Volunteering as a Business?

You may be considering using volunteering as a team building or away day idea to bring your staff closer together. We have compiled some things to think about attached to this. This is an honest look at what you consider, don't take it personally, this is from experience and from having to deal with the consequences afterwards.

We really don't want to waste anyone's time or cause any physical or reputational damage. Please think carefully before you put your business out there!

Are you doing it with the community in mind?

Consider the motivation for wanting to do this. Is everyone on the same page? There have been many challenging situations caused by businesses 'using' organisations to achieve their own goals with little concern for what the group wants/needs. It looks great on your social media or newsletters, but has left the community with multiple problems.

Do you have the skills to deliver?

Often businesses want to deliver something physical like a garden or painting but this isn't their skillset and they often make more mess, dig up useful plants or create more problems than they solve. Whatever you decide to do, please make sure your team has the skills, knowledge and safety  approaches to do it properly.

Are you being ambitious with numbers?

We often get requests for opportunities for 50 to 100 people on one day all at once. This is a logistic nightmare. Think about that many people all turning up to your office and trying to paint it or clean it. On a basic level there isn't enough for people to do? Some things to consider:

• Where are they going to park?
• Are there adequate toilet facilities?
• Does the group/space have to close for the day?
• Do you have enough tools/PPE/equipment?
• Are you going to pay for the supplies?
• How are you going to feed/water them?

Can we give something else?

Think about some things that come really naturally to you and your team that you can offer pro-bono. Training on booking, help with promotion or social media. You can do some fundraising, rather than go somewhere, have a day of playing games in your office and raise money for something you believe in. All are more useful than you being somewhere. This is also great for raising your profile and building a relationship with your local community.

Still stuck on all turning up?

If you still want to be there, we have some suggestions and advice.

• Do more with less - 15 people max is achievable for most community spaces
• Fundraise or supply the paint or equipment - groups tend not to have the things you need
• Work with the group to make sure you say the right words and do the right promotion - don't misrepresent the group
• Do your homework - pick someone that fits your company ethos
• Brief everyone you bring before and after - safety is paramount

If you want WVA to send out your offer to local groups, write a short paragraph with your offer and what you would like to do including a contact for anyone interested to reach out to and we will send it to - [email protected]