Time For Impact Podcast

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Time for Impact Podcast, Chris and Matthew sit down with Lucia Ciolanel, Volunteer Engagement Manager at Asthma and Lung UK. Lucia shares her firsthand experience navigating the complex merger of two distinct volunteer communities—Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation. The conversation explores the challenges of breaking down organisational silos, the critical role of transparent communication, and actionable strategies for fostering a unified, purpose-driven volunteer base.About Lucia CiolanelLucia brings over 12 years of experience to the volunteer sector, having worked in various roles across critical fields such as domestic violence, elder abuse, and mental health. For the past two and a half years, she has driven volunteer integration at Asthma and Lung UK, playing a central role in harmonizing operations and volunteer culture post-merger.Key Topics DiscussedThe Power of Community in Volunteering: How a shared mission, genuine connection, and an empowering environment drive meaningful volunteer contributions.Overcoming Integration Obstacles: Practical steps for breaking down organisational silos, such as hosting joint networking events, running cross-training sessions, and clarifying roles so everyone understands how they fit into the larger mission.Strategic Communication During Transitions: The necessity of consulting volunteers before rolling out new initiatives to ensure they feel heard and valued.Building Trust Through Transparency: How to mitigate fears and generate buy-in by clearly explaining the rationale behind new policies and establishing a shared organisational language.Key TakeawaysBuild a strong, unified community among volunteers to enhance engagement and satisfaction.Communicate transparently and consult volunteers proactively to foster ownership and trust.Approach organisational changes with sensitivity, empathy, and flexibility, respecting volunteers' attachments to established practices.Linkswww.TimeforImpact.co.ukhttps://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/support-us/volunteer-usThanks to our wonderful sponsorsvolunteero.orginvestinginvolunteers.co.uk

