To mark small charities week 2021, we’re speaking with Philip Mendelsohn, Chair at Interfaith Glasgow about how Inspiring Scotland’s Specialist Volunteer Network has provided support.
“Having engaged with Inspiring Scotland through their management of a grant programme, we noted in the very detailed introduction pack that they offered support through the network that seemed to align with our needs. We have at times found it difficult and/or costly to get the right support.
We had been planning a virtual Away Day for board members and staff and wanted to run governance training (especially for the board members). We were delighted that Elaine Crichton, an Inspiring Scotland staff member, was happy to facilitate this as a volunteer. We were able to customise the training to our needs so as to guide our board members’ thinking.
Early days yet, but it seems to have heightened (as we hoped) board members’ recognition of their responsibilities. This has also fed in to us developing and improving our policies, which IS has also assisted with by providing examples for us to build upon.
If I could give one piece of advice to organisations considering getting support from the Specialist Volunteer Network, I would say don’t be afraid to ask – they really do have a wealth of knowledge, skills and information which it could take you years to track down. They are highly approachable.”
Philip Mendelsohn is Chair at Interfaith Glasgow, part of Inspiring Scotland’s Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund.
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