Tag: volunteer management Page 1 of 38

Guest Masterclass: Joanne Irvine

We are very pleased to extend our Midweek Masterclass programme by welcoming some great guests on to give you some of their insight and expertise. This time around, we have Joanne Irvine, a social designer, facilitator, evaluator, migration and sustainable development expert, and, to top it all off, chair of Volunteer Glasgow!

Wednesday, May 7th 2025, Online

Evaluating What Matters: Exploring how to capture and showcase social value beyond the pound

As the people, charities and organisations from the third and public sectors in the UK fighting for equality and social inclusion, we are increasingly feeling the pressure to speak the language of funders and government: return on investment, value for money and percentage contributions to GDP. That’s because we depend on getting the funding we need to be able to do what we do best: help people.

However, even if we are putting the emphasis on economic capital and measuring our success in GBP, who will be left to tell the human stories? This is important as when we humans talk about money, it makes us less pro-social. This means that the policy-makers who decide how and where to spend money are less likely to be focusing on social needs when discussing how much it’s going to cost. What if we could see past the pound and stop measuring what is easy and start better understanding and valuing our well-being and all the amazing work that goes into supporting it?

This session will explore how participatory design and leaning into values like joy, connection, and confidence can help evaluate and capture a richer and more holistic social value of projects and services that promote well-being and social inclusion. It will do so using learning from research carried out by Joanne Irvine on the social impact of a Glasgow Life volunteer programme. The session will be participatory and invite participants to reflect on the role of the third and public sectors in promoting more qualitative approaches to measuring social impact.

Evaluating what matters: exploring how to capture and showcase social value beyond the pound

Last year, I was researching volunteers and volunteering in Scotland. My research uncovered some really interesting insights. One was that the promotion and communication around volunteering tends to be more focused on the opportunities, challenges and benefits for the volunteer individually and much less on the benefit or impact on communities. The latter is harder to measure yet understood as crucial for volunteer satisfaction and recruitment because volunteers sign up to make a difference and they want to be able to see that difference. It is also necessary to attract funding and support. This led me to start thinking about creative ways to better capture the social value and impact of volunteering on communities and I embarked on a partnership with Glasgow Life to carry out a social impact evaluation on their volunteering programmes.

From my initial desk research, it became clear that our market society demands that we evaluate everything in exact quantities. Most of the social impact reports and efforts I was seeing were measuring people in numbers, volunteering in hours given and results in activities. Even measuring social value tends to be captured by very quantitative elements such as the number of volunteer hours, per cent of profit donated and number of people supported. This is useful at a macro level and has been a great way to get public procurement and private sector to think about how to contribute to social good but it doesn’t tell us much about what is working and the impact it’s having.

What is our role as the third and public sectors?

As the people, charities and organisations from the third and public sectors in the UK fighting for equality and social inclusion, we are increasingly feeling the pressure to speak the language of funders and government: return on investment, value for money and percentage contributions to GDP. That’s because we depend on getting the funding we need to be able to do what we do best: help people and close the inequalities gap. For example, Volunteer Scotland has just released the results of a study it has commission on the social value of volunteering in Scotland which has calculated a whopping contribution of £2.3 billion in terms of economic and social value (not including the costs of volunteering).

When I tried to find the total value of Scotland’s economy, the earliest estimate I could find was for 2023 and it was £218 billion. Comparatively, this means the volunteering sector in Scotland contributes about 1% to Scotland’s GDP. When government officials are looking at sectors and deciding where to make cuts or invest, I am not entirely sure that 1% will sound very important to them unless they know what the impact of that 1% is actually achieving for society. I am sure that the support and care provided to the millions that need it go way beyond quantitative measures.

Moreover, when I asked some volunteers how framing this as a contribution to GDP made them feel, it was a mixed bag. Some thought it was great and couldn’t believe it was so much, some were offended at how their work could be quantified in this way and some felt that their work was being commodified. In fact some volunteers were suffering from a cognitive dissonance between the sense of purpose, feeling part of a community and other benefits they get from volunteering and the feeling of being taken advantage of, trapped in a consumer society they disagree with and feeling pressured into volunteering to help right the wrongs of capitalism gone awry.

Are we perpetuating the ‘economy’ bias?

So even if we are putting the emphasis on economic capital and measuring our success in GBP, who will be left to tell the human stories? This is important as when we humans talk about money, it makes us less pro-social (read David Dylan Thomas’ book ‘Design for Cognitive Bias’ for more).

