I head up the team who are dedicated to volunteering and onward progression in a variety of ways – from supporting individuals with their unique volunteering journey, to providing digital support. We have a strong focus on young people, and those with barriers to work.

My role has a focus on working with our local Volunteer Involving organisations (VIO’s) on their volunteering programmes. This can be from the early stages in their development, ensuring they have a clear view of why they are involving volunteers, and have relevant policies and procedures in place to promoting volunteering roles and matching suitable volunteers for their organisation.

For many people, volunteering is a stepping stone to employment or further training/education. As such, it is important that I am involved with wider regional and national networks/agenda’s related to volunteering and employability, such as the Local Employability Partnership, Developing the Young Workforce, etc.

Volunteering has played a crucial role in my life for many years, allowing me to engage with organisations I want to assist, but also developing me as a person.  My volunteering roles have been varied; from working with children with additional support requirements, to mentoring university students, and most recently at board level.   When I’m not working or volunteering, I love to spend time with family, and whenever I get the chance, immersing myself in a good novel!