Chair - Jon Fricker Expand Jon has a degree in International Marketing and German and has over 35 years’ experience in marketing. Jon has also been a mentor at the University of Greenwich for marketing students and a for the University's annual Enterprise Challenge.
Treasurer - Deborah Wallis Expand Deborah worked in the banking industry for 40+ years, mostly in accounts and treasury management but also as a consultant on change projects. Deborah was a London Ambassador during the 2012 Olympics and has also been treasurer of other charities within Greenwich.
Trustee - Dr Sarah Joseph Expand Dr Sarah Joseph PhD Clinical Immunologist Imperial College, Associate Professor at UCL Sarah is a clinical scientist with a background in tropical medicine. She has lived in Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya and has always been committed to the development of affordable accessible public health solutions. Sarah is particularly passionate about HIV prevention and has been involved in many clinical trials in the UK and abroad. She is also very committed to enabling and empowering the next generation of African scientists.
Trustee - Kate Askew Expand Kate’s previous work experience includes nursing within the NHS and development work for a pensioners organisation within the voluntary sector. She was employed for over 20 years in Adult and Community Learning within the Borough, with the dual roles of community development and teaching. She has wide experience in the areas of Health and Safety and working with diverse community groups and is now retired.
Q: Can I leave if the role isn’t for me? Expand A: Yes, of course. Volunteering should be fun! There’s no obligation to stay in a role that’s making you unhappy. The best advice is to speak with your supervisor and let them know how you feel.
Q: Can I volunteer if I have a disability? Expand A: Yes, many organisations can provide a variety of access and support needs. You can discuss any support needs you have with the organisation you are interested in volunteering with.
Q: Can I volunteer if I have a criminal conviction? Expand A: Many people with a criminal conviction do volunteer, however, it may limit the roles you can do depending on the nature of the conviction.
Q: Do I need a DBS check? Expand A: Whether you need a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check or not will depend on the volunteer role you will be undertaking; usually this will be when you are volunteering for an opportunity that requires working with vulnerable people such as children, the elderly, or people with mental health difficulties. This is a government-run service that checks whether you have a Criminal Record or are on the DBS Barred List. The DBS check is free for volunteers that need it. Further information can be found on the Disclosure & Barring website or look at our guide.
Q: Are there any age restrictions to volunteering? Expand A: There is no legal age limit, although organisations involving volunteers sometimes have a minimum and maximum age limit, as their insurance policy may not cover certain age groups (such as under 16s and over 80s). Volunteering, however, should be based on the ability of a person to do the role, not their age.
Q: Can I volunteer if I am from overseas? Expand A: Generally, there should be no problem with an organisation accepting someone from outside the UK as a volunteer, but the individual must ensure that immigration rules allow them to do so. Volunteer Centre Camden has some useful further information for European citizens, refugees and asylum seekers and citizens of other countries.
Q: Can I volunteer if my faith means I need to pray during my volunteering? Expand A: Yes you can. When you talk to an organisation about a potential volunteering role you can ask them what arrangements they are able to make to give you time and a space for worship.
Q: Will I get paid? Expand A: A volunteer is defined as ‘someone who willingly gives their time to a good cause’. You will not get paid for your time but usually you will be reimbursed certain expenses from the organisation you volunteer with, so that volunteering does not leave you out of pocket.
Q: How much time is involved? Expand A: The great thing about volunteering is that it’s so varied and flexible you can usually find something to fit in with your lifestyle. It needn’t be the same day or time every week, it could be for a one-off event, a short project or a regular activity. Or you may have some spare moments when you could help from home. Before you start volunteering have a think about when, how often and how long you want to volunteer for. Then search for opportunities which match up to what you want to do.
Q. What do volunteers do? Expand A: How big is your imagination? There are so many different opportunities on offer, it’s up to you to decide whether you prefer doing something you’re already familiar with, or take the plunge and try something new. Most organisations will value your time and energy above anything else, and will probably offer training to help you in your new role. Sometimes organisations do require specific skills, but if you’re not sure get in touch with them for more information. Here are some examples of recent local volunteering opportunities: Office admin Working in a charity shop Develop a marketing or business plan Become a Trustee – get involved in the running of a charity Help plan and organise fundraising events IT – show other volunteers and staff how to use computers Manage woodland and outdoor spaces Sports coaching Visit an older person Drive someone to a hospital appointment
Trustee - William Willson Expand William Willson William is a lawyer called to the Bar in England and Wales in 2006. William divides his practice between domestic/cross-border insolvency and restructuring and general commercial/commercial chancery work (including banking, financial services, professional negligence, company law and directors’ qualifications). William formerly worked as a journalist/documentary producer, specialising in the former Soviet Union, terrorism and the intelligence services. His credits include the triple-BAFTA winning ‘The Government Inspector’.