Let me say this in another way: the policy-makers who decide how and where to spend money are less likely to be focusing on social needs when discussing how much it’s going to cost. Moreover, some studies have also shown that increased wealth inequality can decrease empathy and make individuals more self-focused, potentially reducing pro-social actions.

This is crucial in the context of a difficult fiscal environment in the UK where funding is increasingly limited and public and third sector actors are struggling to maintain their services, show the importance of their work, raise funds and attract and retain staff and volunteers. Yet this work is more urgent than ever: we find ourselves facing unprecedented inequalities whereby the gap between the rich and the poor is only getting bigger at home and globally. We are suffering from a mental health crisis. Loneliness and isolation are on the rise and hyper-individualism and mistrust of government institutions and charities means people are disengaging from civic life and we are seeing a worrying decline in volunteering.

So my question is, should we be speaking their language or should we be fighting for the non-economic value and impact of our work to be duly recognised and measured differently? Perhaps we need a combination.

Some interesting research by Sue Carter Kahl at the University of San Diego for the Initiative for Strategic Volunteer Engagement is also showing that at least some funders want more than just the numbers. I certainly don’t have the perfect solution here (sorry!), but I have a point of view and an example to share and I would welcome people’s views and feedback.

Looking past the pound: a values-based approach

In the research I carried out, I asked how participatory design might help qualitatively evaluate and show the social impact of Glasgow Life’s volunteering programmes. I used a combination of participatory design and design ethnography methodologies to measure the social impact and design a new values-based evaluation framework and a social impact report.

I achieved this by rolling out a collaborative process that got the people benefiting from the programme and the volunteers to define the social impact and value of the programme according to their own lived experience. The data I collected was qualitative and based on semi-structured and unstructured interviews, workshops using engagement tools, a survey with open-ended questions and observation. I analysed the data and experimented by coding it against relevant human values, and then reviewed the results to understand what values were coming out strongest. I then tested and validated the results with the volunteers, staff and participants of the target volunteer programme, which was a weekly Health Walk.

The results?

What emerged was evidence that the health walk is so much more than just a one-hour walk a week with three walk leaders and over 20 community members achieving an average of around 6,000 steps per walk. Multiply that by 22 walks across Glasgow every week with 76 volunteers, which means a total average of 86,944 volunteer hours. Multiply these hours by the minimum wage, and that’s over £1 million value per year to our economy… (See what I did there?)

Rather, it became clear that much more social impact could be measured and showcased than what was being captured. The evaluation showed just how much their Health Walk programme enhances social connection, social inclusion, physical health, mental health, confidence and joy. I combined this with the quantitative data usually collected every year through an annual survey. I was then able to connect this to broader strategies such as Scotland’s National Performance Framework and Scotland’s Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027.

From these results, I developed a simple evaluation framework based on the top five values that emerged from the data and connected these to clear outcomes and results based on the evidence. The idea was to ensure that this could serve as a new way to capture and showcase the social value and impact of the Health Walks every year.

Celebrating volunteers and all the benefits of volunteering

When it comes to evaluation and capturing data, it’s always a good idea to know why you want it, what you need and who it is for. In this case, Glasgow Life wanted to focus on showing volunteers their impact. As I mentioned above, one of the difficulties volunteer-involving organisations have is attracting and retaining volunteers. This is recognised in Scotland’s Volunteering Framework as a key outcome: “There is an environment and culture which celebrates volunteers and volunteering and all of its benefits”. So I used the new evaluation framework and data I had collected to design a simple, lively social impact report that served as a thank you to the walk leader volunteers.

The report turned into what I can only describe as a cross between a photo book and a zine with quotes, case studies and data points to help get the message across. You can find it here.

It’s not fancy or complicated, it’s just different and focuses on showing the qualitative aspects. When I shared the report out over a lovely thank you lunch, the effect it had was palpable. The walk leaders couldn’t quite believe it and even the walkers were reminded how much the volunteers did for them. It was a beautiful moment of shared meaning for everyone and I was very glad I was able to help create it.

Quotes

“It’s great fun being a walk leader and heartwarming to know that it means so much to the walkers – very special indeed!”

Volunteer

“I have to say, I filled up when I read the report. It’s very uplifting to read about the impact that the role we do has on people”

Volunteer

“It just goes to show you that we don’t thank them enough for what they do for us”

Walker

Some reflections

Unlike calculating social value in GBP, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all all solution to capturing and showcasing social impact qualitatively. This makes it hard then for the third and public sectors to be able to collectively show value.

