An ongoing partnership takes more commitment but brings the satisfaction of a deeper understanding and connection with an issue and the people affected by it. Board membership Employees with specialist skills serving as school governor or charity trustee. This provides good experience at developing policies and strategies. Fundraising Many companies 'adopt' a charity and employees think up ways they want to fundraise. Employees usually do most of the work to set up and maintain the volunteering programme.
Employers can play a valuable role by encouraging staff and providing practical assistance.
Company help with time tends to be more helpful than either cash or gifts in kind. Offer practical help with resources such as photocopying, meeting rooms, training and vehicles. A modest budget is vital to meet administrative and travel expenses. If senior managers set a personal example, so much the better. Develop a policy on volunteering, covering the purpose of the volunteering scheme, and clear guidelines on the extent of practical support.