Volunteer Management Conference: A Day of Strategy and Learning

 Last week, Westminster Insight’s Volunteer Management Conference brought together public sector leaders, volunteer coordinators, and sector experts in a full-house event, bustling with energy and ideas. Every seat was filled, and networking conversations were lively, as attendees shared experiences and forged new connections to shape the future of volunteer management.  How should organisations be adapting their volunteer programmes to today’s complex climate?

Opening Remarks by Maddy Desforges OBE

The day began with insightful opening remarks from Maddy Desforges OBE, Chief Executive of NAVCA. Maddy underscored the evolving role of volunteers within public services and highlighted the importance of robust volunteer management to sustain this growth. Her forward-thinking tone resonated with the audience, setting a powerful theme for the day. 

Developing a Strong Volunteer Management Strategy

Amanda Naylor OBE, CEO of Volunteering Matters, discussed how to structure a robust volunteer management strategy. She detailed the essential pillars for successful volunteer recruitment, support, and impact measurement. Her Q&A session allowed delegates to reflect on practical changes they could implement to strengthen policy, training, and decision-making within their own organisations. 

Inclusive Volunteer Management Recruitment

Calleigh-Marie Lawrence, Head of Volunteering at Little Village, shared inclusive recruitment and retention strategies, offering actionable insights on overcoming barriers to volunteering. She emphasised the importance of embedding inclusive practices and effectively reaching diverse demographics.

Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment

After a lively networking break, the conference resumed with a joint session focused on building a safe and inclusive environment for volunteers.

Rhys Phillips, National Volunteering Manager at Wheels for All, and Caroline Gillwood, Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Royal Voluntary Service, provided key approaches to safeguarding and supporting volunteers from various backgrounds, highlighting the importance of building trust in volunteer-staff relationships. 

Volunteer Management Satisfaction

One of the day’s highlights was a panel discussion on improving volunteer satisfaction, with contributions from volunteers and leaders across the sector. The interactive session emphasised listening to volunteers’ needs, providing strong support, and recognising contributions, with personal stories from volunteers underscoring the vital importance of appreciation.

Civic Engagement Amidst Economic Challenges

Jon Knight from The Together Coalition led a thought-provoking session on fostering civic engagement amidst the cost-of-living crisis. He shared insights on offering flexible volunteer opportunities to adapt to economic challenges, inspiring further discussions on adapting volunteer programmes to today’s complex climate.

Shaping the Future with Volunteering

Jez Hughes CBE, Convenor of Shaping the Future with Volunteering, led a dynamic session focusing on how partnerships can transform volunteer management. The session highlighted the importance of collaboration between third sector organisations to share best practices, exchange expertise, and utilise digital resources effectively. Jez emphasised the value of trust in volunteer-staff relationships, stressing how fostering these connections strengthens the impact of volunteering initiatives. Attendees left with actionable insights on creating networks that promote knowledge-sharing and innovation across the sector.

Improving Volunteer Satisfaction in Your Organisation

The panel discussion on improving volunteer satisfaction, led by Heather Clatworthy, Trustee of *Wheels for All*, and Alyssa Day, External Coordinator and Volunteer at *Bristol Nightline*, brought together diverse perspectives from volunteers and sector leaders. The session explored key aspects of creating a fulfilling volunteer experience, including actively listening to volunteers, understanding their needs, and providing robust support systems to ensure they feel valued. Strategies for recognising contributions, such as meaningful praise and rewards, were highlighted as vital for retention and morale. Personal anecdotes from volunteers showcased the transformative power of appreciation and engagement in shaping successful volunteer programmes.

Developing Pathways to Employment and Engaging Gen Z

Angela Smith, CEO of Friends of Moorfields, presented strategies for developing employment pathways for volunteers, showcasing the potential for volunteers to transition into formal roles.

The final session by Emily Sack, from the University of Bristol Students’ Union, focused on engaging Gen Z in volunteering, with practical tips for outreach and collaboration with universities to build a strong volunteer pipeline.

Maddy Desforges OBE’s closing remarks left attendees inspired and ready to implement the practical strategies they had learned throughout the day. The event concluded with participants energised, equipped with actionable insights, and committed to advancing volunteer engagement and satisfaction across the sector.

Access Our on Demand Service for Hybrid Events

To make it easier for attendees to stay connected, we offer a On Demand service for our hybrid events. Recordings are available for 14 days, allowing participants to revisit sessions, presentations, and materials at their convenience. With On Demand access, you’ll have the flexibility to absorb valuable insights on your own schedule, making it simple to stay engaged with important topics in your field.