However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. Barriers to this include the time and effort needed of course as well as a general preference for ‘exact’ data, ‘certainty’ and clearly measurable data that makes qualitative data not as trusted or valued. I think we have a duty to change that. The thing is, we are talking about measuring the social impact of efforts to deal with complex social issues and there is nothing certain or easy about that.

One thing we can be certain of is that social issues are messy, interconnected and difficult to solve. Social issues need social solutions first, then both the human and financial resources to resolve it. So why can’t we frame our work and the impact it has in a social way? It’s just too important not to.


More about Joanne

As a social designer with a background in international development cooperation, Joanne advocates for the social inclusion, human rights and the empowerment of marginalised people and communities to achieve equality for all. She is passionate about participatory design and putting people at the centre of strategy, social design, learning, innovation and evaluation. She has longstanding experience with the United Nations Development Programme and the UN Migration Agency providing technical assistance, capacity development, strategic planning and policy advice to help governments embrace diversity, reduce inequalities and support communities become more inclusive and prosperous. 

She has been fortunate to have lived in Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Belgium and Switzerland and has travelled and worked extensively with many countries’ local and national authorities, charities and UN partners worldwide. After returning to Scotland in 2023 and pursuing further education with the Glasgow School of Art, she is enjoying combining her experience in the third and public sectors with her passion for participatory design and innovation. She is now Chair of the Board of Trustees of Volunteer Glasgow and a consultant leveraging design-led research and participatory design to enhance strategic planning, fundraising, evaluation and research for charities and the UN.

Joanne holds a BA and MA in Hispanic Studies and French from Glasgow University, an MA in International Development Cooperation and European Policy from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, a Diploma in Forced Migration and Human Rights from the UN University of Peace and an MDes Design Innovation and Citizenship from the Glasgow School of Art. As a life-long learner, she is also working towards a BA in Visual Communications with the Open University. 

Thank you to Joanne for writing this lovely guest blog. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.


Now, we’re going to do something we don’t usually do, and that thing is opening this Masterclass to everyone – not just TeamKinetic users! So please do join us (for free!) to hear Joanne speak about her research and the complex topic of social value.

Add the details below to your calendar:

Date: Wednesday 7th May
Time: 10:00 – 11:30am
Joining Link: https://meet.google.com/zed-jord-iaf


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, we’d really appreciate it!

Native TeamKinetic Mobile App Update – 1.0.5

We are pleased to announce that the next major update of our native TeamKinetic mobile apps is ready for launch. We’ve brought the parity between the desktop and mobile versions closer and fixed bugs and made usability improvements.

HourTrades

You can now view and process HourTrades on the mobile app, all the same functionality that is available on the desktop app is now here as well.

Resource Area

Volunteers can now access the same resources as when using the desktop app right from their dashboard in the mobile app.

Supports all the various types of resource options; links, text, downloads etc.

Opportunity Badges

We now display the opportunity badges as tags in the search results page. When viewing the opportunity, you can see the icons and names of the badges associated with the opportunity.

HTML Opportunity Descriptions and Event Description

The mobile app will now correctly display the new HTML content that we have added to your opportunity description text. You can now add links and styling to your descriptions and see them all on the mobile app.

Additionally, we have added support for HTML in the event page, which has been available in the desktop version for a while now.

Session Descriptions

The new session info descriptions that you can add to individual sessions are also supported in this new mobile release. You can add unique text and links to each individual session.

Paged Search Results

When you perform an opportunity search, you’ll get the first 25 results immediately, and then as you scroll down, we’ll present the next set to you.

This greatly improves the speed at which we can return the first set of results and provides a super easy way to get to the next set; just pull down on the screen to reveal the next 25 results.

Opportunity Chat Room Visibility

When the opportunity chat room functionality was switched off, the icon for the chat room was still shown, although the chat room was not functional. This obviously caused confusion and has now been fixed.

There are over 35 smaller updates and changes, from fixing typos to making the ordering of sessions make more sense. Update and give it a whirl.


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, we’d really appreciate it!

My First HVMN Conference Experience

A blog by Barbora Marsalkova

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.

The TeamKinetic stall at the HVMN Conference


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.

Barb sat at the HVMN Conference


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.

I’m already looking forward to next year!


Find out more about the Hospice Volunteer Managers Network here.

As always, 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, we’d really appreciate it!

TeamKinetic 2.6.0 Major Release

This upcoming TeamKinetic 2.6.0 release contains a lot of under-the-bonnet stuff that you won’t really see but will help us support our new and existing customers better. But of course, we’ve added some lovely goodness for everyone as well. We will be working hard to bring these new features to the mobile app but as always they appear first on the web version.

