The benefits of skills-based volunteering

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, small charities often struggle to keep up due to limited financial resources. A staggering 72% (Charity Digital Skills Report 2024) of these organisations face significant digital challenges, hindering their ability to serve their communities effectively. This is where skills-based volunteering becomes crucial.

Skills-based volunteering allows professionals to use their industry skills and experience to help charities and other voluntary organisations. This form of volunteering goes beyond traditional roles, such as assisting at food banks, by providing non-profits with access to valuable knowledge and tools they might otherwise be unable to afford.

For small non-profit organisations, the benefits of skills-based volunteering are immense. By leveraging the expertise of volunteers, these organisations can implement new technologies, streamline their operations, and focus on what matters most to them: making an impact.

Skills-based volunteering fosters a culture of collaboration and learning. Volunteers gain a sense of fulfilment by using their professional skills for a good cause, while charities benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. This relationship strengthens the non-profit sector, creating a more resilient and capable network of organisations dedicated to making a difference.

Additionally, with appropriate support from mentors and professional bodies like BCS, this kind of volunteering can allow professionals to increase their skill set and incorporate valuable continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities they might not otherwise have.

The Bristol and Bath branch

As the Bristol & Bath Branch we wanted to lead a change in how branches act, and become a key organisation within our community. To achieve this, we have established relationships with third sector groups such as 3SG (Bath & North East Somerset) and Voscur (Bristol), as well as the community organisation Tech4Good Southwest. These collaborations allow us to reach local non-profit organisations and offer the skills of our members within our area.

We have developed an easy process for non-profits to request assistance: organisations can complete a request form in their own words, which enables us to issue a call to action to our members. This ensures that each non-profit is matched with a volunteer with the specific skills they need. We've already had success with several projects that are currently ongoing.

Volunteer experience: Alex Withers assisting 3sg to form their it strategy

One of our recent and notable projects involved forming an IT strategy for 3SG. This initiative was a pivotal starting point for our collaboration with 3SG and a crucial undertaking for the organisation. The project aimed to develop a comprehensive IT strategy to enhance 3SG's technological capabilities, streamline operations and improve efficiency. I brought a wealth of IT and strategic planning expertise and worked closely with 3SG to understand their unique needs and challenges.

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Through consultations and collaborative sessions, I was able to craft a tailored IT strategy that aligned with 3SG's goals and mission. This strategy included recommendations for new technologies, process improvements, and training programs to ensure sustainable growth and development.

The success of this project has not only strengthened our partnership with 3SG but also demonstrated the profound impact that skills-based volunteering can have on non-profit organisations. It is a testament to the value of leveraging professional skills to support and empower charities in our community.

Personal gains and CPD

I believe it's important to emphasise the impact volunteering has had on me. The experience has been enriching, knowing that my support makes a huge difference for an organisation. It's fulfilling to see how my skills and efforts contribute to the growth and success of a non-profit, and it motivates me to continue offering my expertise to help these organisations thrive. The sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that I'm part of something bigger is genuinely inspiring.