A growing number of organisations are developing volunteer programs to support local charities. It is proving to have significant impact on employee engagement and team building. One organisation leading the way with their volunteer program is Barclays who regularly give time to Cancer Support Scotland.
Barclays are committed to citizenship and sustainability and a key part of this pledge is to give staff up to 16 hours a year to volunteer in their local community.
“I think it is fantastic how supportive Barclays is as an organisation and encourages all employees to get involved in supporting our local communities.” Amy, Barclays Employee & Volunteer
So a team of Barclays volunteers stepped away from their desks on a drizzly day in Spring. The team replaced their office attire with anoraks and gardening gloves to spruce up the garden at the Calman Centre.
The garden provides a tranquil space for people using our services and offers a quiet space to escape the clinical treatment rooms and stress associated with coping with cancer. The hard working volunteers tidied the garden and added colour with pot plants.
“I volunteered for many reasons however the main reason was to support a great charity and cause that touches so many people.” Fraser, Barclays Employee & Volunteer
According to the NCVO* the number one reason why corporate volunteers give time is to make a difference.
We thought it would be a good idea to ask the Barclays Volunteers why they volunteered and hear more about their own experience of volunteering for Cancer Support Scotland.
Read on to hear from two of our Barclays volunteers Amy and Fraser and discover how volunteering for a local cause helped build a community within Barclays compliance team.
CASE STUDY: Amy Devlin’s Volunteering Experience
1.Why you decided to volunteer for Cancer Support Scotland?
I think it is fair to say we all know someone who has been affected by cancer and to see the services Cancer Support Scotland provides to those affected by cancer as well as loved ones going through it is very rewarding. If helping in any way, even if it is to make the grounds beautiful and feel like a safe place to go, then you have made a small difference.
2.What you did on the day of volunteering?
Mainly the initial tidy up including picking up leafs, trimming hedges/plants.
3. Have you done a lot of gardening in the past or was this something quite new to you?
I have done a very limited amount of gardening however that does not stop you from ‘digging in’ and seeing a difference once you are finished.
4. What did you think of the Calman Centre?
It has a very tranquil atmosphere and you feel instantly relaxed as soon as you walk through the door, the volunteers/workers make everyone feel so welcome, you know it is a safe place to discuss anything in confidence.
5. Would you recommend volunteering with Cancer Support Scotland to other organisations?
Absolutely – you are made to feel very welcome and the hours you take out your day to help them is very much appreciated.
6.What do you think about your organisation giving you the opportunity to spend a day volunteering?
I think it is fantastic how supportive Barclays is as an organisation and encourages all employees to get involved in supporting our local communicates
CASE STUDY: Fraser MacKinnon, Volunteering Experience
1.Why you decided to volunteer for Cancer Support Scotland?
I volunteered for many reasons however the main reason was to support a great charity and cause that touches so many people. As I was also new to the department, I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and help support the forming of a community feel in compliance.
2.What you did on the day of volunteering?
We planted flowers, cleaned, weeded and maintained the grounds around the charity.
3.Have you done a lot of gardening in the past or was this something quite new to you?
No not really, much harder than it looks.
4. What did you think of the Calman Centre?
I thought it was an excellent facility that support people suffering from cancer and also the wider family/friends who are impacted as well.
5. Would you recommend volunteering with Cancer Support Scotland to other organisations?
Yes 100%, great charity that is helping so many people.
6. What do you think about your organisation giving you the opportunity to spend a day volunteering?
It’s excellent that Barclays supports so many charites in the local community, really helps build Barclays outside the arena of being a bank and really makes a positive impact in the community that so many of its employees live in.
Get involved in Corporate Volunteering
As you have heard from Amy and Fraser volunteering can make a significant difference for companies, for your employees and the charity you support.
At Cancer Support Scotland we have a range of volunteering opportunities and can tailor a partnership for you.
Why not connect with our Corporate Fundraiser Katie by calling 0141 337 8199 or emailing katie.mullen@cancersupportscotland.org
To find out more about the work we do and how you help visit Support us at Work page