In the second of our series of training seminars for trustees, our focus is 'Volunteers - the effective engagement and management of your supporters.’ 

Volunteers are an invaluable resource and support to charities at any time, perhaps more so in challenging economic times.  For some charities, the relationship between the charity and its volunteers can be regarded as time consuming, and perhaps uncomfortable, because of a lack of framework to the relationship with a potential for disgruntled volunteers to cause reputational damage to the charity.     
As the public are being encouraged to volunteer and "give back" to the community, there are opportunities to engage with them in many different ways, whether with corporates or individuals, those wishing a soft introduction to returning to work, or those looking to obtain relevant experience before entering paid employment for the first time.

We will look at the administrative, legal and reputational risk issues that need to be considered when engaging volunteers, as well as management issues around utilising a voluntary workforce. 

We are delighted to be joined by guest speaker Justine Parker, Volunteers Administrator for the volunteer programme at Kew Gardens.  Justine will be talking about her experiences working with the 600 volunteers, and the volunteering programme that Kew Gardens runs which includes volunteer inductions, training, recognition events, welfare and security.

Justine will be joined by asb law employment partner, Andrew Knorpel, who will look at the legal issues regarding volunteers and the liabilities a charity has, to both the volunteers and third parties, in connection with the acts of those volunteers. 

The seminar is suitable for both those who are new to the post of trustee, and those who have experience in the role.