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Volunteer Coordinator News
August 2025
 
Hello everyone

As the season winds down, we’re turning up the spotlight on fresh ideas in volunteer engagement. This month, we’re diving into inclusive trustee recruitment, the rise of digital volunteering, and the quiet power of small acts and shared responsibility.

We’re celebrating young changemakers - from the inspiring Ripon students to Thirsk’s own Heidi Darbyshire - and exploring how initiatives like the Young Trustees Movement are helping volunteer coordinators champion youth leadership.

Whether you're aiming to diversify your board, reimagine your recruitment strategy, or simply celebrate the incredible impact happening in your community, you’ll find plenty here to spark inspiration and action.

 
Happy reading!
 
Network News
 
Let's talk micro-volunteering - Join us on 9 September

Join us for the next Volunteer Coordinator Network meeting on Monday 9 September at 10am, where we’ll dive into the world of micro-volunteering – flexible, low-commitment ways for people to make a real difference. From five-minute tasks at home to one-off actions in the community, micro-volunteering is helping organisations reach new audiences and break down barriers to involvement.

We’ll explore what works well in different settings, common challenges, and how small actions are adding up to big impact. You’ll also learn how micro-volunteering supports the Vision for Volunteering’s Experimentation and Equity themes, making volunteering more inclusive and accessible for all.

Join us on 9 September
 
Managing volunteer training - practical skills for confident coordinators

Whether you're new to volunteer management or looking to refresh your approach, join us in Northallerton on Wednesday 18 September, 10am - 4.30pm, for a full-day of training designed to unlock the secrets of effective volunteer management.

Through four focused sessions, we’ll cover everything from recruitment and role design to support, development and celebrating impact. You’ll explore real-life scenarios from across North Yorkshire and learn how to build inclusive, well-supported volunteer teams.

Perfect for coordinators, trustees and anyone involved in managing volunteers.

Join us on 18 September
 
Volunteer leaders - let's grab a brew

Leading volunteers, when you're a volunteer yourself, can be rewarding – and challenging.

This relaxed online session, for just an hour from 9.30am, is for anyone who freely gives their time to guide, recruit or support other volunteers. Whether you're a Trustee, CIC director or informal team lead, come along to connect, share experiences and build a supportive peer network.

No agenda – just space to talk, listen and learn from each other.

Join us on 15 October
 
News and views
 
Ripon volunteers rack up 2,500 hours of volunteering

55 pupils at Ripon Grammar School have gone above and beyond, contributing over 2,500 hours of volunteering through the Duke of Edinburgh Award. From litter picking and sports coaching to helping in charity shops and youth groups, their efforts have made a real impact.

Alongside gaining valuable life skills and earning social value certificates, their efforts also tie in with the Power of 10 project – a local initiative that celebrates and rewards young people for giving back. 

Read more
 
Empowering young voices in leadership

At 25, Kier Mather became the youngest serving MP – using his maiden speech to spotlight youth-led change. His journey, from founding a youth Labour group to studying politics, shows the value of early civic engagement.

The Young Trustees Movement aims to double the number of trustees under 30 – promoting inclusive leadership. Volunteer coordinators are well-placed to support this by encouraging young people into governance and helping boards better reflect their communities.

Find out more about the Young Trustees Movement
 
Is open recruitment the answer to increasing trustee diversity?

In a thought-provoking blog, Janet Thorne – CEO of Reach Volunteering – challenges the idea that paying trustees is the key to diversity. Instead, she makes a compelling case for open recruitment.

By advertising roles publicly, organisations can reach a broader, more inclusive pool of candidates. It’s a timely reminder for volunteer coordinators: trustees are volunteers too, and inclusive recruitment practices should apply to board roles just as they do to other volunteer positions.

Read the blog
 
Getting started with digital volunteering

As more people seek flexible ways to give their time, digital volunteering is opening new doors. This article from Charity Digital offers practical tips on attracting volunteers with digital skills – from social media and design to data and tech support.

It also highlights digital micro-volunteering – bite-sized tasks ideal for younger volunteers or those with limited time. A great read for anyone looking to refresh their recruitment approach.

Read the article
 
Learning from hip-hop!

It might not be the first place you'd look for leadership inspiration, but hip-hop has plenty to offer. In this fun and insightful blog, Rob Jackson explores how the energy, creativity and authenticity of hip-hop culture can spark fresh thinking in volunteer management.

Read Rob's blog here
Small acts, big impact

Mark Bezos’ TED Talk is a short, funny and powerful reminder that you don’t need a heroic moment to make a difference. His story – a simple act of kindness while volunteering – shows how small gestures can have lasting impact. It’s a great prompt to celebrate those everyday contributions.

Watch Mark's TED talk here
 
Supporting volunteers - it's a team effort

Tobi Johnson’s podcast makes a strong case that supporting volunteers isn’t just the job of one person or team – it’s a shared responsibility across the whole organisation.

She shares practical tips for building a culture where volunteers feel valued and supported by everyone. As she puts it: “If your non-profit depends on volunteer talent, then supporting volunteers must be part of everyone’s job description.”

It’s a theme we explore in our Managing Volunteers training – next session in Northallerton on 18 September.

Catch Tobi's podcast here
 
Samaritans announce closure plans

Samaritans plans to close over 100 branches – more than half its network – as part of a shift toward a more virtual model.

As the sector watches closely, it’s a good moment to reflect: do your volunteers work alone? Do they offer emotional support? And crucially – how are they supported while supporting others?

Find out more
 
In conversation with...
 
Meet Heidi Darbyshire

In this edition we meet Heidi Darbyshire, who began volunteering at The Ritz Cinema in Thirsk through the Duke of Edinburgh Award. What started as a short-term placement quickly became a regular commitment, with Heidi now part of the Front of House team. She recently supported the cinema’s 30th anniversary celebrations and has completed first aid training – showing real dedication and community spirit.

Read Heidi's blog here
 

If you have any questions related to volunteering or volunteer management please do get in touch with us at info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk

 

Community First Yorkshire

Unit A | Tower House | Askham Fields Lane

Askham Bryan | York | YO23 3FS

01904 704177

info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk

Registered charity no: 515538 

Company no: 1839458 | Vat no: 500834776

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