🎙️ Episode: Why Cats Protection is Rethinking Volunteering, Membership, and PowerHosts: Chris Wade & Matt CobbleGuest: John May, Chief Executive of Cats ProtectionEpisode Summary:How does a 100-year-old charity adapt to changing patterns of volunteering without losing its core identity? In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with John May, Chief Executive of Cats Protection, to explore what happens when staff and volunteers intentionally share power. John shares how the charity—boasting around 1,000 staff and 10,000 volunteers—is broadening what participation looks like, navigating the tension between local branch autonomy and national responsibility, and building a future of volunteering that is flexible, diverse, and deeply connected to real-world communities.In This Episode, We Cover:A Journey in Leadership: John’s path from Scouts volunteer, teacher, and head teacher to his current role as a charity CEO and being the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire.Redefining the Partnership: Why Cats Protection is striving to become an "exemplar" volunteer organisation by repositioning staff and volunteers as true partners, rather than separate power centres.Elevating Volunteer Influence: Moving volunteer contributions beyond direct service delivery and into governance, product development, strategy, and creative work.Balancing Autonomy & Standards: Navigating the historical tensions between local branch independence and national standards, particularly regarding cat welfare decisions, funding, and shared resources.Expanding Participation: How the charity is widening access through flexible, micro-volunteering opportunities that accommodate different time commitments and support neurodiversity, including engaging with gaming communities.The Human-Animal Bond: A look at the Lifeline service and Cat Guardians programme, demonstrating how cat welfare intrinsically connects to human wellbeing, domestic abuse support, and end-of-life planning.3 Key Takeaways:Volunteering isn't in crisis; it just needs a redesign. We don't have a lack of willing people; we have a need for more flexibility, trust, and better-designed opportunities that fit modern lifestyles.True partnership requires sharing power. To build an exemplar volunteer culture, charities must move away from top-down management and invite volunteers to shape strategy, education, and advocacy.Animal welfare is human welfare. By looking beyond rehoming, charities can create profound social impact—such as using foster networks to support individuals fleeing domestic abuse or providing peace of mind for the elderly.Resources Mentioned:Cats ProtectionCats Protection Lifeline ServiceCat Guardians ProgrammeSupport the Podcast:Like any creative endeavour, bringing the podcast to life involves real costs in production, editing, and planning. As a small charity consultancy, our primary income comes from providing paid advice and training, allowing us to freely share our hard-earned expertise. If you find the Time for Impact podcast valuable, please consider a small, entirely voluntary contribution of £4 through our Buy Me a Coffee account: buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi. Your generosity directly supports our ability to continue producing this resource for the sector.Join the Conversation:If you want to recommend guests for future episodes or discuss how Time For Impact volunteering consultants can help your charity, please email [email protected] or visit TimeForImpact.co.uk.Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Episode OverviewWhat if volunteering could be as easy and intuitive as swiping on your phone? In this episode of Time for Impact, Chris Wade and Matt Cobble sit down with Paul King from Enjoy Development to discuss how technology is fundamentally transforming the volunteering landscape.If you are looking to better engage the next generation of changemakers—or if you are a charity overwhelmed by volunteer admin—this episode is for you. We explore the unique ways modern volunteers want to give back, the barriers they face when trying to get involved, and how Paul’s groundbreaking app, Impactful, is using AI to bridge the gap between eager volunteers and the causes they genuinely care about.In This Episode, We Cover:The Shift in Volunteering: How the motivations for community action are evolving, and what traditional recruitment platforms are getting wrong.The Birth of 'Impactful': How Paul King pivoted from a tech background to create an app that engages 13-to-30-year-olds by understanding their passions, rather than just listing generic roles.AI & Personalisation: How the app leverages AI to generate personalised volunteering ideas based on a user's unique interests and lifestyle.Meeting Youth Where They Are: From utilising platforms like Discord to connecting volunteers with causes before they even approach an organisation.The Challenge for Small Charities: Acknowledging the heavy administrative and funding burdens on small charities, and how modern tech tools can alleviate these pain points to foster a more vibrant community.3 Key Takeaways from the Conversation:Understand the Motivation: Effectively engaging young people requires moving away from predefined roles and tapping into the specific social causes they are passionate about.Tech as a Bridge: Technology shouldn't be a barrier; it should be the bridge that connects passionate individuals with meaningful, accessible opportunities.Adapt to Survive: To attract and retain modern volunteers, charities must adopt innovative, user-friendly tools that streamline engagement and respect people's time.Join the Conversation!We would love to hear your thoughts on this week's episode.What cause would you support if given the chance?What is one thing that makes it easier for you to get involved in your community?How do you think tech can continue to enhance the volunteer experience?Drop your answers in the comments or tag us on social media!Resources & LinksGuest: Paul King, Enjoy Development https://www.enjoydevelopment.com/The App: https://www.impactfulhub.com/Host: Chris Wade and Matt Cobble, Time for Impact (www.timeforimpact.co.uk)Tags:#Volunteering #TechForGood #Impactful #YouthEngagement #SocialChange #AI #CommunityService #TimeForImpact #NonprofitInnovation #CharityTech #Charity

Episode Summary:When every second counts, who answers the call? In this episode of the Time For Impact podcast, hosts Chris Wade and Matt Cobble are joined by Joe Crook, the National Volunteer Lead at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE). Together, they explore the vital, life-saving role of the 9,000 volunteers embedded within UK ambulance services. Moving past the misconception of volunteers as "well-meaning amateurs," Joe unpacks the rigorous training these individuals undergo and how they work hand-in-hand with professional clinicians to save lives—especially in hard-to-reach rural communities.Whether you are a healthcare professional, a community leader, or someone looking for a pathway into emergency services, this conversation redefines what it means to step up in high-stakes environments.The Reality of Ambulance Volunteering: Why the 9,000 volunteers active in the UK are far more than just amateurs, and how they operate under the direct guidance of clinical control rooms.The Crucial Role of Community First Responders: How volunteers provide immediate, life-saving interventions (like during cardiac arrests) in rural areas before paramedics can arrive.Bridging the Professional Divide: Joe discusses overcoming the stigma sometimes associated with volunteers and highlights the unique, invaluable skills they bring to emergency response.Joe’s Personal Journey: From international volunteering in Bangladesh to his current national role, Joe shares how understanding the "privilege" of volunteering drives his passion for inclusivity.Pathways to Healthcare Careers: How volunteering acts as a stepping stone for social mobility, fostering the next generation of paramedics and emergency healthcare professionals.Joe Crook is the National Volunteer Lead at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE). With a background rooted in international volunteering, Joe is dedicated to broadening participation and ensuring that diverse voices and backgrounds are represented in vital emergency service roles across the UK. Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE): https://aace.org.uk/ AACE's Volunteering Strategy : https://aace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Volunteering-Strategy-Phase-3-v1.0-April-2026-.pdf Follow Time for Impact www.TimeForImpact.co.ukJoin the conversation online: #Volunteerism #EmergencyServices #AmbulanceVolunteers #CommunityFirstResponders #Healthcare #SocialImpact #TimeForImpact #JoeCrook #AssociationOfAmbulanceChiefExecutives

