Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organisation and using your initiative.
You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.
If you are looking to further your career then volunteering can help you learn practical skills and develop your competencies.
Doing volunteer work that match both your goals and your interests and which you find meaningful and interesting can be a rewarding, energising addition to your day job.
How to get the most out of volunteering
You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering.
Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. If you have any questions, be sure to speak up.
Make sure you know what’s expected. Before starting, make sure you know what is expected, and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first.
Give feedback. Let us know about your experience. Was it a good fit? Could it have been better? Was it a life changing experience? Give us feedback so we can share your experience with colleagues across the area.
Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place whilst providing a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. It will help you build upon skills you already have and use them back in the workplace and to benefit the greater community.
We have a range of volunteering opportunties which will enable you to get involved with different sections of your community. Please ensure that you have permission before expressing interest and that it complies with your Departments volunteering policy.
Volunteers required for Career Speed Dating Event
Summer Term 2015 Planner - Northumberland
Summer Term 2015 Planner - Durham and Sunderland
Engaging Schools Lead or Team Member
2 comments
Comment by Richard posted on
Is this list the only charities/organisations you can volunteer at?
I do volunteer work and would love to dedicate my three days to that charity.
Please can you clarify.
Comment by John Mark Haskey posted on
Richard, the opportunities advertised by CS Local are with selected partner organisations and are designed to help civil servants collaborate and connect with their local communities.
Your own department will have their own policies about whether you can use the 3 employer supported days for your chosen charity.
CS Local partners vary across the country and so the choice will.be different.