Vice Chair - Melanie Taylor Expand Mel is Head of Learning and Deputy CEO for the Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency and manages their training contacts and support the CEO in the running of the organisation. Mel has delivered training in health and nutrition for many years and now delivers the Train the Trainer Level 3 course. She also manages the Woolwich Front Room.
Michelle Martin - Chief Executive Expand Michelle Martin Chief Executive Michelle has worked within the voluntary sector since April 2000 and has been the Chief Executive of VCG since January 2008. Michelle holds a Masters degree in Management in Civil Society, has a commercial background and is also a qualified youth worker and trainer. [email protected]
Nadine Fulker - Development & Training Lead Expand Nadine Fulker Development and Training Lead Nadine has worked in the sector for 15 years. She has worked on a variety of projects from Health & Primary Care to Events and Policy Development . She specialises in Volunteer Management and Recruitment and is a qualified trainer and assessor. Nadine oversees the training provision for VCG and is the lead on developing services. contact nadine:[email protected]
Elizabeth Cutajar - Operations and Projects Manager Expand Liz Cutajar Mentoring and Befriending Manager Liz has a degree in psychology and social policy and has worked in the voluntary sector for the past 16 years. Previously she has worked in criminal justice, run research projects and for five years managed a small charity supporting children and families. Liz has also worked as part of Bexley CVS. In 2007 she joined Volunteer Centre Greenwich and now manages the Supported Volunteering Projects. Liz is Chair of Plumstead Common Pre-school and sits on the management committee of Neutral Ground. She holds a Level 3 Award in Education and Training Contact Liz: [email protected]
Abdigani  Mohamoud - Emotional and Well-Being Project Development Worker Expand Abdigani Mohamoud Emotional and Well-Being Project Development Worker Emotional and Well-Being project . Contact Abdi: [email protected]
Aimee Edwards - Membership Services Development Worker Expand Aimee Edwards Membership and Volunteers Services Development Worker Aimee heads up our membership and volunteer services and is responsible for the new the new Community Referral Referral Platform. Aimee has worked in the voluntary sector in various roles for over 15 years and has currently been with VCG since June 2021. [email protected]
Q: What are the benefits of Volunteering Expand A: give something back to an organisation that has impacted on a person's life, either directly or indirectly make a difference to the lives of others help the environment help others less fortunate or without a voice feel valued and part of a team spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle gain confidence and self-esteem. For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of: gaining new skills, knowledge and experience developing existing skills and knowledge enhancing a CV improving one's employment prospects gaining an accreditation using one's professional skills and knowledge to benefit others (usually described as pro bono). For others, volunteering appeals because of its social benefits. These include: meeting new people and making new friends a chance to socialise getting to know the local community.
Trustee - Chris Grigsby Expand Chris worked in the Human Resources field for over thirty years as a senior manager/consultant during which time his work involved dealing with people from multi-cultural backgrounds relating to their employment. Chris’s specialist area of expertise was in employment relations and change management. When Chris took semi-retirement he worked for one of the country’s leading visitor attractions within Visitor Services and as a Tour Guide at various sites.
Sharon Lines - Young People's Project Development Worker Expand Sharon Lines Young People's Project Development Worker I’ve been working in the voluntary sector for over 14 years and have spent the last four years at Volunteer Centre Greenwich. During this time, I’ve been involved in some fantastic projects, including the Supported Volunteer Project and the Befriending Project. Right now, I’m Project Development Worker for the Young Greenwich Project, this project is for young people aged 16–19 that live in the Greenwich Borough. I’ve also gained a variety of qualifications along the way, including Level 2 & 3 in Mental Health and Counselling, as well as qualifications in Teaching, Life Coaching, and Mentoring. These skills, along with my experience, help me connect with and support the young people in meaningful ways.