volunteer management Archives - Page 3 of 38

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We know that there are a wide range of things to consider when you are looking to invest in technology. This short article will help you develop your business case for TeamKinetic to decision-makers.

Compliance

It’s not the most exciting topic. However, it’s one of the most significant risk factors for your senior management team to consider. In this context, we are specifically thinking about compliance with the laws of the land.

So, what are we talking about when we think about managing volunteers? Below are a couple of the big ones.

General Data Protection Regulation – 2016
Health and Safety at Work Act – 1974
Equality Act – 2010

You can read more about each of these and how they impact volunteers, here.

TeamKinetic is built with compliance in mind. If you are working from spreadsheets or more rudimentary systems, this may be challenging. Consider the following questions:

Can you guarantee the appropriate collection and storage of sensitive data?
How easy is it for you to manage a subject access request?
Has every volunteer consented to your terms and conditions?
Do you have a record of any training or induction a volunteer has undertaken?
How easy is it to check for individuals whose training may have lapsed?
Do you have reliable data on your volunteer workforce from an equality and inclusion standpoint?
How many of your volunteers identify as disabled or with other protected characteristics?

These are all examples of compliance risks, and this burden only continues to grow. However, these are all easily solved using TeamKinetic. TeamKinetic provides the infrastructure to capture and store data in accordance with best practices and legal requirements.

Security

A sub-set of the compliance risk area, cyber security is a challenge for all organisations. The Software as a Service approach means you get the benefit of our expertise and knowledge in this space.

With our work with the Cyber Security Unit at Salford University, our Cyber Essentials certification, and as we work towards ISO 27001 compliance, you can be sure that TeamKinetic is operating at or above the industry standard. Our approach to risk is managed via our Risk Register and our published policies, giving our customers total peace of mind.

Spreadsheets, web forms and old databases might work, but they are fought with risk. A solution like TeamKinetic undergoes regular penetration testing, policy evaluation and review and work in accordance with OWASP best practice in coding and development.

Digital and Online

As the world becomes more digital, the expectations for volunteer engagement continue to rise. Your services and how individuals engage with them are being compared to everything else available online. A failure to keep up will result in organisations being left behind, especially by more digitally savvy individuals.

Currently, smartphone adoption rates in the UK sit at 91.5%, but that is expected to rise to 96.8% by 2028.

Consumer behaviour post-COVID has seen a significant shift, McKinsey published a paper in 2020 on this very topic. McKinsey’s crucial finding was that we “covered a decade of adoption in days” as a result of COVID and people have adopted digital in all aspects of their daily lives. Not only have people adopted digital, the digital world continues to move forward at a pace. The challenge for all organisations is keeping up with these digital trends.

TeamKinetic is a SaaS product or ‘Software as a Service’. This approach enables our customers to choose the best-in-class solution, off the shelf, to solve their volunteer management challenges. SaaS reduces the need for expensive infrastructure or technical expertise and it is built to meet the highest accessibility and inclusion standards. In TeamKinetic’s case, our product is constantly being improved and updated based on customer and user feedback.

We take advantage of the internet; it’s always on, available everywhere you have a network signal, on any internet-enabled device.

TeamKinetic is built to connect with other services via tools such as APIs, Webhooks, and Zapier. These are fancy ways of saying that TeamKinetic works with your other programs and applications that you might have integrated.

TeamKinetic is a professional application that provides your volunteers with a high-quality online experience.

Volunteering Trends

The current data on volunteering numbers does not make for easy reading for volunteer managers. Time Well Spent from NCVO is stark; volunteering is trending down across the board. We have seen increases in Virtual and Micro volunteering and healthy growth in the number of young people who volunteer, which suggests a more general change in volunteer attitudes and preferences.

This data suggests that organisations need more flexibility in their offer as volunteers want to choose what they do, how long they commit, and where they volunteer. For your average volunteer manager, that is a significant challenge.

Volunteer managers need a system that enables them to offer volunteers more agency and control in the form of self-service; they need methods to empower their volunteer audience to do more things for themselves. TeamKinetic provides volunteers with the ability to self-serve, self-manage and self-report. This frees up valuable volunteer manager time to ensure those needing extra support can still access it.

