Tag: volunteer management Page 1 of 38

TeamKinetic 2.6.0 Major Release

By

On 26th February 2025

In Technical Updates

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!

By

On 27th January 2025

In Application Features and Tutorials, News & Views, TeamKinetic Features

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

By

On 1st November 2024

In News & Views

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

By

On 28th October 2024

In Events and Conferences, Volunteer Management

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

By

On 15th October 2024

In Events and Conferences, Volunteer Management

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

By

On 8th October 2024

In News & Views, TeamTalk Podcast

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

By

On 29th August 2024

In News & Views, TeamTalk Podcast

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.

TeamKinetic 2024 Conference

By

On 27th August 2024

In Events and Conferences, News & Views

The TeamKinetic Conference will take place on Wednesday the 25th September. We’ll be bringing together voices from across the third sector to discuss the latest hot topics from the world of volunteer management. You can get tickets now for just £10!

We have a great lineup of speakers for you, just click any name to find out more!

Dr Helen Timbrell: People and Organisational Development Consultant

Katherine Perrin: Social Impact Consultant

Liverpool City Region Panel

Janet Lewis-Jones: Investing in Volunteers Assessor

Claire Feeney: Senior Web Analyst at EMCode

Gethyn Williams: Non-Profit Development

The Agenda

(Subject to change)

Speakers

Dr Helen Timbrell

People and Organisational Development Consultant

The challenges we experience when looking to grow and develop volunteering within organisations are rarely “just” about volunteering, and yet often colleagues and leaders look to us as volunteering teams to “solve” these wider problems. In this session, Helen will reflect on her experience working in and consulting with organisations, and explore how we might get better at identifying and working through the wider system issues that might get in our way. Helen will advocate for volunteering leaders to take an organisational development perspective to their work and share some of the advantages of doing so.

Helen is a consultant, researcher and coach with a specialisation in strategic volunteering development and supporting volunteering leaders. Clients include Citizens Advice, Cats Protection, Scouts Association, Dogs Trust and SSAFA. Helen previously held the roles of Director of People and Organisational Development at Samaritans and Versus Arthritis. Prior to this, she was Director of Volunteering and Participation at the National Trust.

Helen’s PhD explored geographical variations in volunteering. In 2020 she published “What the bloody hell are you doing here?” research exploring the experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic volunteers in four organisations. She has an MBA, is a chartered member of the CIPD and holds an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change.

Find out more on Helen’s website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Katherine Perrin

Social Impact Consultant


LEGO®SeriousPlay® is 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. Highly accessible, democratic and gently playful, it’s a surprisingly powerful way to facilitate deep conversations and gain new insights on key issues. Its flexibility is one of its greatest strengths – you can use it for team-building and personal exploration, through to vision and values, strategy and impact.

Katherine brings nearly 15 years of charity management experience across corporate projects and operational/senior management roles (including volunteer management). She has a passion for supporting individuals and organisations to have better conversations and deliver greater impact. Her certification in the LEGO®SeriousPlay® method is the perfect complement to her wider work in facilitation, as well as being an Action Learning Set lead, mentor and certified coach in the for-social-good space.

Visit Katherine’s website, and connect with her on LinkedIn.

You can also listen to the podcast episode we recorded with her here!

Liverpool City Region Panel


Chris will host an exciting panel discussion with various key figures from our partnership across the Liverpool City Region. Claire Redford-Kerr and Lauren Jones will join us to discuss the impact of technology in enhancing collaboration between volunteer centres across Liverpool. 

The Liverpool City Region Volunteering Orbit, powered by TeamKinetic, is a central place to showcase voluntary opportunities across the LCR, managed by the Volunteer Centres across Halton & St Helens, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

Lauren Jones

Lauren serves as the Volunteer Centre Coordinator at Volunteer Centre Sefton (VCS). The Centre plays a crucial role in supporting the sector with all aspects of volunteering and collaborates closely with partners and other CVS organisations across the Liverpool City Region to promote and sustain volunteering in the area.

