex organisations – working with volunteers for the last 15.

The Sport and Recreation Alliance is the voice of the sport and recreation sector and works to get the nation active. Chantel is Director of Marketing, Communications and Member Engagement and she looks after the Join In brand, which was set up after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to capitalise on the power of major sporting events to benefit grassroots clubs. Sport has the power to change lives and bring communities together and nurturing and growing volunteers is an important aspect to this.

Title: Using behavioural science to recruit and retain volunteers more effectively

This session will uncover the latest research on recruiting, retaining and rewarding volunteers. Chantel will share some of the GIVERS research and how the Sport and Recreation Alliance is supporting the sector to get more grassroots volunteers into sport.

 

Crewenna Dymond – Head of Volunteering and Youth Impact at YHA England and Wales

Crewenna Dymond has been Head of Volunteering (and more recently also of Youth Impact) at YHA for 12 years and has worked with volunteers all her working life, holding earlier positions at BTCV (as it was then), Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and as a youth worker. Tasked with putting the young people back into volunteering with the Youth Hostel Association the number of active young volunteers has grown from a handful to a quarter of all active volunteers in 10 years. A Geographer by background with a PhD in biodiversity and wilderness quality, she helps YHA run its small remote hostels as a Volunteer Manager and also supports some children’s and aid charities.

Title: The benefits of focusing on the volunteer journey to aid recruitment and retention of volunteers

Ten years ago YHA benefitted from the support of around 500 volunteers annually. Now there are around 3,000 people giving their time to our charity in a wide range of flexible as well as committed roles. During that time we focused on establishing a consistent and comprehensive volunteer journey, that treats volunteers as customers as well as colleagues, and by 2014 we were pleased to achieve the Investing in Volunteers Award. Last year YHA transformed volunteer management by moving to an entirely online volunteer management system (TeamKinetic) which is changing how we plan for, recruit, organise and engage with volunteers. In this workshop, we will explore what a great volunteer journey looks like and how the online tools can help us engage more young volunteers and modernise our ways of working.

 

Fiona Liddell – Volunteering Development Manager at Welsh Council Voluntary Action (WCVA)

Fiona Liddell has worked within the volunteering team at WCVA, in several different roles, since 2003. Currently, she is Volunteering Development Manager with responsibilities for the strategic development of volunteering and volunteering services in Wales.

Recent projects include Volunteering Spirit Wales, a two-year project which aims to improve the quality of event volunteering in Wales and the development of online learning modules on volunteer management, to support the Welsh Government Fusion programme.

Fiona set up the Wales Volunteer of the Year Award scheme in 2004. She is the author of the WCVA publication Recruiting volunteers – a manual of good practice and has developed and delivered training in volunteer management.

Previously she has worked in International Development, Health Promotion and has, jointly with her husband, run a training and retreat centre in mid-Wales. Voluntary roles have included school governor, helping at a community cafe in the Rhondda and at conversation drop-in sessions for asylum seekers, stewarding at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff and mentoring a young person through the I million mentors scheme.

 

Laura Hamilton – Seven steps to successful volunteer engagement

In a rapidly changing world, how can we ensure that our volunteer programmes stay attractive, relevant and rewarding?

This workshop will explore:

  • The latest trends in volunteering
  • New approaches and perspectives on volunteer engagement
  • Working with volunteers of different ages
  • How to build great relationships with your volunteers

Laura is a consultant specialising in volunteer involvement and volunteer management, with over 17 years’ experience in the field. She has worked in both volunteer infrastructure and volunteer-involving organisations and is passionate about growing and developing successful volunteer programmes.

Will you be there?

TeamKinetic are looking forward to welcoming many faces both new and old to the conference. We hope you are able to join us.

If you require more information or have any question, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

james@teamkinetic.co.uk

TeamKinetic will be at NCVO Trustee event 10th Nov 2014

By

On 31st October 2014

In Events and Conferences, News & Views

NCVO

We are proud to continue our support of the NCVO and are happy to announce that we will be attending the NCVO Trustee event on the 10th of November 2014, taking a display stand at the event.

If you would like to arrange a meeting with the team or the opportunity to see the software in action at the event then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to talking to th delegates about how we can help them recruit, manage, deploy and retain their volunteer workforce for the future.

You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:

Twitter       Facebook       LinkedIn       YouTube       Instagram       Podcast

 

Have you enjoyed using TeamKinetic? If you could leave us a review on Capterra, we’d really appreciate it! We’ll even send you a little thank you.

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