Time For Impact Podcast

Time For Impact
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Promoting and celebrating innovation and ground-breaking ideas and practice in the volunteering profession. Each episode we invite special guests to share their learning and creative ideas so we can all push the boundaries and drive the profession to new levels.

  1. 2D AGO

    New Citizen Project: Redefining Participation with Irenie Ekkeshis

    In this episode of the Time for Impact Podcast, we are joined by Irenie Ekkeshis, co-founder of the New Citizen Project. Irenie shares her profound personal citizenship journey—from facing significant adversity to co-founding a forward-thinking agency that is reshaping how we think about our roles in society. We dive deep into the "Citizen Story", exploring why moving away from the "Consumer" and "Subject" narratives is essential for the future of volunteering and community power. Whether you are a charity leader, a volunteer manager, or an active citizen, this conversation offers a roadmap for involving people as true partners in your work. The Three Stories: Comparing the Subject, Consumer, and Citizen narratives and how they dictate how we show up in the world. From Adversity to Agency: Irenie’s personal story and the birth of the New Citizens Project. The Citizen Shift: How organisations can move from "doing for" people to "working with" them as partners. The Roots of Charity: Why many charitable organisations were born from a Citizen Story, and how to reconnect with those origins. Modes of Participation: A look at the different ways citizens can engage—from storytelling and learning to crowdsourcing and connecting others. Systems Thinking & Community Organising: Why we need to look at the whole system to truly empower communities and enable participation. ⁠Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us⁠ – The book by Jon Alexander (Co-founder of New Citizens Project). ⁠The New Citizen Project⁠ – Explore the agency’s work and tools. This podcast is brought to you by Time for Impact. We help organisations unlock the full potential of volunteering through data-driven insights and expert guidance. How we can help you: Consulting & Training: Tailored support to evolve your volunteer strategy. Impact Measurement: Help measuring the impact of your volunteering programmes. Cross-Sector Volunteer Experience Survey: Join our comparative survey to see how your volunteer experience stacks up against the wider sector. Visit us at: ⁠www.timeforimpact.co.uk⁠ In this episode, we discuss:Key Resources:About Time for Impact

    1h 4m

  2. JAN 26

    The Hermit Crab Strategy: Why One-Size-Fits-All Shells are Killing Impact - Elena Laguna

    This episode of Time for Impact is a masterclass in challenging the "we’ve always done it this way" mentality. Join us as we sit down with Elena Laguna, a veteran leader in the sector (St John Ambulance, British Red Cross), to dismantle the rigid structures of traditional volunteering and replace them with a model built on agency, outcome, and inclusion. The Hermit Crab Philosophy: We discuss the fascinating way hermit crabs collaborate to ensure everyone has a shell that fits. In the volunteering world, we often try to force people into "pre-made shells" (rigid roles) that don't fit their lives. Elena challenges us to look at the vacancy chain model: how can we, as managers, facilitate an ecosystem where volunteers find the "shell" that fits their unique needs and agency? Elena argues that the industry’s obsession with micro-volunteering—tiny, bite-sized tasks—often misses the point. The real goal should be Flex Volunteering. It’s not just about the length of time; it’s about giving volunteers the agency to shape their own opportunities. When we offer predefined solutions, we often fail to meet the human on the other side. How do you balance structure with freedom? Elena uses a brilliant analogy: Curation. The Walls: The essential structure (safety, legal, core goals). The Paintings: The individual experience, which should be as diverse and unique as the volunteers themselves.You need the walls to have a museum, but the museum shouldn't dictate how you look at the art. Charities sometimes position themselves as the "heroes" arriving to solve a community's problems. Elena challenges this: the most impactful organisations act as convenors and enablers, helping communities find and lead their own solutions. We dive into why "presumed best practice"—like rigid role descriptions and standard policies—can actually be an enemy of Inclusion and Diversity. If your process doesn't flex, it excludes. Elena suggests: Shift focus from Activity to Outcomes. Compete with Netflix: People’s time is scarce. If we aren't intentionally innovating, we are losing to the leisure sector. Elena Laguna on LinkedIn: Follow Elena here to read her latest articles on flex-volunteering and impact. Camarados: Learn more about their movement and the "Public Living Room" model at camarados.org. The HR/Volunteering Exchange: Insights on what these two sectors can learn from one another regarding people management and culture. Time for Impact is on a mission to modernise the way the world gives time. Beyond these conversations, we offer: Modern Consultancy: Strategy for organisations ready to move from process-led to impact-led. Training: Equipping managers to modernise volunteering and demonstrate impact Measurement Tools: Cutting-edge impact and satisfaction tools to prove (and improve) your value.

    57 min

  3. JAN 20

    Global Perspectives on Heritage & Community: Live from HVG 2025

    Co-hosts: Chris Wade & Matt CobbleSpecial Guest: Saskia Rinkoff, Volunteer Engagement Manager, Harbourfront Centre (Toronto) Recorded live at the 2025 Heritage Volunteering Group (HVG) Conference, this special 25-minute episode marks Time for Impact’s third consecutive year at the event. We are joined by Saskia Rinkoff from Toronto’s iconic Harbourfront Centre to explore the intersection of heritage, urban diversity, and social cohesion. From managing a massive physical site to fostering a sense of "home" for newcomers, Saskia shares how one of Canada’s busiest cultural hubs turns participation into a powerful tool for community building. The Power of Diversity in ParticipationHow the Harbourfront Centre mirrors the multicultural fabric of Toronto, involving a vast range of demographics across artistic, cultural, and heritage-based volunteering. Managing Complexity at ScaleThe logistical and cultural challenges of managing an "ever-changing cohort" of supporters across a large, high-traffic urban site. Volunteering as a Gateway to CommunityA deep dive into how volunteering serves as a "first step" for people moving to new cities—helping them build social capital, learn the landscape, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. Social Cohesion & Organisational CultureHow diversity isn't just a metric at Harbourfront; it is woven into the organisational DNA and the wider civic identity of the city. Volunteering in heritage and cultural settings is more than stewardship of the past; it is a mechanism for social integration in the present. By providing a low-barrier entry point into the life of a city, organizations like Harbourfront Centre are driving the social cohesion that is vital for our global sustainable future.— Chris Wade Guest: Saskia Rinkoff (Harbourfront Centre, Toronto) Event: Heritage Volunteering Group (HVG) Conference 2025 What role does volunteering play in your city’s social fabric? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #TimeForImpact or email us at podcast@timeforimpact.co.uk To find out more about how Time For Impact can help you top modernise your volunteering go to www.TimeForImpact.co.uk or email us on podcast@TimeforImpact.co.uk All our podcasts are free. If you are enjoyiong them please consider buying us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi Most importantly, please tell at least one other person about the podcast.

    26 min

  4. 12/19/2025

    Volunteering is an act of optimism - Amanda Naylor OBE CEO of Volunteering Matters

    In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, Chris Wade and his co-host Matt Cobble engage in a conversation with Amanda Naylor OBE, CEO of Volunteering Matters. The discussion centres around the transformative power of volunteering and its role in fostering community cohesion and social justice. Amanda shares insights into the Vision for Volunteering initiative, which aims to reshape the volunteering landscape by emphasising mutuality, empowerment, and inclusivity. The episode highlights various innovative projects, such as the RSVP program for senior volunteers and community-led solutions like the hearing aid repair initiative in Scotland. The conversation underscores the importance of flexibility, experimentation, and collaboration in volunteering, advocating for a shift from traditional service models to more community-driven approaches. Keywords Volunteering, Community Cohesion, Social Justice, Vision for Volunteering, Mutuality, Empowerment, Inclusivity, RSVP Program, Hearing Aid Repair, Community-Driven Takeaways Volunteering is a powerful tool for social change and community cohesion.The Vision for Volunteering initiative emphasises mutuality and empowerment.Community-driven solutions are more effective than traditional service models at engaging volunteers.The RSVP program engages senior volunteers in meaningful activities.Hearing aid repair initiative in Scotland showcases community innovation.Flexibility and experimentation are key to successful volunteering projects.Volunteering Matters focuses on inclusivity and removing barriers.Volunteers gain as much as they give, creating mutual benefits.Collaboration and sharing power enhance the impact of volunteering.Volunteering is an act of optimism and hope. Links. Volunteer Maters https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/ Volunteer Matters Impact Report https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/about-us/impact/ Volunteer Maters Strategy and ecosystem. https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/shaping-the-future-of-volunteering-together/ Dom Pinkney's article mentioned - what if everyone stopped volunteering https://www.works-4u.com/what-if Vision for Volunteering. https://www.visionforvolunteering.org.uk/

    1h 2m

  5. 12/03/2025

    Unlocking Potential: Inclusive Volunteering for People with a History of Offending

    Guest: Esther Champion, Myrtos Consultancy In this insightful episode of the Time For Impact Volunteering Innovation Podcast, Chris and Matt are joined by Esther Champion from Myrtos Consultancy. Esther specialises in guiding organisations, employers, and volunteer-involving agencies to make their activities truly inclusive for individuals with a history of being in prison. Together, we challenge the misconceptions surrounding this demographic and dive deep into how the voluntary sector can become a crucial bridge for reintegration. If you have ever worried about the risks of involving ex-offenders or wondered how to adapt your management style to support them, this conversation is essential listening. The Power of Reintegration: How volunteering plays a vital role in helping people successfully reintegrate into society, reducing isolation and providing a constructive path forward. Building Worth and Confidence: We discuss the psychological impact of volunteering, specifically how it rebuilds self-worth and confidence, serving as a powerful tool in preventing reoffending. Adapting Our Approach: Esther shares expert advice on how volunteer managers need to adapt their recruitment and support structures to effectively facilitate the future contribution of people with a criminal record. Reputation vs. Reality: We tackle the elephant in the room—risk. We explore why involving people with a history of the criminal justice system is actually beneficial for a charity’s reputation, demonstrating values of redemption and community support, despite perceived risks. Esther Champion is the founder of Myrtos Consultancy. She is a dedicated specialist helping organisations navigate the complexities of inclusivity for people with a history of offending. Her work focuses on breaking down barriers to employment and volunteering, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. Connect with Myrtos Consultancy: https://www.myrtosconsultancy.com/ Does your organisation feel stuck? Are your volunteer programmes in need of a refresh? Beyond the podcast, Time For Impact is here to help you rethink and revitalise volunteering within your charity or agency. We offer bespoke consultancy and training designed to innovate your strategy and maximise your social impact. Find out more about our services: www.TimeForImpact.co.uk We are passionate about bringing you these conversations free of charge to help the sector grow and innovate. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in our discussion with Esther, please consider saying thank you to Chris and Matt by buying us a coffee. Your support helps us keep the microphones on and the ideas flowing! Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Time For Impact Volunteering Innovation Podcast on your favourite streaming platform!

    1 hr

  6. 11/17/2025

    Accessible Volunteering & The Power of Lived Experience with Mencap’s Anne-Marie Zaritsky

    In this episode of the Time for Impact Podcast, host Matt Cobble is joined by Anne-Marie Zaritsky, the Head of Volunteering and Inclusion at the learning disilbilities charity, Mencap. Together, they explore the mechanisms behind Mencap’s success in creating a genuinely inclusive environment. Moving beyond tick-box exercises, Anne-Marie shares how the charity ensures volunteering is accessible not just for people with learning difficulties, but for everyone. Crucially, this conversation challenges the idea that large charities must have a "blueprint" for every issue. Matt and Anne-Marie discuss why Mencap does not try to speak for all communities. Instead, they explore the charity's role as a convenor—creating the space for local people to come together, share their lived experience, and build the solutions that actually work for them. Universal Inclusion: How Mencap breaks down barriers to make volunteering accessible and inclusive to all, creating a model that benefits the wider community. From Blueprint to Convenor: Why Mencap avoids top-down answers in favour of bringing local people together to solve community-specific issues. Representation at Every Level: How people with learning difficulties are involved in shaping Mencap’s work, from the ground floor to governance. Bridging HR and Volunteering: Maximising the learning exchange between volunteering departments and HR to create a holistic approach to inclusion. The Culture "Glue": A dive into how Mencap’s organisational culture binds these elements together and enables their continued success. We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into inclusive leadership. Please remember that Time for Impact is more than just a show—we are a dedicated resource for the third sector. We provide strategic insights for charities and volunteer professionals, offering services that include: Strategic Consultancy Professional Training Impact Measurement Tools Experience Surveys and Data Analysis If you are looking to elevate your organisation's impact, get in touch with us to see how we can help. If you found value in this episode and would like to say thank you, you can support the production of the show by buying us a virtual cup of coffee! 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi

    55 min

  7. 11/07/2025

    Scotland's Volunteering Rebound: Inclusion challenges and a New Manifesto with Alan Stevenson, Volunteer Scotland

    🎧 Episode Summary In this crucial episode, we sit down with Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland, to unpack the brand new 2024 volunteering figures for Scotland. The data reveals a sector in recovery, with formal volunteering rates bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels. However, this positive headline masks a stark reality: significant inclusion gaps remain for people from deprived backgrounds and disabled people. Alan discusses Volunteer Scotland's new manifesto, designed to tackle these issues and more head-on in the run-up to next year's elections. We explore the volunteer action plan for Scotland. We also explore the vital lessons the formal sector must learn from the mutual aid boom, and why employer-supported volunteering is in urgent need of creative, long-term reform. 1. The Good News: Scotland's Volunteering Rebound The 2024 Figures: We dig into the latest Scottish Household Survey data. Formal volunteering is up to 25% (from 18% in 2023), bringing it in line with the pre-COVID level of 26% in 2019. A Sector in Recovery: After a challenging few years, the data signals a welcome return of volunteers to formal roles. 2. The Challenge: A Stubborn Inclusion Gap Who is being left behind? Disability: There is a 15-percentage-point gap between the volunteering rates of non-disabled adults (28%) and disabled adults (18%). Deprivation: A 10-percentage-point gap exists between those with a household income over £30,000 (29% volunteer) and those with low incomes (19% volunteer). Why it matters: True "impact" means volunteering must be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability. 3. A Manifesto for Change Election Ready: With Scottish elections on the horizon, Volunteer Scotland is launching a new policy manifesto. Core Aims: Alan outlines the key "asks" designed to secure the future of volunteering and directly address these systemic inclusion barriers. A Call to Action: The manifesto is a tool for the entire sector to lobby for meaningful investment and policy change. Volunteer Scotland: volunteerscotland.net Latest Research: Find the 2024 volunteering figures and analysis on our website https://www.timeforimpact.co.uk/blogs/our-blogs/volunteering-figures-scotland-2024 Volunteering Action Plan (VAP): Learn more about the strategic plan for volunteering in Scotland. https://www.volunteerscotland.net/news/launch-of-scotlands-volunteering-action-plan We are pleased to offer these insights without charge. However, as a consultant working within the charity sector, my ability to continue sharing expertise and intellectual property through consultancy and training is how I earn my living. If you find this content valuable and wish to support future ideas and inspiration, a small contribution of £4 via my Buy Me a Coffee account would be hugely appreciated. There's no pressure, but any generosity is gratefully received. You can contribute here https://buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi Thank You 🙏

    1h 1m

  8. 10/07/2025

    Tobi Johnson on the Challenging, Brave Journey of Volunteer Leadership

    In this episode, we're shifting our focus from pure innovation in programs to the personal innovations required to be a leader in the volunteer sector. We are incredibly honored to be joined by the one and only Tobi Johnson, CVA. While many of you will know Tobi from her exceptional Volpro training and the fantastic 'Volunteer Nation' podcast, this conversation goes behind the scenes. Tobi shares her personal leadership journey—the successes, the stumbles, and the crucial lessons learned from both. We explore the realities of leadership, from battling imposter syndrome to the complexities of leading diverse teams and navigating the challenges of movement-building. This is a candid, inspiring look at what it truly takes to lead and innovate in the world of volunteerism. Tobi Johnson is an internationally recognized expert and consultant in the field of volunteer engagement. She is the founder of Tobi Johnson & Associates and the President of VolunteerPro, an online professional development community for leaders of volunteers. Tobi is also the host of the popular Volunteer Nation podcast, providing practical tips and insights for engaging today's volunteers. The Leadership Journey is Not Linear: Tobi shares the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her as a leader, emphasising that learning often comes from what goes wrong. Wrestling with Imposter Syndrome: A frank discussion about feeling like a fraud and the strategies Tobi has used to find her authentic leadership voice. Leading Diverse Groups: We explore the skills and mindset needed to effectively lead diverse teams of volunteers, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. From Management to Movement-Building: Tobi discusses the leap from managing volunteers to leading a movement, and the unique challenges that come with inspiring collective action. Lessons from Theory and Practice: We touch on key concepts from academic work in the sector and how they apply in the real world. VolunteerPro: Tobi's online training and coaching community for volunteer managers. Volunteer Nation Podcast: Tobi's podcast full of actionable tips for leaders of volunteers. Book: Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice by Jurgen Grotz and Ruth Buchanan. Follow us on Linked-in Visit our website: www.TimeForImpact.co.uk Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode! Connect & Continue the Conversation: Thank you for tuning in to Time for Impact! We are dedicated to bringing you the freshest thinking in volunteerism from professionals who are making a real difference. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you conversations with volunteerism leaders from around the world. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Time for Impact on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more professionals like you. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who believes in the power of connection. Like any creative endeavour, bringing the podcast to life involves real costs in production, editing, planning, and execution. This podcast is our gift to the profession. However, If you find the Time for Impact Podcast valuable and wish to fuel future inspiring conversations and ideas, please consider a small, entirely voluntary contribution of £4 through our Buy Me a Coffee account:     ⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi ⁠⁠⁠ . Your generosity, however small, directly supports our ability to continue producing this resource for the sector. Thank you for being part of our community. 🙏 Time for Impact has recently launched its sector wide Volunteer Experience Survey - to find out more go to https://www.timeforimpact.co.uk/volunteering-strategies/volunteer-surveys

    59 min
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About

Promoting and celebrating innovation and ground-breaking ideas and practice in the volunteering profession. Each episode we invite special guests to share their learning and creative ideas so we can all push the boundaries and drive the profession to new levels.

Information

  • Creator
    Time For Impact
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Time For Impact
  • Show Website
    Time For Impact Podcast