Volunteering
Advice on the right training for volunteers has boosted their skills and confidence, plus helped the museum to retain these valuable team members.
Working with Community First Yorkshire helped the Museum of North Craven Life invest in it’s volunteers.
What was the challenge?
Front-of-house volunteers at the museum felt that they needed some specialist training on customer service. However, with the museum’s annual training budget already fully allocated, the trustees were finding it difficult to identify the right training and the potential funding required to run the sessions.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
Our development officer initially met the museum trustee at a Community First Yorkshire volunteer management training session. They worked closely with the trustee to look at what training options were available and used their own experience in the volunteering sector to provide guidance, encouragement and practical suggestions.
Working with the development officer gave the trustee confidence to look at different options and successfully request a review of the museum’s internal funding priorities. As a result, the museum board reallocated funds to bring in a bespoke external trainer, ensuring their team received the tailored support they needed.
“Vicki was very good at responding, in fact she was often waiting patiently for me to get back to her. I would absolutely go back to Vicki for further support. I felt she understood exactly what it was we were looking for and this was particularly true because she had worked in the same sector.”
What does the future look like?
The new training has helped the volunteers to feel valued and gave them more confidence in dealing with different scenarios, as well as boosting their skill levels. The team of volunteers are essential to the museum’s operation. By investing in their training, their volunteering experience at the museum has improved which, in turn, will help the museum to retain these important team members and recruit more volunteers when needed.
About the organisation
The Museum of North Craven Life is based at The Folly, a historic house in Settle. The museum tells the story of North Craven, from the local landscape and its influence on all aspects of life in the area.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
Community Support North Yorkshire is funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefitting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk