Volunteering is something we do well at Randall & Payne, whether it’s giving up our time to help make our fundraising events a success, facilitating at sporting events or making a more regular commitment and taking up a role for a local charity.
Without the help of volunteers many events and organisations couldn’t function, so Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June) is a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank these incredible people for all they contribute.
Yesterday one of our partners, Will Abbott, had the pleasure of attending the Charities Forum hosted by HRH The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace to focus on the work of her patronages and mark her forthcoming 75th birthday. Will was there to represent the Stroud Hospitals League of Friends, one of the 100 charities invited, for which Randall & Payne have been providing an honorary treasurer to for over 50 years.
Will comments “Increased demand, increased costs and reduced funding makes a perfect storm for the third sector. Despite all that it was great to see and share the passion and motivation in the third sector to continue to do what we do.”
With his passion for education, Will is also Chair of Governors for Gloucestershire College and a member of the Gloucester Quays Rotary Club working with other businesspeople to put on three key events a year which raise £30K to help local charities. One of these events is the Gloucester 10K which is taking place on Sunday 29 June at Gloucester Park. Several of our team are helping to check runners in, with marshalling or taking part themselves.
Many of our staff also volunteer in their spare time, and to mark Volunteers Week I decided to find out more about what they do and learn more about the passions and interests of our wonderful team.
Alice Prout, Assistant Client Manager:
“I volunteer with St John Ambulance as an Operational First Aider. I started volunteering as a vaccination volunteer during the covid pandemic as a way to help the country get back to normal after the lockdowns we incurred. Now I am an event first aider and not only do I get to attend exciting events (ranging from small village fetes to championship sporting games), but I get to work with some other incredible volunteers.”
Natalie Bottcher, Accountant:
“Volunteering as a karate instructor at Sonchō Karate Club CIC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey. Each week, I have the privilege of helping students build not just their physical skills, but also their confidence, discipline and sense of community. It’s incredible to see the personal achievements students reach and the improvements in concentration, physical and mental health. Martial arts teaches more than self-defence, it teaches respect, perseverance and teamwork – values that empower individuals and strengthen communities. As a volunteer, I’m proud to give back through something I’m passionate about.”
Rob Case, Tax Partner:
“I have been involved in the Scouts for many years, mainly as an Explorer Scout leader. Whilst I am not involved in weekly meetings presently, I am on the committee for The Farriers and Stomp incident hikes for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. We organise a night hike for these sections on two nights a year (whatever the weather), trying to give our young people Skills for Life and encouraging them to challenge themselves physically and mentally as part of the process. It is a very rewarding role, especially seeing the young people complete the challenge each year.”
Jo Kline, Client Experience Officer:
“For over 20 years now, I have been secretary to the Gloucestershire Crimestoppers Trustee Board. The reason for the charity is to raise awareness of the free anonymous phone number so people can feel confident to report crime without any repercussion. The Gloucestershire Board members, past and present, proactively and positively support various awareness campaigns and make every meeting a joy, a pleasure and, quoting one of my fellow board members, they make volunteering the best.”
Our generous staff also kindly offer their time to support our corporate charity in terms of our many fundraising events throughout the year. Coming up next month is our annual Quiz Night with WSP solicitors in which over 20 teams take part to raise money for our two corporate charities, Teckels Animal Sanctuaries and Maggie’s Centre Cheltenham.
Outside of work I volunteer for 1st Warden Hill Scout Group as the Chair of the Trustee Board. I began helping with sessions when my twin boys started Beavers and they are now 10 and coming to the end of their time as Cubs. As Rob said, Scouting provides young people with Skills for Life which they may not be able to get at home or school. There wouldn’t be a group without volunteers who give their time to support, whether by running sessions or behind the scenes, so I am happy to do my bit to help.
Fiona Hughes is Marketing Manager and oversees our charity fundraising activities, supported by Jo Kline who is the mastermind behind organising the events which take place throughout the year. You can contact either of them on 01242 776000 or marketing@randall-payne.co.uk.
