I've been working in the sector for about 10 years and volunteering for a lot longer. Soup kitchens, environmental projects, one to one mentoring and school governor roles have all been my cup of tea at one time or another.

I work in the sector supporting volunteer involving groups in Derby

I currently work as the Volunteer Development Co-ordinator based at Community Action. Me and my Volunteer Centre work colleagues and volunteers exist to support volunteering in the city.

We provide support and guidance for voluntary and community groups and their volunteering. Our core functions are as follows:

Brokerage - matching both individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities in the local community.

Marketing - we stimulate and encourage local interest in volunteering and community activity.

Good practice development - we promote good practice in working with volunteers to all volunteer involving organisations. This includes the design and delivery of training, group support at our bi-monthly Volunteer Co-ordinator Forums (VCF) and one to one support.

Developing volunteering opportunities - we work in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities.

Policy response and campaigning - we identify proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering. We lead and/or participate in campaigns on issues that affect volunteers or volunteering.

Strategic development of volunteering - as the local experts on volunteering we inform strategic thinking and planning at a local level. We are currently leading on the Volunteering strategy for Derby.