In today’s fast-paced political landscape, ensuring young people have a voice is more crucial than ever. But how do we actually bridge the gap between disenfranchised youth and the political system?In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, host Chris Wade sits down with Dan Lawes from My Life, My Say—a national charity focused on mobilising underrepresented young communities. Crucially, this isn't about adults speaking for the youth; it is a movement built entirely on the passion of young people volunteering their time to lead the charge.Dan shares his personal journey of grassroots, youth-led organising following the political shocks of 2016, and reveals how empowering young volunteer leaders is the secret to bringing an entire generation back to the democratic table.In this episode, we discuss:The 2016 Catalyst: How major political shifts like Brexit sparked a grassroots movement, driven entirely by young volunteers stepping up to engage 14,000 of their peers across the North West of England.The Power of Democracy Cafés: A look inside the innovative, peer-to-peer model where young people volunteer as trained facilitators to run community gatherings, identify local issues, and engage directly with policymakers.The Campaign for 'Vote 16': Why lowering the voting age could enfranchise 2.5 million young people, and how early inclusion creates lifelong habits of democratic participation and civic volunteering.Making Politics Relevant: Why traditional political outreach fails, and how youth-led, volunteer-driven initiatives successfully connect policymakers with young voters by focusing on real-world issues like housing, education, and the cost of living.Key TakeawayThe future of a healthy democracy relies on the active participation of young people. By stepping away from top-down outreach and empowering young volunteers to facilitate peer-to-peer discussions in their own communities, we can build a much more inclusive, representative, and resilient political system.About the Guest & OrganisationDan Lawes is a passionate advocate for youth democratic engagement with My Life, My Say (MLMS). MLMS is a youth-led, non-partisan charity heavily driven by the dedication of young volunteers, on a mission to empower their peers to participate in democracy and get their voices heard by decision-makers.This episode is proudly supported by the organisations championing the power of volunteering across the sector:Volunteers' Week: The annual celebration of the incredible contributions volunteers make across the UK.Investing in Volunteers: The UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.Volunteero: Volunteer management software helping charities streamline their processes and maximise their impact.*** Host: Chris WadeProduction: Time for Impact Ltd🤝 A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

🎙️ The Heart of Volunteerism: Insights on Community Engagement with Angela WilliamsonEpisode SummaryWhat makes someone dedicate their life to giving back, and how do we design volunteer experiences that truly matter?In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, host Chris Wade sits down with seasoned volunteering consultant Angela Williamson CVA to explore the profound, community-shaping impact of volunteerism. From trading trash collection for concert tickets in Nebraska to leading volunteer programs across diverse sectors, Angela shares her personal journey and professional masterclass on what it takes to build a thriving volunteer culture today.Whether you are a volunteer manager, a non-profit leader, or just someone looking to connect better with your neighbours, this conversation reveals the true essence of making people feel part of something larger than themselves.In this episode, we discuss:The Journey into Volunteerism: Angela’s early introduction to giving back in childhood, and how family culture sets the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service.The Evolution of the Sector: Insights from Angela’s career spanning public horticulture to blood bank management, and how the motivations behind volunteering have shifted over time.US vs. UK Volunteering Culture: A fascinating look at the cultural differences in community service, the role of local institutions, and how the modern "movement of people" impacts community bonds.Creating Meaningful Experiences: Why effective volunteer management has to go far beyond simply assigning tasks to truly fostering connections with your organisation's mission.Hyper-Local Community Building: How a simple "Groundhog Day dessert night" proved to be a powerful, grassroots way to bring neighbours together.Key TakeawayAt its core, the art of engaging volunteers isn't just about getting jobs done; it’s about building community and fostering relationships. Whether through a formal programme or a simple act of neighbourhood kindness, everyone has the power to contribute to their community's well-being.About the GuestAngela Williamson is a dedicated volunteering consultant who helps organisations establish solid, sustainable foundations for their volunteer programmes, ensuring that engagement strategies are effective, rewarding, and deeply connected to their mission.Tags / KeywordsVolunteerism, Community Engagement, Nonprofit Leadership, Angela Williamson, Time for Impact Podcast, Building Connections, Volunteering Culture, Social Impact.*** Host: Chris WadeProduction: Time for Impact Ltd

