NEWS
Building Our Future: Defining the Next Chapter of Volunteer Leadership
Chris is delighted to be delivering a keynote address at the Hospice Volunteerism professionals at Hospice Volunteer Managers Network Conference 2025.
How do we strengthen volunteerism career paths and uplift our profession's status and influence? Career development in fundraising, operations, HR, and finance are much clearer and more influential than in volunteering. Yet, volunteer leadership is a highly skilled and complex profession that is often undervalued and under invested. Chris will bring his volunteering and HR leadership experience to consider how we can elevate our skills, status, and future influence of volunteering leadership.
Chris will also be running tow workshops at the event....
Workshop 1 :
Rethink your volunteering programme and increase participation
As involvement in formal volunteer decreases and people seek more informal and flexible ways to contribute to their causes; charities need to adjust to this challenge. This requires a little disruptive and radical thinking, to reimagine involvement in the charities in new ways. The session would explore the drivers for change, the potential advantages of a more flexible and diverse approach to volunteering, and the resource challenges. It will encourage charity leaders to think outside the box and imagine whole new ways for people to contribute to their missions. We will explore micro-volunteering, coproduction and how to build communities of interest as well as geography.
Workshop 2:
Increasing volunteer diversity and inclusion
Many charities want to increase the diversity of their volunteer teams but are not sure how to do this. This session would explore the opportunities to increase diversity, look at new marketing opportunities and technology. We will explore trends in volunteering from a diversity perspective and consider adaptations to volunteering lifecycles to better accommodate and retain diversity in volunteering. We will explore coproduction and community engagement in shaping volunteering in your charities.
To book tickets go to https://hvmn.org.uk/events/hvmn-conference-2025/
If you are seeking speakers and workshop facilitators on Volunteering, Impact Measurement or organisational development do please contact us to discuss how we may help.
Disrupt and Re-imagine Volunteering
The old ways of volunteering aren't working.
This month, Crawley Community Action and Chris Wade dared to imagine a new future for volunteering. They brought together charities of all sizes to explore innovative solutions and break free from outdated models.
Are you ready to embrace the future?
Bring Time for Impact to your region and be part of the movement reshaping volunteering.
Contact us today – let's innovate together.
Time for Impact Podcast Episode 18 - Denise Hayward, CEO of Volunteer Now.
Our latest episode featuring Denise Hayward is live now.
We hope you enjoy our discussion on volunteering in Northern Ireland, volunteering Infrastructure and the international volunteerism profession as much as we did.
We discussed the role of community sport and faith in volunteering, the role of infrastructure in boosting the profession, and the centrality of volunteerism in citizenship, democracy and the civic fabric. We discussed the changes in volunteering behaviour and the link between flexibility and inclusion.
Do check out the great range of insightful research papers on the Volunteer Now website
https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/publication-category/research/
We also referred to the latest household survey data on volunteering in Northern Ireland and some recovery since Covid. https://datavis.nisra.gov.uk/communities/experience-of-volunteering-by-adults-in-northern-ireland-202324.html#Definitions__technical_notes
It's Back - Realising Potential - The North!
The "Realising Potential" event returns to York on 8th April, addressing a critical shift in organisational structures: HR teams increasingly managing dedicated volunteer teams. While HR expertise is invaluable, leading volunteers requires a distinct approach. This workshop, led by Chris Wade, Rob Jackson, and Helen Timbrell, provides HR leaders with the specialised knowledge and skills to excel in this evolving role.
"Realising Potential" will help HR professionals:
Understand the nuances of managing volunteer teams, including motivation, retention, and performance.
Develop effective leadership strategies tailored to the unique needs of volunteers.
Build strong relationships with volunteer teams and foster a positive and impactful volunteering experience.
Navigate the challenges of integrating volunteer and HR teams.
Network and share best practices with other HR leaders managing volunteer teams.
This event is essential for HR professionals who are taking on responsibility for volunteer leadership and strategy or who want to enhance their leadership skills in this growing area.
Booking is now open - get your tickets here https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/75852
Chris Wade guest featured on From The Suggestion Box Podcast.
It was an absolute privilege to be a guest alongside Rob Jackson and Helen Timbrell on the From the Suggestion Box Podcast. We had an amazing Sunday afternoon discussion about the challenges and opportunities where volunteering and HR teams are integrated into one combined People team.
