We talk to Regional Fundraising Officer Kyle Lockhart for International Volunteer Managers’ Day

Alzheimer’s Research UK has 11 regional fundraising officers all dedicated to supporting and managing our network of volunteers in roles from fundraising group members, community speakers, to collection crew members and media volunteers. This International Volunteer Managers’ Day (5 November) we speak to Kyle Lockhart, Regional Fundraising Officer for Scotland, to find out his experience of recruiting and supporting our volunteers. #IVMday18

What do you most enjoy about supporting and managing volunteers?

Our volunteers are so important to me and to the whole charity. I simply couldn’t do what I do without their support. I really enjoy getting to know our volunteers and their interests. They are really inspirational and I am always so pleased when volunteers tell me how much they enjoyed themselves at events.

I believe we have some of the best volunteers at Alzheimer’s Research UK who will help us in our mission of bringing about a life changing treatment by 2025.

What do you find the most challenging part of managing volunteers?

Sometimes we are offered last minute opportunities to hold a collection or attend events, it can be quite challenging to find volunteers in a short space of time. However, we have a wonderful Volunteering Management Team who are always on hand to help with recruitment and of course our incredible supporters often pull in their families and friends to get involved so we can make the most of opportunities.

What advice would you give other volunteer managers?

I think clear communication is crucial. It’s really important that volunteers understand their role for the day and also the difference they are making to the charity. Volunteers should feel valued, they are amazing people giving up their precious time.

It’s important to have a clear plan for the day ahead and make sure volunteers are fully briefed in advance.

What volunteering opportunities do you have currently in Scotland?

There are a wide range of volunteering positions across Scotland at Alzheimer’s Research UK. I will be holding a Supporters’ Day event in Glasgow on 10th November where volunteers can find out about all the different roles. This might include joining one of our fundraising groups which will help raise awareness and vital funds for the charity or you could be a local ambassador by becoming an Alzheimer’s Research UK Community Speaker. This might involve attending a cheque collection on our behalf or delivering a presentation to a community group. We are always looking for volunteers to help with our bucket collections across Scotland.

This of course is just a snapshot and I would be delighted to hear from anyone who is keen to get involved.

What’s the next step for someone who in interested in one of your volunteering roles?

I am always so pleased when our supporters ask to get involved and support the charity. We have such a wide range of opportunities, there is definitely something for everyone!

Please get in touch and we can meet for a coffee, find out what your interests and skills are and we’ll see what works for you. I am based in Glasgow and travel throughout Scotland to meet our incredible supporters.

To find out more about  the Supporters’ Day to be held in Glasgow on 10th November contact Kyle Lockhart directly via email kyle.lockhart@alzheimersresearchuk.org.uk

We have a further 10 Regional Fundraising Officers across the UK ready and waiting to support new volunteers in a variety
of roles! Find out more about our variety of volunteering opportunities.