Are traditional volunteering models actually helping communities, or just making volunteers feel good? In the latest episode of the Time for Impact podcast, hosts Chris Wade and Matt Cobble sit down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and CEO of Globe Aware.This episode dives into a fresh perspective on short-term service projects, exploring how the industry is evolving beyond outdated models to foster genuine connections, cultural sensitivity, and truly impactful change driven by the communities themselves.In This Episode, We Explore:The Globe Aware Mission: Discover how Globe Aware facilitates ethical, short-term service experiences across 26 countries—from building homes in Kenya to installing hygiene stations in Ghana—always in direct partnership with local locals.A 25-Year Journey: Kimberly shares her personal transition into the world of volunteering, driven by a background in international business and art history, and an insatiable desire for authentic cultural exchange.Hard Lessons in the Field: Good intentions don't always equal good outcomes. Kimberly shares a powerful story about deploying water filters in the Andes, highlighting why solutions must be tailored to specific environmental and community contexts.Changing Dynamics & The "White Saviour" Complex: A candid discussion on the evolution of volunteer tourism over the past two decades, the growing awareness of ethical pitfalls, and how organisations are prioritising sustainability and local input.The Future of Corporate Giving: A look ahead at the rising trend of corporate-supported volunteer initiatives and navigating the complexities of service in politically sensitive regions like Cuba.Bridging Cultures and Building Lifelong Habits Beyond the immediate impact on the host communities, Kimberly highlights the profound, lasting effects that overseas service has on the volunteers themselves. Immersing oneself in a new culture while working side-by-side with locals breaks down preconceived barriers and fosters deep empathy and cultural awareness. Furthermore, Kimberly shares a beautiful "ripple effect" of global service: participants who experience the fulfillment of volunteering abroad frequently return home with a newly ignited passion for community service, actively seeking out ways to volunteer and give back in their own local neighborhoods.Key Takeaways:True impact requires stepping back and letting local communities dictate their own needs.Authentic volunteering leads to profound cross-cultural understanding and personal growth.The volunteer landscape is rapidly shifting toward ethical, sustainable practices that actively combat the "white saviour" narrative.Corporate support is opening new, personalised avenues for employees to engage in meaningful service.Global volunteering acts as a powerful catalyst, sparking a lifelong habit of community service that participants bring back to their hometowns.Working alongside local communities abroad deepens cultural awareness and fosters genuine, lasting empathy.Connect with Us:Learn more about Globe Aware: https://www.globeaware.org/Follow Time for Impact on LinkedInHost Chris Wade: LinkedInHost Matt Cobble: LinkedInTime for Impact website

Guest: Matt Hyde OBE , CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and WalesEpisode Summary:What does it take to turn a moment of national crisis into a lifelong habit of community action? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Hyde, a powerhouse in the charity sector. Following an incredible tenure as CEO of the NUS and the Scouts in the UK, Matt is now the CEO of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, and Vice Chair of Comic Relief (which just raised a staggering £30 million for 2026!).Matt joins us to discuss the return of The Big Help Out (running June 5th–8th alongside The Eden Project’s Big Lunch) and how the initiative is going global. We also get an exclusive look at the Lloyds Bank Foundation's groundbreaking new strategy, 'In a Good Place', and explore how shifting power and money directly into communities can build crucial resilience, tackle homelessness, and drive systemic change.Please note: This episode was recorded in late 2025, so any references to "next year" apply to our current year, 2026!Brought to you by our sponsors:Investing in Volunteers: The UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers.Volunteero: Volunteer management software helping charities save time and engage their communities.Key Topics Discussed:The Origins & Future of The Big Help Out: How the pandemic inspired 12 million people to volunteer (including 4.6 million first-timers) and how Matt, alongside Catherine Johnstone of the RVS, seized the momentum to create The Big Help Out.Reaching the "1 in 5": How this year's Big Help Out is utilising influencers and simple messaging to target the 20% of the UK population who have never considered volunteering, with a special focus on young people navigating life transitions.The 'In a Good Place' Strategy: A deep dive into the Lloyds Bank Foundation's new place-based, community-led approach.The Power of Corporate Volunteering: How Lloyds Banking Group (including Scottish Widows and Halifax) mobilises its 65,000 employees with 3 paid volunteering days, and how charities can capitalise on this scarce, skills-based talent pool.Funding What Matters: Why the Lloyds Bank Foundation champions multi-year, unrestricted grants and isn't afraid to fund vital infrastructure—like CRMs—that other funders often overlook.The Risk vs. Power Dilemma: A candid conversation on the challenges large organisations face when trying to devolve power to local communities while still managing risk centrally.Links & Resources Mentioned:Get involved with The Big Help Out (June 5-8, 2026)Learn more about the Lloyds Bank FoundationComic Relief 2026Support the Show:If you found this conversation valuable, please share it with a friend, colleague, or your wider network! Time for Impact is proud to be a free resource for the sector. If you’d like to say thank you and support the work we do, you can drop a donation via our Buy Me a Coffee link: buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi.