We were invited onto the podcast on the back of the popular and successful event we ran in Swindon in November called Realising Potential: Collaboration and Integration between HR and Volunteering. The event was for strategic HR leaders who have been asked to take on responsibility for volunteering, often with limited to no support for the task.
So, the event was noticed in North America and we were asked to explore the issue on the podcast.
We are also repeating the Swindon event this April 8th in York, England. Tickets available now https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/75852 - do share with your HR leaders.
Episode 17 of the Time for Impact Podcast is now available wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode Matthew Cobble and I chat with Michael Phillips Head of Volunteering at the excellent homelessness.
Crisis have some really exciting and truly ambitious plans to work in collaboration with the communities in which homelessness exists, with business, government and other charities to end homelessness in the UK.
They recognise that they cannot do it alone as an organisation nor as a staff body and that they need to be the convenors of a coalition of people united behind this shared purpose.
You can read more about their strategy here https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/plan-to-end-homelessness/
More information on volunteering at Crisis can be found here https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/
In the midst of the discussion we reference the ‘Time to Change’ - you can read about them here https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/about-us
We mentioned the social media backlash to supermarkets selling Halloween costumes that stigmatise people with mental health issues. You can read more about that here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24278768#:~:text=Supermarket%20chains%20Tesco%20and%20Asda,its%20%22psycho%20ward%22%20outfit
As always we hope you enjoy the podcast. Please do follow us wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode 16 of the Time For Impact Podcast Out Now. - Digital in Volunteering Podcast with Gethyn Williams
We were delighted to have Gethyn on the podcast to discuss the newly released 'Digital in Volunteering Toolkit"
The podcast is available from the links below;
https://youtu.be/OdYvc-MhSwY?si=nhFBoHfAcCEOv7Hb
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sGnELNNaNZC1pDMLPVZoV?si=SUWe3yBaSNOLTLSpkzNshw
or wherever you get your podcasts
You can read more about the toolkit here
Presentation to the Heritage Volunteering Group Annual Conference
Chris Wade, was delighted to be invited again to present at the Heritage Volunteering Group's Annual Conference for the second year on a row. It really is always a highlight to present at this well attended and engaging event.
This year Chris presented on the critical theme of measuring and demonstrating the impact of volunteering. We all think volunteering is critical to our organisations, yet, we spend insufficient attention in demonstrating volunteering's strategic impact and social value. Chris discussed with delegates how Time for Impact help organisations better demonstrate impact and tell the story of their success to leverage funds and influence.
If you need help demonstrating the value your volunteers bring please do contact us, we'd can bring structure and insight into this essential but often neglected task.
Episode 15 of the Time for Impact Podcast Out Now.... Reflections on the Realising Potential Event with Rob Jackson, Helen Timbrell, Chris Wade and Matt Cobble.
If you missed the event at the National Trust or want to hear more reflections on the important subject of how volunteering and HR may work better together do check out our reflections on the conversations at on the latest episode of the Time for Impact Podcast
Check out the Time For Impact Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2IC9M1ZZtgeF4eaVJO97wW
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/time-for-impact-podcast/id1743581153
Realising Potential Event - Exploring Integration and Collaboration between HR and Volunteering
On 15th November almost 50 senior leaders in charity HR and Volunteering roles met at the National Trust HQ in Swindon to explore how to maximise the opportunities of collaboration and integration between these two great professions in combined People functions.
Rob Jackson, Helen Timbrell and Chris Wade from Time for Impact organised and hosted the event in response to an increasing trend of volunteering being homed in people functions. We are all well-aware that for many volunteering professionals this is often an unpopular decision. We are also aware that for many HR professionals it is also a daunting prospect as they often have not been trained in such work.
So, as pragmatists we felt that through a spirit of mutual respect between professions we can help combined teams explore the potential and the pitfalls.
The event in Swindon was very much a starter for this converstation and we hope to run other events to explore this theme in more detail.
parkrun join us for episode 14 of the Time for Impact Podcast
Carol Cunningham, Global Head of Volunteering joins us for episode 14 of the Time for Impact Podcast. As bid fans of parkrun, Matt Cobble and I were delighted to welcome Carol as our guest to discuss parkrun's vision and what that means for the development of volunteering.
