Professional Volunteers - how was it for them?

Following on from my last blog, I thought it would be interesting to hear how it was for a couple of our volunteers. Do you use your professional skills for us or another organisation, if so, leave me a comment and share with what you do, and how you feel about it.

Phillip Plummer writes: During a period of time between jobs I came across a vacancy on the RSPB website for a volunteer with procurement experience, to undertake a procurement analysis exercise. A report of the recommendations and findings would be passed to the Management Board. My career is in procurement and this role would combine two of my interests, enabling me to use my skills as a Buyer as well as volunteering for the RSPB. I applied and was thrilled to be accepted.

I volunteered two days a week working in the Finance Department and was given the full support and backing at management and director level. From day one I was treated as a full time member of staff, it was a most satisfying and enjoyable experience.

I looked forward to my visits with the aim of doing all I could to assist the RSPB to reduce costs within its Purchasing functions. All the RSPB’s staff were brilliant, making me feel welcome from day one and treating me as part of their team. I was even given the opportunity to visit any department to talk to any member of staff. Not just at the head office in Sandy but at regional offices and reserves. I quickly realised how dedicated and professional the RSPB staff were, it was a pleasure working with them. They were already looking at ways of reducing purchasing costs and had implemented or were implementing new ways of working. In some ways i was learning from them.

Any volunteering role for the RSPB is a wonderful experience not to forget, I would recommend it highly. For those who have retired, are between jobs or have the time then there are an abundance of ways you can use your professional skills to help the RSPB. Any skills you have are always welcomed and you are working with like minded professionals who appreciate your knowledge and experience.

For me it is about giving my time and experience to a charity that relies greatly upon the help of volunteers to help out in so many aspects of its work. In return I am with like minded people who care for birds and nature. 

During my time at The Lodge I met and worked with many other volunteers helping the RSPB in so many different ways.

I would certainly do it again!"

Dr. Ajaz Sheikh, a GP from our medical panel says: It gives me enormous satisfaction to know that my professional knowledge could be of any benefit to the good nature people who volunteer for such noble cause as the RSPB's conservation work.