So, let’s take a look at what to expect in this upcoming release…

ToDo Tasks for Administrators

As well as being able to add notes and files to a volunteer’s profile you can now add ToDo tasks. These can be assigned to any administrator, and given a due date.

Administrator dashboards show their assigned tasks with all the information needed to complete them.

We’re interested in your feedback on this new feature, how you envisage using it and what might improve it.

Improved Bulk Volunteer Adding/Removal Tool

If you ever need to add lots of volunteers to lots of sessions then the bulk add tool is perfect for this. If you haven’t seen it yet, check the SESSIONS section of your opportunity management page and hit the blue BULK ADD/REMOVE VOLUNTEERS button.

It has now been improved greatly by the addition of day and time filters for the session selector. Want to add a bunch of volunteers to every session on a Monday that is between 9 and 10 o’clock? We’ve got it covered!

Session No-Show Counters

In the log hours section when managing an opportunity you can record a no-show for a volunteer.


Recording a no-show for a volunteer will now be exposed on the volunteer profile page.


You can filter/search volunteers by the number of no-shows recorded and find those volunteers who might need a little help.

Extended Session Description

Once you’ve added your opportunities you can now edit individual sessions and add longer extended descriptions to each session to help your volunteers choose the correct session.


The volunteer will be able to see the session description on both the initial opportunity advert page and in their opportunity management area.

HTML Styles and Links in Opportunity Descriptions

This a long sought-after feature you’ll be glad to hear is now available for admins and providers. Using the familiar editor you can now spice up your opportunity descriptions with extra styles, colours and features.

Improved and Extended Managed Expenses

We’ve overhauled the managed expenses feature and added some important new functions.

Administrators can now set a per-mile rate for travel claims. When a volunteer creates a claim for travel the approximate travel distance is calculated and displayed. This same distance is shown to the administrator when managing the expense.

Additionally, we’ve added vehicle types, and set expense reasons that you can use to report and organise your expense claims.


The administrator view for expenses has been updated to include the distance calculation, what the claim is for and to indicate if the claim is more than expected for the journey.

AI Assistant for Creating Opportunity Descriptions

Do you get stuck for ideas or need some inspiration when creating your opportunity descriptions? We have a new AI assistant which, with a few keywords, can create your opportunity description for you.


It’s super easy to use and you can play with the keywords to get the right tone and content. Once you hit the use button the description will be put in the regular opportunity description box (now with those extra styles and hyperlink functionality) for you to edit and polish.

Include Volunteer Names in Bulk Emails

Create bulk emails and insert the volunteer name to personalise them. Just click the *|NAME|* replacement and it will appear in your bulk email text. This will be replaced by each volunteer’s name when the email is sent.

Flexible Opportunity Availability

We know that volunteers would like some indication of when a flexible opportunity is available, so we have added a days-of-the-week matrix.


Opportunity creators can indicate which days of the week the opportunity is generally available by checking the boxes. This matrix is included in the opportunity advert for volunteers.

Session Reminder Emails

Administrators can enable an option to send volunteers a reminder email containing their sessions for the next day.

The option is in the super admin > options > email notification section. Previously only those opportunities with custom emails were included, now all volunteers on all sessions will be reminded. The email goes out at 08:30 the day before their session.

Custom Field Improvements

Administrators can add ToolTips to custom fields that have extra information about the question to help it get completed correctly.


When searching/filtering on custom date fields you will now see the familiar date interface with from, after, between etc options. Previously it was a simple text entry where you could only match exact dates.

We have added a new NOT ANSWERED entry for custom yes/no questions so you can also quickly pull up volunteers or providers who have not yet completed this custom field.

Provider Email Improvements

You can now see, edit and resend your provider bulk emails in the same way you can for volunteer emails.


Ad-hoc emails that providers send now always have the provider’s name and contact details clearly in the email. We hope that this enables more direct communication between the provider and volunteer, saving you time and effort.

Improved Layout for Volunteer Profile

There were a few optional portions of a volunteer profile that were separated out, like emergency contact details. In some cases, these were also not editable. They have all been combined into the main volunteer personal details panel now, and can all be editable.


ID and background checks have now been combined into one section, whether you are using digital ID and background checks or manual, everything is in one place now.

The summary details strip has been tidied up and the last login information is now across both desktop and mobile.


When adding a custom award badge you can now adjust the award date so you can retrospectively award badges.


