Medway Volunteer Manager Network What we covered at the last meeting

The Benefits of MVA's Volunteer Manager Peer Support Network
It is well known that the role of a volunteer manager can be both rewarding and challenging at times. Balancing the needs of volunteers, managing various projects, and ensuring that your day to day operations runs smoothly can feel overwhelming at times. This is where MVA's volunteer manager peer support network can make a significant difference, one of the most valuable aspects being having the opportunity to connect with others who face similar challenges and triumphs in their roles.

This is where MVA can help with one of their key group goals being to support a network that is a safe space where members can come together and help each other to thrive. By leveraging the strengths of this diverse group, network members can discuss their struggles openly, brainstorm solutions collectively, and share resources that enhance their work. This collaborative spirit can lead to innovative approaches to common challenges, such as recruiting and retaining volunteers, fostering engagement, and measuring volunteer impact.

• Lisa from MVA shared the new support offer for the network for 2025 including: new communications, services, resources and potential partnership opportunities on their upcoming volunteer projects and how to get involved.
• We had two guest speakers at the last meeting with the first being Becky Waller from the DWP who shared insight on the various ways that they can support and in return the ways that the network can support them. Becky also shared updated information on topics such as the differences between work placements, experience and volunteering, and where further information can be found online.
• Adrian Tarka from Tempo Time Credits joined us and shared information about their programme, volunteer engagement and an update on what's new with Time credits. Adrian also invited feedback about other ways the network would like to be supported by them in the future.
• The network was invited to take part in doing a sector wide event for Volunteers Week in 2025, which planning for will begin late January, for those wanting to get involved.
• Save the dates for all 2025 network sessions were shared including an invitation to the network for what guest speakers they would like at the next session. A poll for these will go out in January for review.

Interested in joining the Network?

If you’re a volunteer manager looking to connect with like-minded individuals, consider joining MVA's volunteer manager network. You’ll find a welcoming community ready to share insights, resources, and strategies—all powered by the shared goal of improving the volunteer experience.

To find out more about getting involved contact Lisa at MVA via email on lisa@mva.org.uk.