With over twelve years of professional experience in the sector, primarily as a Volunteer Coordinator, Lauren has been in her current role for two years. She is passionate about assisting organisations with volunteer infrastructure and is dedicated to continually enhancing the Centre’s offerings. On a personal level, Lauren has been involved in various forms of volunteering and fundraising since childhood. She currently volunteers with her Miniature Shetland therapy pony, Squirrel.

Claire Redford-Kerr

Claire is the Place-based Lead for Halton at Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action. She leads on volunteering across the organisation, providing guidance and support to staff involved in place-based project delivery. Claire plays a key role in shaping local priorities by serving on strategic boards, partnerships, and networks within the Halton area.

Janet Lewis-Jones

Investing in Volunteers Assessor


Janet’s session will explore the importance of enhancing volunteers’ experiences through good practice. It will look at everything, from recruitment to exit, using the Investing in Volunteers framework and accreditation journey.

Investing in Volunteers (IiV) is the quality standard for all volunteer-involving organisations. It aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience and to ensure organisations acknowledge the contribution made by volunteers. 

IiV is a development tool that uses a quality framework to demonstrate best practice in volunteer involvement and management. The process will support you and your organisation with the development of your volunteer programme and highlight the effectiveness of your work with volunteers. 

Details of how you can go through the accredited journey as well as information on the benefits of achieving IiV status can be found at Home – Investing in Volunteers

Janet Lewis-Jones has extensive experience in the criminal justice sector and with non-profit organisations. She worked briefly as a psychologist in the prison service before spending nearly two decades with a national charity, where she became the National Director of Operations, managing contracts worth over £12 million, 450 staff, and 2000 volunteers. 

Since becoming a freelancer in 2004, Janet has advised and assessed various quality standards for not-for-profit organisations. She is a Registered Assessor for the matrix Standard, an Assessor and Lead Assessor for the Investing in Volunteers Standard, and has worked with the Volunteer Centre Quality Assurance (VCQA) and UK Community Foundations (UKCF) quality standards. Janet also holds an SFEDI-accredited Level 5 Certificate in assessment processes and practices.

Claire Feeney

Senior Web Analyst at EM Code


Claire will present an introductory session on Google Analytics 4 (GA4), focusing on how organisations and charities can leverage GA4 to gain deeper insights into volunteer engagement, identify popular content, and collect actionable data. This session is designed to equip volunteer managers with the knowledge needed to enhance their strategies and improve their overall volunteer management through insight leveraged from GA4.

Addressing the current challenges facing the third sector, including declining donations and volunteer numbers, Claire will help audiences to understand how GA4 can be used to gather critical data that can inform recruitment and engagement efforts.

Find out more about EMCode.

Gethyn Williams

Non-Profit Development


TeamKinetic’s new Digital in Volunteering Toolkit, developed with AVM members, is about to be launched. In this session, you’ll get an advanced look at its content and structure, as well as an overview of the key insights and points of learning for Volunteer Managers gained through its production. The purpose of the toolkit is to help Volunteer Managers adopt the digital tools and approaches that will best serve their needs, supporting a ‘growth mindset’ powered by digital innovation.

Gethyn provides strategic and operational support services to charities and non-profit organisations, helping them tackle challenges in order to grow and thrive. He has twenty years experience across the UK non-profit sector. 

Find out more about Gethyn on his website, and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more information regarding our speakers and agenda! But in the meantime..

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.

Woman using computer

Accessibility Statement

By

On 15th August 2024

In TeamKinetic Best Practice, Technical Updates

Our Commitment to Accessibility

At TeamKinetic, we are committed to ensuring our software platform is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. We strive to follow best practices and standards to provide an inclusive user experience that caters to diverse needs.

