Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

“Since I took on a volunteer role the personal rewards have been enormous. I have learnt a valuable new skill and been welcomed by regional council members.”

Craig Adams, NAO



 

 

 

 

Benefits

Professional and personal development

Volunteering is a two-way process. Not only do volunteers contribute to the work of CIPFA, but they can also get something in return. Volunteering offers an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development. Share your skills, develop new areas of knowledge, build your professional network and create lasting personal relationships. Above all, existing volunteers testify to the great sense of personal satisfaction from the contribution they make to help others in their profession.

There are huge benefits in meeting fellow practitioners away from the workplace. It gives you a chance to swap experiences, learn what other organisations are doing to manage the introduction of new legislation, or hear about new initiatives. Volunteering is an excellent way to develop professional contacts that can serve as a resource throughout your career.

For those participating in CIPFA's CPD scheme, volunteering can make a valuable contribution to your learning and development needs, as well as those schemes operated by other professional bodies.

Staying ahead of the game

As an employer you will see benefits to your organisation from your staff becoming involved in voluntary activities. Students will gain valuable experience that could help them towards their qualification; more established employees will benefit from swapping experiences with fellow practitioners and hearing about new initiatives. Employees who are involved in the development of new professional guidance for their colleagues will have early access to information on key developments and innovations in the public finance field. The profile of your organisation will be raised where your employees are at the forefront of these initiatives.

Promoting involvement with CIPFA activities to your employees delivers the clear message that you recognise the value of their qualification and that you are committed to maintaining and developing the professional competence of your staff. For an Investors in People accredited organisation, or those seeking accreditation, an employee's volunteers involvement and commitment to continuing professional development will help achieve and maintain accredited status.

Some comments from our volunteers...

'I find my volunteer involvement stimulating and beneficial to my employer. It is also good to participate in debate which is to the benefit of fellow practitioners. Being at the cutting edge of policy is very interesting.'
Andrew Stapley, Devon County Council


'Volunteering helps to broaden one's perspective of the public services by meeting others with alternative views on topical issues'
Diane Skinner, District Audit