As always we want listeners to be inspired by our speakers and hope the discussions spark new developments in listeners' practice. We are sure Carol's conversation will not disappoint.
Time for Impact provides training support to charities affiliated with the Quintessentially Foundation
Chris Wade was delighted to provide a day of learning in London this October for a number of charities focussed on providing exceptional support to young people through their volunteers. Hosted by the Quintessentially Foundation, the day was attended by The Doorstep Library, The Kids Network, Team Up, and 2020 Levels.
After the event Chris said "These charities provide such crucial services to young people, yet many find it difficult to find teh volunteers they need. The day gave us an opportunity to workshop ways to improve volunteer recruitment and byuld long lasting communities of support".
Episode 13 - Corporate Volunteering Special edition of the Time for Impact Podcast is now live
In episode 13, we get an employer's perspective of employer supported volunteering from Kishma Smithurst of the Wellcome Trust.
If you have ever wondered how best to enage corproates in your volunteering this is a must-listen podcast.
Episode 12 of the Time For Impact Podcast is now live!
Matthew Cobble and I have a great conversation with Janet Thorne CEO of Reach Volunteering
We talk about;
- The importance of viewing volunteering recruitment through a citizenship lens
- The intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of volunteering
- Positive framing of volunteering
- Myths about volunteer recruitment.
- How Reach have increased volunteer recruitment when others are struggling
- Communities of interest online
- Board diversity
We were really impressed - I am sure you will be too.
Check out and follow the Time For Impact Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2IC9M1ZZtgeF4eaVJO97wW
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/time-for-impact-podcast/id1743581153
or wherever you get your podcasts.
Back at Heritage Volunteering Group Conference 2024
Chris Wade will once again be presenting at this year's Heritage Volunteering Group Conference.
Chris says, "This is one of the highlights of the volunteering sector events for me. So I am delighted to be back for this forward thinking event. This year I will be focussing on how heritage organisations can better measure and demonstrate the impact of their volunteering.
Every year, I hear volunteer leaders telling me that they struggle to convince their colleagues and directors of the strategic value of volunteering. It's time to turn the tide on this perennial challenge".
Book your tickets here http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-volunteering-group-conference-2024-tickets-881226681727?aff=oddtdtcreator
26th / 27th November 2024, Online
Time for Impact, Rob Jackson Consulting and HelenTimbrell.com Present...
Realising Potential: Collaboration and Integration in HR and Volunteering
A one day event for HR professionals working in People functions with integrated approaches to HR and volunteering
9.30am - 4.30pm, Friday November 15th, 2024
National Trust, Swindon
£95 plus booking fee per person
Join us for a day of shared learning and exploration as we explore how to build a powerful integration and partnership between HR and volunteering in integrated People teams.
In a space where you can openly discuss challenges, share best practices, and co-create solutions, you'll hear from fascinating speakers who will share their journeys; and have the opportunity to learn from your peers through interactive discussions.
Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded professionals and gain valuable insights to enhance your volunteer program.
The event hosts and facilitators are a team of organisational development, people and culture, and volunteering specialists
Rob Jackson, former Volunteering England director and internationally renowned leader in volunteerism, will share his insights on the evolving volunteer landscape and strategic priorities.
Dr Helen Timbrell, experienced people director and now a consultant and researcher and coach working across people and organisational development in the third sector
Chris Wade, CEO of Time for Impact former people director and volunteerism consultant with deep HR/people & culture expertise
The day will begin with a keynote speech from Kathryn Ward, Chief People Officer at Guide Dogs, sharing her experiences of moving from HR to lead an integrated People function, in a large national charity.
Through a combination of plenary and small group discussions this interactive and collaborative day will help attendees in:
HR & Volunteering - A Strategic Alliance: Explore with your peers, how to integrate your HR structures and expertise with volunteer management for optimal impact.
Leading Volunteer and HR Teams Together: Explore best practices for cultivating a strong volunteer culture alongside an HR/People function, inspiring leadership, and influencing behaviours.
Foster skills share: Share and explore ideas for capitalising on the diverse and complementary skill sets of volunteering and HR professionals. How can each team become more than the sum of their parts?
Building Your Support Network: Discover valuable resources available to People / HR leaders new to volunteer engagement.
Understanding the Landscape: Explore a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the strategic context for volunteer engagement in the UK.
Key Challenges & Strategic Priorities: Identify key components to design and implement successful volunteer engagement within your people team.