Quality of the Experience

As an organisation, you compete for people’s time against a world of family, entertainment and challenges including the cost of living. In that context, it’s incredible that anyone ever volunteers.

You are also responsible for creating a positive volunteer experience. The role or task a volunteer completes is an intrinsic part of this experience, but the systems you have in place to enable this are vital components too.

Your systems should never create new challenges that prevent volunteers from participating. They can’t be difficult to use or offer limited accessibility for certain users.

Enable simple rewards and recognition of volunteers’ hard work. Gather feedback from your volunteers and the volunteer opportunity providers to identify excellent practices and those who may be struggling. As a result, you can let your volunteers know the difference they are making.

Time

Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.
Stephen Covey

I’m yet to meet a volunteer manager who got into the job to spend more time doing computer admin! Yet admin responsibilities often squeeze your ability to actually work with volunteers. Collecting feedback and data, recording hours and outcomes, reporting to the board, and communicating with all your other stakeholders. It never ends!

Moving from spreadsheets or inadequate products can radically alter how you can do your job, how many volunteers you can support and, ultimately, the impact you can make.

TeamKinetic can provide real-time reporting, emails and structured onboarding; all of which give you and your volunteer managers more time. If we can give you more time to do the stuff that truly matters, what is that worth?

Cost

After everything we have covered above, it would be simple to say that you cannot afford not to use TeamKinetic. However, TeamKinetic is realistic about the pressures and demands on budgets and that organisations are constantly challenged to do more with less.

We started TeamKinetic to try and do the maximum amount of good, to offer something a little different to what else is available in the market, and that is strongly reflected in our pricing.

The number of volunteers who can register and use TeamKinetic is unlimited, and it will never impact your price.

We offer four product tiers designed to suit every type of organisation. Each is clearly defined with no nasty surprises or hidden costs.

We strongly believe that our cost does not truly represent our value. We are active supporters and partners with the Association of Volunteer Managers, the Sports Volunteering Research Network and the Institute of Volunteering Research. Investing with TeamKinetic is investing in the voluntary sector and we have more partnerships to announce.

Our FREE community product is available so that all organisations can benefit from TeamKinetic.

We want to build a stronger community of volunteer managers through our partnerships, monthly masterclass sessions, peer-to-peer chat space, and yearly conferences. We have developed a network of wonderful people who share many of our values and beliefs about volunteers’ fantastic impact on the world.

This list is by no means exhaustive! With that in mind, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you have convinced your managers to invest in volunteer management. Drop me an email at chris@teamkinetic.co.uk.

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Culture Wars and the Third Sector: Navigate Challenges and Seize Opportunities

On 6th March 2024

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Ideological clashes, commonly referred to as “culture wars” are often fueled by polarised perspectives on issues like identity, values, and social justice. Of course, the Third Sector plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges. As culture wars intensify, Third Sector organisations’ ability to maintain their purpose whilst adapting to change has proved difficult. Discover how to navigate culture wars and even seize opportunities to combat such challenges.

These divergences are playing out across society and they impact on many charities very acutely. In part, I think, because they’re so often fuelled by the sense of mission, a desire to right a wrong or serve a certain community, whether that be a community place or interest.

There is no way for charities to immunise themselves against change, whether that’s technological, cultural or economic. The question is how best to respond.
Helen Stephenson, chief executive of the Charity Commission

Seizing Opportunities Amidst Challenges

Strengthening Organisational Values

Organisations may find it challenging to maintain unity among their staff and stakeholders when confronted with divisive issues.

In times of cultural turbulence, it becomes essential for Third Sector organisations to revisit and reinforce their core values. With a strong internal alignment and set purpose, your organisation will be more robust. Equally, the wider community can be reassured of your organisation’s consistent, positive, uniting impact.

Building Inclusive Dialogue

The Third Sector is often at the forefront of addressing social issues. However, during times of social conflict, your organisation may feel pressured to take positions on controversial topics for fear of alienating segments of their support base.

The Third Sector can play a crucial role in fostering inclusive dialogues that bridge divides. By creating spaces for constructive conversations, organisations can contribute to building understanding and finding common ground within communities.

Diversifying Funding Streams

Charities and non-profits may face difficulties in securing funding as donors become more selective based on ideological considerations. Some organisations may find themselves caught in the crossfire, with donors withdrawing support due to perceived alignment or misalignment with cultural stances.

To mitigate the impact of funding challenges stemming from culture wars, Third Sector organisations should consider diversifying their funding sources. Exploring partnerships with a variety of donors and revenue streams can provide financial stability.

Adapting Strategies

Advocacy and policy work are integral to the Third Sector’s mission. Culture wars hinder organisations’ ability to influence policy decisions because politicians may be reluctant to align with contentious causes.

To navigate the complexities of advocacy, Third Sector organisations may need to adapt their strategies. This could involve framing issues in a way that resonates with a broader audience and emphasises shared values rather than divisive rhetoric.

Conclusion

As culture wars continue in the UK, the Third Sector must confront the challenges they present while actively seeking opportunities for positive impact. By staying true to your missions, fostering an inclusive dialogue and adapting to change, your organisation can navigate culture wars and contribute to a more united society.

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Combatting Volunteering Myths

On 21st February 2024

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All of us in the third sector are aware of some common stereotypes about volunteering. However, are you actively combatting these myths with the volunteering opportunities you create and the messages you portray? Read on to address and combat volunteering myths!

Myth 1: Volunteering Is Only About Charity Work

While charity work is a significant aspect of volunteering, it’s not the only focus. Volunteering encompasses a wide range of activities, including community development, environmental conservation, disaster response, and more. There are countless ways to make a positive impact that goes beyond traditional charity work. Including a volunteering page on your website, as we advise here, is a great way to make people aware of volunteering with your organisation.

Myth 2: Volunteering is Only for the Retired or Unemployed

The reality is that volunteering is for everyone, regardless of age or employment status. While retirees and the unemployed may find more time to dedicate, individuals with busy schedules can still contribute. Setting your opportunity to ‘flexible’ hours, allowing people to engage based on their availability, will help combat this stereotype. There has also been an increase in virtual volunteering carried out by younger generations in recent years. Consider adopting digital volunteering, as we explore in our blog here.

Myth 3: Volunteering Requires Skill

As this Girl Can Reports have found, many women are prevented from taking part in sports due to their belief that they lack technical knowledge. This too applies to volunteering! When writing your opportunity descriptions try to put yourself in the volunteer’s shoes. Quash those hesitations! This way, before volunteering, people will already have a perception of your organisation as accepting and grateful for volunteer time. Volunteering as a way to boost self-confidence or meet new people does not require any hard skills. Whether an opportunity involves hard skills or not, the foundational requirements are the same; a desire to make a difference.

Myth 4: Safeguarding Training is Mandatory

Of course, ensuring that your organisation is a safe space for everyone is a priority. Encouraging all volunteers to access safeguarding resources and insisting on reporting suspicious behaviour are a must.

It is important to note that there are various safeguarding training levels, depending on the nature of the volunteering role. For example, in a sports organisation, for those volunteering as a coach, safeguarding training would be mandatory. However, if a role involved minimal contact with sensitive data or other people, there would be lower safeguarding requirements.

When creating opportunities in your TemKinetic system, be sure to state the level of safeguarding training. For those looking for a less time-consuming commitment, an opportunity with minimal prerequisite training is desirable. Equally, streamlining your training will save time and resources.

Myth 5: All Volunteers must have a DBS

Similarly to safeguarding training, DBS checks are only applicable in certain situations. When necessary, DBS checks can be logged within TeamKinetic. Once again, make these requirements clear so that volunteers are not under the impression that more is required of them! With our upcoming First Advantage Integration, DBS checking is about to get super simple!

Go and Make a Difference!

As a dedicated volunteer manager, your role is crucial in mobilising individuals to make a positive impact on the community. However, common myths and misconceptions surrounding volunteering can sometimes hinder the recruitment and engagement of volunteers. By addressing these misconceptions from your unique perspective, you can attract a diverse pool of volunteers and foster a dynamic and inclusive volunteer community.

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Volunteer Reward and Recognition just got easier with TeamKinetic and Tempo Time Credits

In Application Features and Tutorials, TeamKinetic Features, Technical Updates

On 14th February 2024

Looking to supercharge your volunteer reward and recognition? Well, within the TeamKinetic volunteer management system, you can now give your volunteers Tempo Time Credits for all their hard work.

Who are Tempo? What are Tempo Time Credits?

Tempo is a registered charity that builds local and national organisation networks by bringing people together in their local communities to carry out valued voluntary work.

The Time Credit model recognises and rewards volunteers for the hours they give. Volunteers can exchange Time Credits for experiences, products or services – like cinema tickets, entry to visitor attractions or even a coffee and a slice of cake! These experiences, products, and services are provided by their ‘Recognition Partners’.

How does Tempo work within TeamKinetic?

Volunteer reward and recognition has never been easier. Within TeamKinetic, Admin users will control the whole process. They can decide which opportunities merit Tempo Time Credits and determine how many credits are available.

Meanwhile, your volunteers can seamlessly join Tempo. They’ll gain instant access to their credit balance and local offers directly from their TeamKinetic dashboard. Once volunteer hours are confirmed, the conversion process is a breeze. They can effortlessly exchange their hours for Tempo Time Credits, giving them the freedom to spend or gift them as they choose.

Getting started with this integration depends on a few factors. Are you a TeamKinetic Enterprise user? And do Tempo have a recognition network set up in your area?

See below for a map of where Tempo presently operates:

If Tempo aren’t in your area, fear not! You can discuss your options with Tempo’s CEO Rachel. Also, if you’d like to become a recognition partner yourself, there is opportunity to do that. This would involve offering experiences for volunteers to redeem with their Tempo Time Credits.

The Impact of Tempo Time Credits

Not convinced yet? Read all about the impact Tempo can make for volunteers and communities below:

And see this great video for a visual look at Tempo’s impact:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get started?

Please see the graphic below for more instructions.

Book a chat with Chris: https://savvycal.com/Chris-Martin-fd7fab21/Tempo

Book a chat with Rachel: https://savvycal.com/rachelgegeshidze/9d48a957

Can you provide more details on the specific benefits or incentives offered through Tempo Time Credits, such as examples of experiences, products, or services that volunteers can redeem?

Redeemable services include: classes at the local leisure centre, shows at the local theatre, and a day out at the zoo. You can read case studies from volunteers using Time Credits in this report.

How does TeamKinetic ensure the security and accuracy of volunteer hour tracking within the system to facilitate the seamless exchange of hours for Tempo Time Credits?

Only provider-confirmed hours will contribute towards the amount of Time Credits available for redemption. Furthermore, limits can be set on how many credits can be redeemed per opportunity/in a certain amount of time. Rolf will work with you to set these guidelines.

Are there any potential costs or fees associated with integrating Tempo Time Credits into the TeamKinetic volunteer management system, either for organizations or volunteers, and how are these managed or mitigated?

Yes, you will have to set up a contract with Tempo. However, on the TeamKinetic side, there is no extra charge to get this activated within your system.

In the meantime, you can read more from Tempo themselves. Their CEO Rachel was kind enough to write us a lovely guest blog all about Tempo and the great work they do.

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

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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.

The Credits that Build Communities, Support Connections, and Reward Volunteering

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On 12th February 2024

In News & Views, TeamKinetic Features, Volunteer Management

Look out for a new way to reward volunteering with TeamKinetic and Tempo, in the meantime, enjoy this guest blog from Rachel Gegeshidze, CEO of Tempo!

Our mission at Tempo is clear and compelling: to build a national network of communities dedicated to making positive societal change. We believe in harnessing the power of individuals whose contributions are not only recognised but also valued. We achieve this through the innovative Tempo Time Credits system.

Reward volunteering with Tempo. Build communities. With communities. For communities.

History of Tempo

Founded in the Welsh Valleys in 2009, Tempo has emerged as a leading UK-based community development organisation committed to creating connected, fair, and healthier societies. Our extensive history is marked by successful partnerships with communities and public services, specialising in front-line delivery, strategic planning, and fostering collaboration among diverse entities.

Our experienced team, composed of community practitioners, public sector specialists, and trainers, works collaboratively with citizens, communities, organisations, and services to co-produce solutions at the grassroots level. We see ourselves as the thread that connects people, services, and businesses, serving as the key that unlocks the potential for them to create communities where they can thrive.
We focus on creating pathways to volunteering, emphasising community involvement and recognising people’s skills and strengths – a paradigm that accentuates what’s strong rather than what’s wrong.