The email delivery checking has been improved to handle more of the special characters that might appear in the subject that was preventing us from being able to match the sent email.

Finally…

There are of course many smaller updates and changes, bug fixes and improvements, the most important ones I’ll list below.

All the Other Stuff

  • Accessibility improvements that help assistive tech users skip repetitive sections
  • Adjust location area on self-managed opps
  • Display the friendly custom email name to make it easier to find emails
  • Added a panel to the provider’s dashboard showing outstanding applications
  • Delete and filter roles
  • Reinstated the location details box for opportunities with no specific location
  • Added custom email for expiring background checks sent to volunteers
  • Added an option to make provider feedback on volunteers optional
  • Fixed bug where only the first selected opportunity badge was added when creating opportunities
  • Trusted provider option to use managed expenses
  • Prevented a batch/bulk email send from failing if a single email was bad
  • Added a bulk email log that can be used to recover failed bulk emails
  • Provider search filter for those with empty profiles
  • Higher contrast map pointers on all maps
  • News items are shown on the provider’s dashboard
  • Download the day schedule as a list
  • Improved font sizing on smaller screens
  • Sends an email to the volunteer when a meeting booking is altered

We encourage you to take a look around the custom email and options area as there are often new emails and options added that you might be interested in. Please get in touch if you have any questions or feedback about this version and remember you can try all this stuff out immediately using your regular admin login at https://beta.teamkinetic.co.uk.

Thank you for supporting TeamKinetic.


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!

Digital ID and Background Checks in App!

We have now completed our integration of the First Advantage suite of digital ID and background checks. You can now initiate an entirely digital ID and subsequent background check with a single button press! The results and updates are fed directly back into your TeamKinetic dashboard.

How does it work?

There is some necessary paperwork to set up your First Advantage account and create the required roles you will be using. This is where you decide if you need to check the adult or child lists and what level of checks you’ll be using. We will guide you through this process and get your account set up quickly and easily.

After that it is just a case of pre-paying for bundles of checks, switching on the option and selecting the volunteers you want to check.

Once initiated the volunteer will receive an email and a text message with the instructions and help they need.

You will be alerted as the checks progress and once complete, the background check details, dates and numbers will be recorded in the volunteer profile.

What does it cost

We sell pre-paid bundles of credits for digital ID and enhanced-level background checks. The digital ID check costs one credit and the background check a further credit. If the digital ID check fails you will only be charged a single credit, you are only charged the further credit if the check progresses to the background check stage.

Credits are available in bundles of 10 for £80.00 or 50 for £230.00 (plus VAT) and you can purchase credits directly from the app via card or bank transfer.

Where can I find out more?

We have a few videos and documents where you can discover the process and how it works.

You can also find this information in the Super Admin > Setup menu under the API and Integrations section.

Interested in taking the next steps towards fully digital and integrated ID and background checks? Open a support ticket or hit the button in the Super Admin > Setup menu under the API and Integrations section.

It’s a great way to streamline and speed up your onboarding process.


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!

TeamTalk: Season 3, Episode 6 – Shruti Saujani

Welcome back 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. This time around, we speak to Shruti Saujani.

TeamTalk with Shruti Saujani

Welcome back to TeamTalk with TeamKinetic, the podcast where hosts Chris Martin and Imo Greatbatch delve into the world of volunteer engagement, featuring stories and insights from those leading change.

In this episode, Chris and Imo are joined by Shruti Saujani, the FA’s Senior Lead for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, to discuss her inspiring journey and the powerful work she’s doing to drive inclusivity in sports.

Join us as we explore how sports can drive positive change and promote a sense of belonging for all.
You can listen to the episode in full below:

Empowering Change Through Inclusivity in Sports

Shruti Saujani’s journey in sports is one of resilience. Growing up with a love for cricket and football, she faced the challenges of a male-dominated industry and the feeling of marginalisation that often comes with it.

Her passion for change shines through as she shares her dedication to transforming the sports landscape, particularly for women and women of colour. Her commitment to inclusivity isn’t just personal; it’s about creating a future where everyone can see themselves represented. Listen to discover how Shruti breaks down barriers and champions women in sport.

Volunteering as a Catalyst for Change

Shruti reflects on the role of volunteering, both as a means of personal growth and as a way to bring communities together. Her involvement with the Dream Big Desi Women project highlights the importance of fostering inclusive spaces. Teh project welcomes diverse participants and pushes beyond traditional barriers. In 2022, the Dream Big Desi Women campaign celebrated getting over 2,000 South Asian women involved in volunteering in cricket. You can find out more about the project here.

