National Volunteers Week is a time to say thanks for the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. We talk to a few of the CIWM volunteers that help to keep the institution running on a daily basis.
Like most membership organisations, CIWM has hundreds of volunteers who help keep the institution running on a daily basis. Volunteers are a core part of the life and culture of CIWM and they have a role to play at each level of the institution.
CIWM’s volunteers include the CIWM Board of Trustees, WAMITAB, the CIWME Board Members, Centre Councillors, Special Interest Group Steering Committee Members, NMN Co-ordinators, ISWA National Committee, Scientific and Technical Committee, the COVID-19 Advisory Group, and those that sit on stakeholder working groups to represent CIWM. Not to mention the many speakers at webinars and events, both nationally and locally (when these are running, of course) who all volunteer their time and expertise.
Every year, without fail, these volunteers show their dedication to the waste and resources sector, committing their own valuable time, helping to run CIWM in a way that helps promote and encourage community and best practice – not just within CIWM, but throughout the sector as a whole.
CIWM recently launched its new volunteer handbook, in which you’ll find details of the many ways you might support CIWM as a volunteer – from joining your local Centre Council or our Members’ Council to supporting the next generation of resources and waste professionals as a Professional Interview Panellist or mentor. You’ll also find a useful toolkit which includes a range of resources to support you as a CIWM volunteer. Take a look here.
Brian Royson Mayne, FCIWM
Volunteer: Wales Centre Chair
Why did you decide to volunteer with CIWM?
It was so long ago I can’t really remember. I have a feeling it was because I was writing lots of articles for my employee that I was asked to contribute to the Wales Centre newsletter. After that I got involved in lots of things over the years.
What do you get out of volunteering with CIWM?
It has always allowed me to make new friends within the waste industry and been a great way to meet new people, especially helpful when I first started in the industry. It has also exposed me to people with common interests but who work in areas of the industry I wouldn’t normally come into contact with, who perhaps if I hadn’t been involved with CIWM I wouldn’t have met.
How would you encourage others to get involved? / If others were interested in volunteering, how would you recommend they get involved?
There are so many ways that members can get involved. If you have an idea about what you think the CIWM should be doing or would like to get involved in something that’s already happening then, contact a centre councillor, members representative or someone at HQ. If it benefits the CIWM then I’m sure it will attract interest.
What has been your favourite moment whilst volunteering with CIWM? / What is your favourite aspect about volunteering with CIWM?
Without a doubt, this was a recent event. Previously I had attended universities to give a presentation on the benefits of working in our industry, but over the last twelve months what with the pandemic nothing like that was possible.
I received an invite to attend an All Wales Virtual Careers Fair which was a partnership of all the universities in Wales open to students and recent graduates. I spent a day with my centre councillor colleague Dr Nia Owens on a virtual stand having chats with students studying a vast array of subjects and at various levels of their education from first degree to PHD.
Very few had ever considered the industry. The event resulted in 19 new members, it would be great to think that one of those goes on to volunteer and get actively involved in the institution.
What have you learnt whilst volunteering with CIWM?
There is always more to learn and new people to meet.
What skills do you use/need to volunteer?
Commitment, if you’ve put yourself up as a volunteer make sure you have the time available to commit to getting involved and it doesn’t need to be days a couple of hours here and there can have a great impact. Every little bit helps.
Kirstin Roberts, MCIWM
Volunteer: Midlands Centre Chair
Why did you decide to volunteer with CIWM?
I was just starting in the Waste industry and it seemed a good way to meet and network with industry experts. That very much proved to be the case.
What do you get out of volunteering with CIWM?
It feels good to give back to the Institute which has really helped me in the development of my career.
I have made invaluable connections in the industry which has helped me develop my career. For example, collaborating with other CIWM members to do joint webinars and joint articles on behalf of my firm.
I have gained unmeasurable technical knowledge.
It’s helped me win work for my firm by being able to say I’m a Chartered Member of CIWM.
How would you encourage others to get involved? / If others were interested in volunteering, how would you recommend they get involved?
Start small: perhaps join your local Centre Council as an observer or volunteer to help with NMN events.
What has been your favourite moment whilst volunteering with CIWM? / What is your favourite aspect about volunteering with CIWM?
I really like the people I’m on Midlands Centre Council with. They’re a great bunch. I have also enjoyed being the Midlands Rep for the Members’ Council and meeting the presidential team and trustees face to face and hearing their plans for CIWM.
What have you learnt whilst volunteering with CIWM?
I’ve recently become chair of the Midlands Centre Chair and while I’ve hosted hundreds if not thousands of meetings over the years, I’ve never been the official Chair of anything before and it’s a real learning curve. I’ll be able to use those skills in other aspects of my private and professional life.
What skills do you use/need to volunteer?
A bit of spare time!
Terry March, FCIWM
Volunteer: South West Centre Councillor
Why did you decide to volunteer with CIWM?
I realised that I could make a useful contribution to the CIWM South West Centre by using my organisational skills coupled with an enthusiasm for waste and resource management. I was the Centre Secretary for a number of years, am now the Honorary Centre Treasurer and have been active as Committee Member and Trustee.
My principal volunteering role now is as a mentor to members who are seeking to upgrade to Chartered status. It gives me the opportunity to pass on what I have learnt during my time in the industry and it is a way of thanking those who mentored me during my career.
What do you get out of volunteering with CIWM?
The pleasure of helping enthusiastic people to prepare themselves for the upgrade process and ultimately the professional interview. One aspect of this is that applicants need to be very aware of developments in the waste and resource industry which means I get to discuss and debate news items with them, thereby learning a lot myself!
How would you encourage others to get involved?
By getting involved with their local CIWM Centre through meetings/webinars and site visits when Covid-19 permits.
What has been your favourite moment whilst volunteering with CIWM? / What is your favourite aspect about volunteering with CIWM?
There is not a favourite moment but the ongoing personal pleasure of helping people who are keen and enthusiastic to recognise their own abilities and knowledge so that they achieve Chartered status.
What have you learnt whilst volunteering with CIWM?
That people are very individual and each has unique experiences and a potential that, coupled with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn, means that the future of our industry is in very capable hands.
What skills do you use/need to volunteer?
Simply a desire to help the Institution and its members to fulfil their potential.
Gill Mulroe, FCIWM
Volunteer: Mentor
Why did you decide to volunteer with CIWM?
I felt I could support more people in the waste sector to develop their skills, to see the sector as a long term career and work towards a Chartered manager. I have completed approx 2,000 volunteer hours, which is mainly my own time around evenings and weekends.
I am passionate about the sector and to see the sector shape its path into the future. It is also a win-win as I do also get to work with some incredible leaders and subject matter experts, that in turn, I am learning from daily.
What do you get out of volunteering with CIWM?
I find it purposeful and meaningful to be a part of someone’s development and to see their confidence grow as they learn new skills and become an expert in their field.
How would you encourage others to get involved? / If others were interested in volunteering, how would you recommend they get involved?
They could contact CIWM, their local centre councillor or myself – who will all support and advise how someone can get involved.
What has been your favourite moment whilst volunteering with CIWM? / What is your favourite aspect about volunteering with CIWM?
The phone call you receive from one of your sponsored members after they find out they have become Chartered – I do get arm bumps every time, and I always cry.
What have you learnt whilst volunteering with CIWM?
Great question. I have learnt the value you can add mentoring people through their career, and the significant impact you can have on someone’s life/career. You really can change someone’s life, and gaining a Chartered qualification can be such a defining moment for someone.
What skills do you use/need to volunteer?
Empathy, a little time, commitment, people skills, a willingness to want to make a positive contribution.