Tempo’s Impact

At the heart of Tempo’s transformative initiatives is the Time Credit tool. A groundbreaking concept designed to motivate individuals to contribute their time to community causes. Since its inception in 2011, Tempo has empowered over 35,000 individuals to donate their time to local projects, actively involving them in the design and delivery of public and community services. In our 2023 annual survey, an astounding 40% of respondents had never or only occasionally volunteered before receiving Time Credits, underscoring Tempo’s success in cultivating a culture of civic engagement.

The impact of our programs is profound, touching the lives of individuals, communities, and organisations. Tempo remains unwaveringly dedicated to shaping a future where communities thrive, individuals are empowered, and societal well-being takes precedence. As a beacon of progress, Tempo stands as an exemplar of the positive change achievable through dedicated community development. Join us on our journey as we continue to build a national network of empowered communities and contribute to a brighter, more connected future for all.

Tempo’s vision

Together, we forge a connected, fairer, and healthier society. With the belief that everyone has something to contribute, we leverage Time Credits to unlock local community assets. Our greatest strength lies in our people.

The 18-month journey with TeamKinetic has been transformative. Aligned with TeamKinetic‘s ‘Volunteer First’ mantra, we aim to engage and support individuals on their volunteer path, providing information and choices while recognising and valuing their time, skills, and knowledge.

The exciting synergy of our platforms now talking to each other heralds the launch of our collaboration to communities. This breakthrough will amplify the benefits of volunteers, empowering more individuals to contribute, be valued, and recognised for their time.
Rachel Gegeshidze, CEO at Tempo

How Time Credits Reward Volunteering

Tempo Time Credits are a unique and innovative tool developed by Tempo. Time Credits serve as a community currency that individuals earn for volunteering their time in various community projects and initiatives. The earned Time Credits can then be redeemed for accessing services, events, or activities within the community. This not only encourages and rewards volunteerism but also promotes a sense of community engagement and reciprocity.

Individuals receive Time Credits via Tempo’s Time Credit platform. They use the platform to search for opportunities to redeem Time Credits in Tempo’s local and national recognition network. This includes a wide range of community organisations as well as higher profile opportunities such as the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, the Tower of London and the Millennium Centre.

Time Credits can be used across the Tempo national network. Time Credits received in Cardiff can be used in London or gifted to a family member to share the gift of time.

Discover more

Interested in finding out more about Tempo? Visit their website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. See also: our blog explaining the integration in more detail.

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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.

The New TeamKinetic App

In Application Features and Tutorials, TeamKinetic Features, Technical Updates

On 31st January 2024

After a long period of development, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the new TeamKinetic App! The app is free for all, and our Enterprise users have the option to adopt their own white-labeled version.

The Power of TeamKinetic at Your Fingertips

The new TeamKinetic app brings the power of our desktop platform to your pocket.

Our new app is more user-friendly and modern with a redesigned and intuitive interface. We’ve ensured that the user experience is consistent across Android and iOS devices, so no matter what platform your users prefer, they’ll enjoy a seamless and unified experience.

With the new app, your volunteers will now have access to features such as expenses, roles, the ability to apply for opportunities, document uploads/downloads, and profile management.

The base TeamKinetic app will be free for all users, including all the material and support required for everyone to use and share with their volunteers.

However, if you’re an Enterprise user, you can access the exciting new ability to have your app white-labeled.

White-labeling

All enterprise users can have a branded version of the TeamKinetic app tailored to their organisation’s unique identity.

Your logo, brand colours, and unique app store name will be used, creating a seamless extension of your brand. Customisation will not include functional elements; all apps offer the same features.

White-labeled applications will also allow volunteers to register directly within the app, streamlining the onboarding process.

The yearly cost for a white-labeled application is £800 per year and can be added directly onto your existing yearly fee. All white-labeling will be done on a first-come-first-served basis as we have to roll these out gradually.

How to download the TeamKinetic App

You can download our app for free on iOS and Android now. Just search ‘Volunteer with TeamKinetic’ or click the links below.

If you are an enterprise user wanting to discuss adopting a white-labeled app, please fill in this form.

We can’t wait for you to explore the enhanced capabilities of our new app.

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

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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.

Review and Refresh your Volunteer Management

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On 24th January 2024

In News & Views, Volunteer Management

As we embark on a new year, you may be feeling that it’s time to refresh your volunteer management style. Whether you do or do not currently use TeamKinetic, there is always room to improve your process and maximise volunteer management opportunities.

Digital Deep Dive

Are you making TeamKinetic work hard for you? With a wealth of features and regular updates, it is easy to overlook certain areas! Setting aside time to review your use of TeamKinetic will save time in the long run. Booking a session with our implementation manager will help you directly address the redundant areas of your system. Or, attend free masterclasses to address specific areas. For example, if you want to improve your use of transactional and bulk emailing, our ‘communicating with users’ masterclass is coming up! Simply go to Help and Support > Extra training in your system.

If you are not a TeamKinetic user, that does not necessarily mean you don’t do anything digitally! Reviewing your current volunteer management will reveal the areas for improvement. For example, a disorganised scheduling or rota system. Knowing your current sticking points is a great start if you decide to streamline your volunteer management. This can help frame your volunteer management software search.

Networking

Touching base with other organisations in your local area or network can also be insightful. Peer-to-peer learning is a way to test whether your volunteering patterns are also being seen by others. Together you can tackle these issues and even become part of a region-wide volunteering network. For example, TeamKinetic users in the Liverpool City Region have joined forces. As a result, volunteers can access opportunities from across the region. If you are currently a TeamKinetic user, through referral you can build your network and experience the benefits of a wider volunteer community.

Are you Listening to your Volunteers?

Encouraging your volunteers and admins to leave feedback on volunteering opportunities is a great way to stay on track. As with your other volunteer data, feedback can be monitored and tracked within your TeamKinetic volunteer management system. Responding to the feedback is the most crucial step. Think of your volunteers as a part of your team, providing clarity and direction. Do you periodically send out volunteer surveys? Surveys can also be distributed from within TeamKinetic. Surveys will help to paint a broader, more long-term picture of the impact of any amendments you have made in response to feedback.

This may have made you wonder where there is any record of what your volunteers think! A lot of volunteering opportunities rely solely on verbal communication. Of course, in-person recognition and feedback are very valuable. However, when it comes to reviewing your volunteer programme, this can cause difficulties in providing substantive evidence of the volunteer experience. Consider implementing digital methods of recording volunteer feedback.

Communicate with Colleagues

Don’t assume that others in your department use TeamKinetic in the same way as you. Check in with your other admins to discover how they make the system work best for them. Booking on to one of our free open training sessions as a group is a great refresher and can help your team to regroup and align your efforts.

Equally, if you do not have a volunteer management system in place, you must work together. Initiating talks over the positives and difficulties of your current volunteer management is part of the review and refresh process. You may be unaware that another of your colleagues is struggling to collect volunteer references, for example.

Refer to Standards and Frameworks

Our upcoming Digital Toolkit in partnership with the AVM is set to be a go-to for organisations looking to improve their digital volunteer management. We are working to help Volunteer Managers and Leaders to consider and adopt the digital tools, systems and approaches that are right for them. If you have any questions or requests please contact Gethyn Williams, here. This a toolkit shaped by those who will benefit most!

Adhering to some Third Sector processes and accreditations can help boost the standard of your volunteering programmes. For example, ‘Investing in Volunteers’ or Volunteer Scotland’s ‘Volunteering Charter’.

Key Takeaways

Volunteer feedback, attendance, page visits and much more are logged within TeamKinetic. Don’t just collect volunteer data, review it! The third sector is a big community, make the most of this through networking and accessing the resources available to you. Similarly, communicate effectively within your organisation to ensure you are making the most of your current tools. If you would like a more formal refresh or extra training, TeamKinetic are always on hand to help! If you are not a TeamKinetic user and would like to see the system in action and discuss tailoring TeamKinetic to your needs, get in touch through the live chat pop-up here.

Ensure you follow us on our social media pages to receive regular updates about the voluntary sector and learn more about the TeamKinetic system.

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

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 Best Practice: What Makes a Successful Site Launch

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On 10th January 2024

In News & Views, TeamKinetic Best Practice, TeamKinetic Features

We’re delighted to welcome any organisation to TeamKinetic. Besides creating software that works best for you and your volunteers, we want to help you make all aspects of your site launch successful! From pre-go-live communications to additional training, make the most of your site launch with the help of the following pointers.

Pre-go-live Comms

Communicating features and integrations is a valuable part of your overall communications strategy before your site goes live. Create a pre-go-live checklist to ensure that you spread maximum awareness of your launch. In your Implementation Guide, there is a checklist for optimising your TeamKinetic site, but you may want to go the extra mile. Include both volunteers and admin in your campaign. Span your communications across email, social media, your website and location. This will create a smooth transition for your admins and build anticipation amongst your volunteers. A new-found potential for volunteer impact is an inspiring message! Draw attention to the issues that you sought TeamKinetic to solve, in particular the issues that will resonate with your current volunteers. For example, difficulty notifying volunteers about shift changes.

Outlining Features and Integrations

If you have our enterprise package, you can fully customise your site with a unique set of features and integrations. Other versions are also customisable, just to a smaller extent. TeamKinetic works with your specific organisation and volunteers in mind. There is no doubt that your volunteers will want to know about the improvements to their volunteer experience!

Our Tempo Time Credits and First Advantage integrations are other talking points. With Tempo, as your volunteers log hours on your TeamKinetic site, they will be granted real-life rewards. Rewards include activities, products or services. With volunteering taking somewhat of a downward turn due to the cost of living crisis and people’s lack of ‘free’ time, tangible rewards are a fantastic motivation.

Additional Training

Another way to make the transition to TeamKinetic smooth for your volunteers is to provide training sessions. We suggest having up to five admins. These admins can all join a TeamKinetic online training session at no extra cost. New admins are free to join our quarterly open training sessions. Or, address any additional training requirements with a one-to-one training session.

Running a similar form of training for your volunteers will help ease the transition to TeamKinetic. This is especially true for those who are not as accustomed to the online world. An optional training session in the run-up to your site launch will benefit you and your volunteers in the long run. You could even pre-record a show around of your TeamKinetic site or create a ‘cheat sheet’ for volunteers to access at their convenience. Let volunteers know about training or any additional materials during your pre-go-live communications.

Using your Online Voice

As part of your pre-go-live communications, create a social media campaign that showcases integrations, use-cases, and promotes your online training sessions, for example. Your audience will become familiar with the idea of your new volunteer management system and be in support of the benefits. If you utilise social media, you may also gain the attention of those who have yet to volunteer with your organisation.

If your TeamKinetic site is in partnership with multiple organisations within your area, the same goes for providers. As we explore in our ‘4 Ways to Attract More Volunteers’ blog, if all partners post about opportunities hosted on your TeamKinetic site, reach is maximised. You may choose to execute a cross-channel campaign that is contributed to by all organisations within your partnership. Showing provider profile pages will make it clear who volunteers will be engaging with. This strengthens the credibility and distribution of your content, and, in turn, your TeamKinetic site.

The same goes for linking to your main organisation’s website. Pre-launch, many volunteers will be used to going to your website for volunteering-related information. Ensure that they are appropriately redirected and informed about the purpose of your new TeamKinetic site. We explore this further here.

Helping the More Traditional Volunteer

Alongside running training sessions for those who might be less digitally savvy, it is helpful to have some computers or tablets at your organisation’s location. Volunteers may want to sign up and navigate your TeamKinetic site for the first time with help to hand. Of course, if you have the means, it would benefit certain volunteers if computers or tablets were constantly available. Our new app further simplifies the volunteer experience on TeamKinetic.

You can invite your existing volunteers to your TeamKinetic site and volunteer opportunities with the ‘invite’ feature. This is another way to create a smooth transition to using TeamKinetic. For those who may not have been exposed to your online pre-go-live campaign, including signage at your location could be the catalyst for less digitally savvy volunteers to sign up to your TeamKinetic site.

Next Steps

Share why you’re excited about TeamKinetic with your volunteers! The period leading up to your site launch is transitional. Knowing what to say, where to say it, and to who to say it to is the foundation of a successful site launch.

Ensure you follow us on our social media pages to receive regular updates about the voluntary sector and learn more about the TeamKinetic system. You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:

TeamKinetic 2023 Roundup

On 20th December 2023