Driving Inclusivity Across Sports Organizations

Shruti, Chris, and Imo discussed the broader implications of diversity within sports organisations. She highlighted the need for fresh perspectives and youth engagement to keep the industry relevant and inclusive. Her experience creating safe networking spaces – particularly for South Asian women in sports – demonstrates the value of building supportive environments that go beyond sports, addressing mental health and shared experiences.

Looking to the Future

Towards the end of the episode, Shruti shares her vision for an inclusive future. She hopes sports can act as a platform for empowerment and meaningful societal change. Her insights on navigating power dynamics with vulnerability and courage provide a hopeful roadmap for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Huge thanks to Shruti for coming onto the pod. That wraps up season three. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen. Whether you’ve tuned in for one episode or all 17 of them!


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!

Getting into deep conversations with LEGO Serious Play

At the recent TeamKinetic Conference, we were treated to an engaging session led by Katherine Perrin, a freelancer with a rich background in charity management and social impact consultancy. Katherine’s passion for bringing fresh approaches to group dynamics and conversations made her session stand out, with a spotlight on the unique facilitation method known as LEGO Serious Play.

You can catch the session below:

Let’s take a closer look at how Katherine used creativity and play to unlock deeper insights in her workshop and how this approach can transform how we communicate and collaborate.

Meet Katherine Perrin

With nearly 15 years of experience in charity management, Katherine’s career has included a range of roles. From working on corporate projects to leading volunteer management and senior roles.

Her passion revolves around helping people and organisations have better, more meaningful conversations that lead to real impact. Katherine’s certification in LEGO Serious Play perfectly complements her wider work. She’s also an Action Learning Set lead, mentor, and certified coach. All these roles focus on supporting those working in the social good space to achieve their best results.

Wait, what is LEGO Serious Play?

For those unfamiliar with it, LEGO Serious Play is a facilitation technique. It uses LEGO bricks to help people express ideas, thoughts, and emotions through building. It’s not just playing with toys. The method encourages participants to use metaphors and storytelling as they build models. This offers a different, often deeper, way to communicate.

LEGO Serious Play


By engaging both hands and mind, LEGO Serious Play unlocks creative potential and makes it easier for participants to share their thoughts. Even thoughts that might be difficult to articulate verbally. The method is used in a variety of situations. From business strategy meetings to team-building workshops, and even problem-solving sessions. It’s all about breaking down barriers and enhancing engagement, and Katherine brought this concept to life during her session.

Using metaphor to open up

The session kicked off with an interactive exercise that got everyone thinking outside the box.

It’s sheep #4, isn’t it?


It was playful, but it also illustrated how using metaphors can encourage creativity and draw out more personal, thoughtful responses.

Katherine’s goal was to show how using simple, playful prompts can help people open up and engage more fully. And it worked. Attendees immediately connected with the exercise, sharing insights that went far beyond the typical “How are you?” responses.

Thinking deeper with LEGO blocks

What was clear throughout the session was Katherine’s enthusiasm for bringing fun into the workplace. But this doesn’t come at the expense of productivity – rather, it enhances it. By using facilitation methods like LEGO Serious Play, people may feel more comfortable expressing themselves and collaborating effectively.

Though LEGO Serious Play, is usually an in-person experience, Katherine expertly adapted it to the virtual setting. Allowing all attendees to participate from home with their own LEGO bricks.

She asked participants to build something that represented their answer to the question:

What strength do you bring to the team and why, and what’s your area for improvement?

There were some really great builds shown but unfortunately, these aren’t reflected in the recording, so if you did build something and take a picture, please send it our way!

Ovrall, Katherine emphasised the genuine, unforced joy that LEGO Serious Play can bring into professional spaces. While her session at the conference was on the lighter side, she explained that the method can easily adapt to tackle more serious topics, making it an incredibly versatile tool.

For Katherine, it’s all about choosing the right tools and metaphors to create a welcoming vibe and a comfortable atmosphere, no matter the focus of the session.

Final Thoughts

Katherine Perrin’s session at the TeamKinetic Conference showcased just how powerful innovative facilitation methods can be. By blending creativity with strategic communication, she demonstrated how tools like LEGO Serious Play can change the way we interact with one another in group settings.

It’s a reminder that bringing a little play into serious processes isn’t a bad thing! It can lead to more meaningful and impactful conversations, ultimately helping teams work better together.

Now, before we close off, we have to ask. Which sheep are you?


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!

