Heidi Rutherford
Heidi combines her love of hockey with a vital volunteering role.
Volunteer role Welfare Officer at Wycombe Hockey Club
How long have you been doing it? – 4 years
What do you do in your volunteer role? In a nutshell, I check to make sure every volunteer in our club has completed a safe guarding course & DBS check and that the coaches are first aid trained, helping people book on to the necessary courses and keeping up to date with who has what qualifications. I also deal with any welfare complaints or problems that might arise.
Why did you want to volunteer? – Playing hockey is my main hobby and since I have played for a local club (27 years) I have always volunteered. There’s so many volunteer roles and it doesn’t matter what age you are. I volunteered for welfare officer four years ago because, at the time, the position was vacant; it is a vital role within the club so I stepped in to fill the position.
What appealed to you about this role? – In my opinion, welfare and protecting juniors and vulnerable people is the most important role in the club.
What are the best bits of being a volunteer? – It’s a good thing to do, it makes you feel you are doing your bit to help the club. It takes your mind off other aspects of your life.
What do you think you gain from volunteering, either personally or professionally? – Pride; I continue to do it so I must enjoy it.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your volunteering role? – Trying to keep everyone happy is impossible but I hope that what I have done is for the best and completed to the best of my knowledge and ability. Asking or dealing with awkward taboo topics of conversation in regards to incidents that have occurred can be challenging.
Would you recommend it to other people? – Yes, definitely. It can help you learn new skills and keeps you busy.
