When an organisation employs someone, as well as the formal contract of employment, there is also a psychological contract. This is an unwritten agreement between an employee and their employer that describes the informal commitments, expectations and understandings that make up their relationship.

In the context of volunteering, there is obviously no formal contract of employment but there is always a psychological contract in place – whether or not it is actively recognised by the volunteer manager or the volunteers themselves.

At our next Volunteer Managers’ Network event on 28 September 2023 (10 – 11.30am), you will learn about the psychological contract, and the important part it plays in recruiting, managing and retaining volunteers. HR expert and coach Alexandra Smith will also discuss how knowledge of the ‘psychological contract’ can help in dealing with conflicts and issues that arise.

As well as exploring the impact of the psychological contract, Alexandra will also be answering some of the key volunteer management issues that you face. When booking, please suggest an issue that you would like advice on and Alexandra will pick up on as many real-life scenarios as possible.

During the session, attendees will also have the chance to ask Alexandra questions as well as share experiences, good practice, and ideas amongst fellow volunteer managers.

Who should attend?

Anyone (paid or unpaid) who is 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 event 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.

Guest speaker: Alexandra Smith has coached over 50 charity leaders in Buckinghamshire since 2017, arranged through Community Impact Bucks. She continues to offer coaching to not-for-profit organisations in the county through us, as well as facilitating Leadership and Board meetings to address issues such as new charity objects, culture change and people development. Alexandra’s career spanned many years as an HR Director and Leadership/ Organisational Development Consultant. She worked extensively supporting organisations with their change and transformation agendas, both in UK and internationally.

She now focuses on bringing her experience and expertise to not-for-profit organisations.

Your facilitator: Cheryl Scott, VCSE and Community Development Officer at Community Impact Bucks, is a founding team member of the Volunteer Matching Service and has a long history of volunteering for a range of organisations. Past roles include volunteer manager and management roles in the Civil Service and in the private sector. Cheryl is also a trustee for two local charities.

Feedback from past attendees:

“Thank you for the event yesterday, it was very informative. ”

“I really enjoyed the whole session and being new to the role, found it very informative.”

How to book:

The event will be held on Zoom on 28th September from 10.00am to 11.30am.

The session will be recorded, and we will email all available resources, including a link to the recording, afterward the session.

To book your place and to suggest a volunteer management issue to be discussed by Alexandra, please click on the button below.

Joining details will be sent closer to the time.

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

Links to our online volunteering resources:

• Do you need more volunteers? Find out how the Volunteer Matching Service could help your organisation.
• Have a look at our online advice on recruiting volunteers: visit our We need volunteers webpage.
• Book a one-to-one support session to receive tailored advice on all aspects of recruiting and managing volunteers: click on Free Support Sessions: Volunteer recruitment and management
• Are you interested in our Coaching for Impact offer, find out more and register your interest: https://communityimpactbucks.org.uk/leadership/expert-support-for-senior-leaders/