Advancing volunteering in complex organisational systems

Insights from Dr Helen Timbrell

In a world where volunteering is becoming increasingly crucial to organisational success, mastering the art of volunteer management is more important than ever. In our recent conference, we invited Helen Timbrell to come and explore this fascinating topic with our attendees. You can catch the session below:

Advancing volunteering in complex organisational systems with Helen Timbrell


A leading consultant, researcher, and coach in strategic volunteer development, Helen has extensive experience working with organisations like Citizens Advice and the National Trust. She offers a unique perspective on how organisations can harness the transformative power of volunteers to drive systemic growth and cultural change.

Being a volunteer manager is like being… Taylor Swift?

Believe it or not, Helen Timbrell drew a brilliant parallel between Taylor Swift’s relentless tour schedule and the role of volunteer managers. Just like Swift, volunteer managers are expected to keep showing up, night after night, no matter what challenges they’ve faced before. Helen pointed out that the job can feel endless and exhausting, with constant expectations from others.

Taylor Swift "Look what you made me do"

She noted that being a volunteer manager, like being a solo performer, can feel quite exposing, even if you have a team behind you. You’re often the one in the spotlight, carrying the weight of responsibility. But, when done well, both are great at building a sense of community and recognising the contributions of those around them.

Helen also compared the criticism faced by both Taylor Swift and volunteer managers, often unrelated to the real issues at hand.

The Limits of Responsibility

Volunteer managers, she explained, are often asked to solve problems that aren’t actually about volunteering. She gave the example of an organisation worried that increasing the number of volunteers might make staff feel undervalued. While this was framed as a volunteering issue, Helen pointed out that the real problem lay in organisational culture and staff recognition.

“Problems” that “show up” in volunteering are often not about volunteering or caused by volunteering. However, leaders of volunteers recruitment are often asked to “solve” those problems.

Similarly, she discussed how the lack of diversity in volunteer teams is often seen as the responsibility of volunteer managers. In reality, it’s tied to broader issues around equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the organisation. Helen stressed that these are systemic challenges that can’t be tackled by volunteer leaders alone.

Focusing on the Right Priorities

Do you find yourself getting drawn into surface-level, tactical tasks that can divert attention from more significant, long-term strategic work? Often, volunteer managers are asked to address highly visible issues that seem urgent but don’t lead to sustainable change. Helen encouraged everyone to step back and consider where their time and energy would have the most meaningful impact. Don’t get sidetracked by problems that don’t require your direct involvement.

Advancing volunteering in complex organisational systems

Recognising the Bigger Picture

Helen encouraged us to think of ourselves not just as volunteer managers, but as organisational development specialists. Using the metaphor of a “telescope”, she described how your perspective should be shifted. Instead of narrowly focusing on volunteering, take a broader look at how the entire organisation’s culture impacts volunteering. By doing this, you can influence positive change on a larger scale.

Advancing volunteering in complex organisational systems

Helen also introduced the concept of “less sponge, more mirror”. A handy way to say that you shouldn’t absorb all the problems yourself. Instead, reflect them back to the organisation and involve others in finding solutions.

Protecting your Health and Well-being

The pressures of volunteer management can be overwhelming. It’s easy to take on too much, especially when faced with high expectations and limited resources. Helen shared her experience of feeling personally responsible for solving organisational challenges during her time at the National Trust. She emphasised that it’s crucial to set boundaries and recognise what’s within your control.

So what next?

Helen’s session was a call to rethink the way volunteer managers approach challenges. Shift your focus from tactical fixes to strategic influence. Build partnerships across organisations, and recognise your limits. Protect your own well-being while also creating more sustainable, impactful change.

It was an inspiring reminder that while volunteer management is tough, you don’t have to tackle it all alone. You can lead by fostering collaboration and focusing on what really matters.

We encourage you all to explore the additional resources provided below and think about how they can help you in your career. By embracing these insights and strategies, you can rethink your approach to volunteer management, ensuring a thriving and impactful volunteer programme.

Useful resources

Advancing volunteering in complex organisational systems with Dr Helen Timbrell at the TeamKinetic Conference 2024

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!

TeamTalk: Season 3, Episode 5 – Alan Stevenson

Welcome back 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.


In this TeamTalk episode, Alan Stevenson (CEO of Volunteer Scotland) joins us to share his extraordinary career journey and the significance of volunteering in today’s world.

From engineering and international marketing to founding a social media consultancy and ultimately leading Volunteers Scotland, Alan’s story is a testament to the power of saying “yes” to new opportunities. He dives into finding purpose in work and the profound satisfaction that comes from making a difference in people’s lives.