Accessibility Features

We have implemented several features on our website to enhance accessibility, including but not limited to:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Users can navigate through the website using a keyboard, without the need for a mouse.
  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Our content is designed to be compatible with screen reading software, enabling visually impaired users to access information.
  • Text Alternatives: We provide text alternatives for non-text content to ensure that all users can understand the information presented.
  • Consistent Layout: Our website follows a consistent layout and design to facilitate ease of use and navigation.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Despite our best efforts, there may be instances where certain aspects of the website are not fully accessible. This may occur due to:

  • Third-Party Integrations: Some sections of our website may include third-party tools or plugins that we do not have full control over. These may not meet our accessibility standards.
  • Technological Constraints: Rapid technological changes may sometimes present challenges that affect our ability to provide fully accessible experiences.
  • Design Trade-offs: Balancing aesthetic design and functionality can occasionally impact the accessibility of certain elements.

Feedback and Assistance

We value feedback from our users and continually seek to improve the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, contact us at info@teamkinetic.co.uk.

Contact Us

For any assistance or to report an accessibility issue, please reach out to our support team:

  • Email: info@teamkinetic.co.uk

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve the accessibility of our platform. Thank you for helping us create a more inclusive environment for all users.

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.

Data Galore: Linking TeamKinetic to Google Analytics

By

On 24th July 2024

In Application Features and Tutorials, TeamKinetic Features

Google Analytics is a service that allows you to track and report on your website traffic. By linking your TeamKinetic system to Google Analytics, you can gain a deeper understanding of your audience and how they interact with your content.

So how do you link TeamKinetic to Google Analytics?

We’ve created this handy guide on how to link your TK site to Google Analytics. The key steps: 

  1. Create a Google Analytics account (if you don’t have one already)
  2. Set up a new property
  3. Add your website (data stream)
  4. Grab the tracking code
  5. Open a support ticket with the code and we’ll do the rest!
  6. Give it time to collect the data

Download the guide below:

Setting Up Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for Your WebsiteDownload

The Key Metrics you should be tracking

Once you’re all set up, there are a load of things you may want to start tracking. We’ve outlined some key metrics to track.

Site Visitors

Site visitors, or users, are the individuals who visit your website. Monitoring the number of visitors helps you understand the reach of your site and track growth over time.

Where to Find It

In your GA4 dashboard, go to the Reports → Life cycle → Acquisition → Overview. Here, you can view metrics such as the total number of users, new users, and active number of users in the past 30 minutes.

Why It’s Important

Knowing how many people visit your site can help you gauge the effectiveness of your outreach efforts and identify trends in your traffic.

Traffic Sources

Traffic sources tell you where your visitors are coming from. This could be through search engines, direct visits, social media, or referral links from other websites.

Where to Find It

Navigate to the Reports → Life cycle → Acquisition → Traffic Acquisition. Here, you’ll see a breakdown of traffic sources, including organic search, direct, social, and referral.

Why It’s Important

Understanding where your traffic comes from helps you identify which channels are most effective in driving visitors to your site. This can inform your marketing strategies and help you allocate resources more effectively.

Engagement Rates

Engagement rates provide insights into how users interact with your site. Key engagement metrics include bounce rate, average session duration, and pages per session.

Where to Find It

In the Reports → Life cycle → Engagement → Overview. Look at metrics like the engagement rate, average engagement time per session, and the number of engaged sessions per user.

Why It’s Important

High engagement rates indicate that visitors find your content valuable and are spending more time on your site. This can lead to increased volunteer sign-ups and better retention.

You can even see which pages are most popular on your site by going to Reports → Life cycle → Engagement → Pages and screens

Go forth and track!

By tracking these key metrics in Google Analytics, you can gain valuable insights into your website’s performance and make data-driven decisions to enhance your volunteer management efforts.

We hope this guide helps you get started with Google Analytics and empowers you to take your volunteer management programme to the next level.

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.

Page 1 of 38

Next →

Search

Subscribe to our blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to the TeamKinetic blog and receive notifications of new posts and stories.

Join 1,713 other subscribers.

Contact Details

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén