Many charities and community groups in Buckinghamshire are struggling to recruit new volunteers and it is now more important than ever to retain existing volunteers through good management and support of current volunteers.

If you would like tips on how to manage volunteers in today’s challenging environment, join our next Volunteer Managers’ Network workshop on Wednesday 30^th November 2022 (10:00am-11:30am) to hear how our guest speaker Claire Baker, Volunteer Manager with Medical Detection Dogs, effectively manages and retains a team of 750 volunteers across the UK.

During the session, attendees will have the chance to ask Claire questions as well as share experiences, good practice, and ideas amongst fellow volunteer managers. We will explore reward and recognitions, motivating volunteers in challenging times, and incentive and retention.

Who should attend?

Anyone (paid/unpaid) involved with recruiting/managing volunteers for charities, community groups, or social enterprises that deliver services in Buckinghamshire. Whether you’re new in your role with lots of questions, or experienced and looking to exchange fresh ideas, you are welcome.

Please note that the forum is for organisations whose beneficiaries are in Buckinghamshire and priority will be given to organisations with a turnover of £100,000 or below. Spaces are limited to one representative from each organisation.

About the speakers

Guest speaker: in her role as Volunteer Manager for charity Medical Detection Dogs, Claire Baker heads up a volunteer team of around 750 volunteers and 4 members of staff nationwide.  She leads on volunteer relationship management and shapes the systems, policies and procedures which facilitate the growing volunteer programme. Claire has worked in the field of volunteer management since 2005 including working for Thames Valley Police in the Citizens in Policing department.

Your facilitator: Lew Headley, VCSE and Community Development Officer at Community Impact Bucks, has a background in working with children and families and mentoring young people. He has extensive experience in training volunteers, recruiting trustees, setting up small community projects, and supporting volunteers.

Feedback from past attendees

• “The extent of information shared was very good; the presentations were very good; and the opportunity to ask questions again were very good.”
• “The session provided new ideas about volunteer recruitment methods, and ways to engage volunteers effectively.”
• “Helpful and reassuring to know volunteering trends.”
• “I find these sessions a great source of support in managing a new volunteer service and always come away with something to think about and put in place.”

How to book

The event will be held on Zoom on Wednesday 30^th November (10.00am to 11.30am). Please book via the button below. Joining details will be sent closer to the time.

The Network Meeting is limited to 25 attendees. If the workshop is fully booked, we will be operating a waiting list and will let you know if any spaces open up. If you are unable to attend, please let us know so we may offer your place to others wishing to join.

The session will be recorded. All available resources, including a link to the recording, will be sent out via email afterwards.

If you have any questions about this workshop, please email Lew on volunteering@communityimpactbucks.org.uk

Links to our online volunteering resources:

• Read the latest advice and guidance on Volunteering during the pandemic, including Recruiting and Supporting Volunteers.
• Read the latest advice and guidance on Supporting your volunteer well-being
• Do you need more volunteers? Find out how the Volunteer Matching Service could help you.
• Have a look at our online advice on recruiting volunteers on our We need volunteers webpage.