Listen now:

Alan’s Journey

He started his career as a mechanical and electrical engineer on oil rigs and in refineries. Later, he earned a master’s degree in international marketing, leading him into technology and business strategy.

In the early 2000s, Alan co-founded one of Scotland’s first social media consultancies, which eventually brought him to Volunteer Scotland. Initially a consultant, he shaped their digital strategy and brand, taking on roles such as Digital Director and IT Manager before becoming CEO.

Initially a consultant, he shaped their digital strategy and brand, taking on roles such as Digital Director and IT Manager before becoming CEO.

Alan has been instrumental in developing the Volunteer Action Plan, a strategy involving over 130 stakeholders to enhance engagement, influence policies, and create inclusive volunteering spaces. Under his leadership, Volunteer Scotland has successfully navigated government funding and strategic collaborations.

Alan’s career journey, from engineering to volunteer leadership, highlights his commitment to purpose-driven work and community engagement.

Purpose, Impact, and the Future of Volunteer Scotland

In this episode, Chris, Imo and Alan explore the transformative initiatives and strategic shifts within Volunteer Scotland, especially post-COVID-19, including the Volunteer Action Plan.

Alan explains the collaborative process that brought together over 130 stakeholders to shape actionable goals aimed at enhancing lifelong engagement, influencing policies, recognising contributions, and creating inclusive spaces for volunteering. Managing diverse working groups and the importance of co-creation and adaptability in driving these efforts are key themes.

In a broader discussion, they tackled the complex relationship between government funding and the social and economic impacts of volunteering in Scotland. Alan emphasised the need for flexible, inclusive approaches that encourage community participation without becoming overly formalized.

They also reflect on the importance of centralised services like the Volunteer Scotland website and the necessity of protecting the infrastructure supporting volunteering initiatives. Alan’s personal insights shed light on the integral role of volunteering in society and the ongoing efforts to nurture this invaluable resource.

Listen Now

Listen now to a conversation that not only provides inspiration, but delivers practical insights into the world of social impact and professional coaching.

Catch the episode on Spotify now.


Enjoyed this episode? Why not listen to more TeamTalk? You can find more episodes including chats with Rob Jackson, AVM and Sport England wherever you get your podcasts.

If you have any topic or guest requests let us know!

You can find TeamKinetic on social media:

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.

TeamTalk: Season 3, Episode 4 – Katherine Perrin

Welcome back 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.


In this TeamTalk episode, we were joined by Katherine Perrin. Katherine is a Social Impact Consultant specialising in LEGO®SeriousPlay® – a unique, tactile way of exploring topics. The method encourages people to use metaphor – using the LEGO bricks to build models that represent their thoughts and ideas.

Katherine’s Journey

How do you transform a career from local government service to making a significant impact in the voluntary sector? Katherine Perrin, our guest for episode four, shares her “squiggly path” career journey. From working in local government to becoming a certified coach, facilitator, and freelance social impact consultant.

Katherine recalls her experiences at a council for voluntary service and a hospice, revealing the profound personal growth and life-changing insights gained from these roles. Discover how she navigated the bold transition to self-employment, balancing purpose and passion while overcoming challenges.

Katherine also dives into her experience balancing a fulfilling career and personal life within the voluntary sector. We discuss the practicalities of maintaining a work-life balance in a field driven by passion, the struggle against imposter syndrome, and the importance of recognising your own value.

Katherine sheds light on the appeal of self-employment, from the flexibility it offers to the opportunities for collaboration with multiple organisations. In addition, she explains what it truly means to be a coach and facilitator in today’s ever-evolving job landscape as well as the satisfaction derived from witnessing client growth.

In the episode, we unravel the complexities of measuring social impact and how innovative methodologies, like LEGO Serious Play, are transforming discussions and problem-solving sessions.

Katherine highlights the importance of transparent social impact measurement and the challenges faced by organisations in this space. We also touch on the pressing issues of funding and sustainability within the voluntary sector, emphasising the necessity for long-term, trust-based funding relationships.

Listen Now

Listen now to a conversation that not only provides inspiration, but delivers practical insights into the world of social impact and professional coaching.

Catch the episode on Spotify and all other podcast streaming platforms:


Enjoyed this episode? Why not listen to more TeamTalk? You can find more episodes including chats with Rob Jackson, AVM and Sport England wherever you get your podcasts.

If you have any topic or guest requests let us know!

You can find TeamKinetic on social media:

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.

Page 1 of 38

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén