Meet Michaela: Our New Volunteer Recruitment Co-ordinator

Age UK Isle of Wight is delighted to introduce and welcome Michaela; our new Volunteer Recruitment Co-ordinator here at the charity.

In this newly created role, Michaela will be dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and reviewing our volunteers, ensuring that everyone has a fulfilling experience with us.

Michaela’s role is distinct from that of Pat, who is the charity's long-standing Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Good Neighbour Scheme. With an impressive average of around 100 volunteers at any given time, Pat is focused on the vital work of that specific service. Michaela will be expanding our volunteer base across various departments and projects within the charity.

In response to feedback from some of our current volunteers expressing a desire to engage in additional tasks beyond the Good Neighbour Scheme, Michaela's role will help us tap into those interests and create more opportunities for everyone. 

Get to Know Michaela

To help you get to know Michaela better, Cally, the charity's PR and Marketing Communications Execuitve asked her a few questions about her background and what she hopes to achieve in her new role.

Q. Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to this role?

A. I have been fortunate enough to have been involved with Island charities for many years, starting as a volunteer at a local, independent Lifeboat station in 2001 and then on to roles involving volunteer recruitment, training, and fundraising. It’s something I have always enjoyed and it’s a role that brings a great amount of variety as well as job satisfaction.

When I saw the advertisement for this new role, I knew it would be a great opportunity for myself to build on my previous skills, especially given that Age UK IW is a local charity, specifically supporting our Island population.

Q. What do you love most about working with volunteers?

A. Volunteers bring so much to any situation, with knowledge, skills and always a sense of humour! It makes my role so enjoyable, meeting with, and learning about each volunteer, as well as working alongside them to meet the charity’s goals.

I have spoken to many of our dedicated team of volunteers over the past few weeks, and it soon became very clear, that whilst every volunteer was unique in who they are, every single person cares greatly about their role and what they do for Age UK IW.

Q. What are some of your goals for the volunteer program at Age UK Isle of Wight?

A. As well as recruiting new volunteers into the organisation, I hope to increase the volunteering opportunities throughout Age UK IW. Our current volunteers have provided so much valuable feedback about what we do and how we do it, and now it’s important we listen to this as we plan and move forward.

Q. How do you plan to recruit new volunteers and engage with our current ones?

A. As great as technology is nowadays, I still think one of the best ways to recruit and engage it to get out there and meet people in person. I will be attending community events representing Age UK IW as well as attending our Chatty Brews. I also hope to create new events for both future and current volunteers – watch this space!

Q. What skills or experiences do you bring to this position that will help you succeed?

A. I have been involved in working with and volunteering for local Island charities since 2001. I understand that a local charity faces many different challenges to a national organisation, especially with raising funds and profile and that can mean a lot more variety in the workload and a need to be more hands-on. Having been a volunteer myself (and I still do this for a various causes) I understand and appreciate what volunteering can mean for an individual and the difference one makes.

Q. What interests do you have outside of work that you’d like to share with us?

A. I have three older children who all keep me very busy, but when timing allows you will find me out walking, by the sea, or watching Southampton FC bounce their way back into the Championship! I normally have at least one fundraising mission on the go, which often involves trekking 50-100km for one of the Island charities. In addition to that you will always find me joining other Islanders as we make our way from Bembridge to the Needles in May for Walk the Wight.

Q. Is there a memorable volunteering experience you've had that you'd like to share?

A. In 2009 I was lucky enough to be heading a team that were awarded the “Queens Award for Voluntary Service”. As if the award wasn’t enough, I was notified that the then, Prince Charles would be coming to the Isle of Wight to present it to us.

It was a very proud moment to shake his hand, receive the award and for him to tell me “It was heavy enough to make a really good door stop if needed!”

We are thrilled to have Michaela on board and are confident that her efforts will have a positive impact and create even more opportunities for our wonderful volunteers.