Don't miss this opportunity to build confidence and insights to optimise integrated working in HR and volunteering.
Booking opens on Monday 9th September at 9am. To book a place visit https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DVUO
Places are limited so don't miss out.
Maddy Mills, CEO of Family Volunteering Club joins the Time For Impact Podcast episode 11.
Maddy is our special guest for this episode where we discuss;
Why there are so few family volunteering opportunities / the missed opportunity.
How to make volunteering more child and family friendly
The importance of building a habit of volunteering
Volunteering building link with local communities.
How to make volunteering safe but managing rather than avoiding risk.
Demonstrating impact.
Creating fabulous volunteering experiences
and above all the joy of family volunteering
Read more about family volunteering here https://www.familyvolunteeringclub.co.uk/about
Time for Impact Podcast release double episodes in conversation with David Coles from the London School of Economics.
Chris and Matt had an amazingly valuable conversation with David Coles who leads all things volunteering at the LSE.
This is a must listen for all those seeking to better engage students and indeed young people in their volunteering.
Part Two of the Time For Impact Podcast Conversation with Ash Staines from Volunteero and Doug Ayres fro EBM is out now.
Chris, Matt, Doug and Ashley discuss the improtance of data insights, knowi g your volunteer (customer), the future ipact of AI on volunteering and much more.
To get our podcast delivered to your device please follow us on the usual channels
https://open.spotify.com/show/2IC9M1ZZtgeF4eaVJO97wW
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/time-for-impact-podcast/id1743581153
Episode 7 of the Time for Impact Podcast is now live
- Ash Staines CEO of Volunteero and Doug Ayres MD of EBM talk about challenges and opportunities for digital solutions to enhance volunteering strategies.
To get our podcast delivered to your device please follow us on the usual channels
https://open.spotify.com/show/2IC9M1ZZtgeF4eaVJO97wW
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/time-for-impact-podcast/id1743581153
Volunteero - Lunch and Learn - Kindred Spirits, Common Cause: Creating Communities of Action. July 2024
Chris Wade, hosted a lunch and learn session for volunteer managers in Association with Volunteero in July.
It was a pleasure to be invited by Volunteero to provide a masterclass on building communities of volunteers.
The Fore- Increasing Participation in Your Volunteer Programme.
Chris Wade was masterclass host in June 2024.
It was great to team up with the Fore, to provide masterclass to their members; helping them increase volunteering and participation in their charities.
Volunteer Now - Launch of Volunteers' Week in Northern Ireland
Chris Wade was the keynote speaker as Volunteer Now kicked off their Volunteers' Week 2024 event in Belfast 31st May 2024
Your reflections and insights were really helpful – I found the section on the ladder of participation really helpful and in particular the ideas around creation of community -not simply recruiting volunteers. - Denise Hayward, Chief Executive Officer, Volunteer Now
Chris Wade addresses Directory of Social Change Volunteer Management Conference, May 2024
Chris was delighted to be asked to address a large audience of volunteer managers and offer guidance on volunteer recruitment and onboarding.
Chris Wade Masterclass with the Clare Foundation May 2024
Chris has a vast wealth of experience across the charity and corporate sector, and as highly experienced presenter and delivering his Volunteer Workshop it was very warmly received and terrific learning experience for all of those who attended. We are both fortunate and most grateful to have had Chris present and we confidently recommend what he can bring to any charity or organization - expertise, experience and a highly knowledgeable presenter, a generous all-around good person, who enthusiastically shared his knowledge and experience with a diverse group of leaders
Martin Gallagher CEO The Clare Foundation
It was refreshing to speak with Chris during the course about volunteering. As a volunteer organisation, we are always interested in finding new ways to gain more volunteers and how we and best support those we have. I learned that we must adapt our strategies to keep our volunteers focused and engaged! Chris’s knowledge in the field led to some fantastic conversations in the spaces. His rapport with us in the room, felt relaxed and easy which was different from some of the workshops I had been in before. This was also a great networking opportunity and great to hear how everyone else works. Thank you again! Paige Fox-Rendle, Director of Youth Volunteering, Aylesbury Youth Action
Chris Wade, delivers conference speech at Westminster Insights Volunteer Conference in London. April 2024
Chris was pleased to address this live event in London to an international audience of volunteering professionals.