Episode OverviewThe Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a household name in the UK, famous for its courageous work saving lives at sea. But behind the iconic orange lifeboats is a massive, highly innovative volunteering infrastructure that extends far beyond the coastline.In this episode, we sit down with Ollie Arthur from the RNLI to explore how an organisation with 23,000 volunteers manages high-stakes, life-and-death responsibilities. We dive into the RNLI’s “One Crew” culture, the power of radical trust, and some of the most unique volunteer roles in the sector. From starting volunteers at age 13 to equipping them with £2.5 million lifeboats, Ollie shares incredible insights into how the RNLI successfully embeds volunteering into its everyday workforce planning.The "One Crew" Culture: How the RNLI ensures that every staff member—whether they drive a forklift or work in finance—understands and values volunteering from day one of their induction.Radical Trust in Volunteers: What happens when you trust volunteers with a £2.5 million lifeboat? We discuss how the RNLI empowers its crew to perform under immense pressure in life-or-death situations.Pioneering the Volunteer Mediator Role: A fascinating look into the highly skilled volunteer mediators who resolve conflicts in stressful environments. We also discuss the potential for a cross-sector coalition to bring this vital role to other charities.Saving Lives Before the Water: The crucial impact of water safety education volunteers who provide sage advice and preventative care across our seas, rivers, and lakes.Engaging the Next Generation: Why the RNLI allows volunteering to start at age 13—younger than much of the sector—and how the Duke of Edinburgh awards programme plays a key role in building lifelong habits.The Power of Ad-Hoc Volunteering: How transient, flexible volunteering opportunities can not only build long-term engagement but also provide a significant boost to donations.Ollie Arthur brings a wealth of experience to his role at the RNLI. During our chat, Ollie shares his inspiring personal journey into the third sector, starting with his formative experiences in the Prince's Trust (now the King's Trust) and the Scouts, leading up to his current impact at the RNLI.23,000 total volunteers powering the RNLI.14,000 community fundraisers driving essential revenue.7,828 dedicated crew and shore personnel (with some of the most important crew members being entirely land-based!).A massive thank you to our sponsors Investing in Volunteers and Volunteero for making this episode possible:Key TakeawaysAbout Our GuestRNLI Volunteering by the NumbersSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsors

In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, Matt Cobble and Chris Wade sit down for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Kate Lee OBE, the new CEO of NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations).Kate shares her vision for the future of the UK’s voluntary sector, moving away from the image of a "sage thought leader" and toward becoming a powerful convenor, partner, and cheerleader.Changing the Narrative: Why Kate wants to shift both the internal and external perception of charities to be more celebratory, focusing on the incredible, life-changing work the sector delivers every day.NCVO as a Convenor: How NCVO is returning to its roots—bringing great charitable thinkers together to spark the next generation of social innovation, much like it did for the many charities it helped found.Harnessing Sector Expertise: Moving from a top-down approach to one that taps into the vast wealth of knowledge held by practitioners across the country.The Data Debate: We dive into the critical importance of quality data for the sector but debate the best "home" for its collection and analysis.The Future of Mutual Aid: Exploring how the surge in local, organic community support can be sustained and integrated into the wider voluntary landscape.Partnership over Preaching: The shift from being a "body that tells" to a "body that listens and connects."NCVO Website: https://www.ncvo.org.ukTime for Impact Volunteering Strategies: Learn more about our work