Volunteers' Week 2020: Time to say thanks
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to show support and give thanks to those who give up something to give back something.
Between 1 and 7 June each year we celebrate the efforts of people who give their time, guidance and knowledge in order to help others.
Although the past few months have presented us all with challenges, volunteers the length of the country are continuing to give whatever support they can to causes and organisations they care about, and Volunteers’ Week highlights their sacrifices.
Get involved
Last year there were over 600 Volunteers’ Week events across the country, from award ceremonies to tea parties and barbecues.
Although the continued government restrictions in place prevent groups of people gathering in person, there are still many ways in which you and your company or organisation can give thanks to volunteers.
You could hold a virtual awards ceremony to praise the efforts of those in your company who take part in volunteering, feature a volunteer on social media to help raise awareness for their cause or simply send someone a text or email to say thank you.
If your organisation is taking part in any initiatives during Volunteer’s Week, visit the official campaign website for more great tips and ideas, including press release templates and other helpful resources.
Celebrating ICAS’ volunteers
Volunteering is an integral part of much of the work taken on at ICAS.
There are more than 300 volunteers who sit on ICAS Boards, Committees and Council, donating their time and expertise to guide the direction ICAS travels in.
Their invaluable input, given on behalf of the wider membership, helps shape the modern ICAS and ensures it is working to provide members with the support and guidance they need.
ICAS has several CA volunteers who work across its policy leadership team, contributing to many projects and supporting the team with representing members at the highest level of government.
ICAS is also lucky to have a number of CAs who donate their time as mentors across its three main mentoring options.
The ICAS Career Mentoring programme
Career Mentoring is a vital activity for all stages of professional life. Working with a more experienced CA mentor can help get careers off the ground or assist in the development of a new project.
The ICAS Foundation mentoring scheme
Through the provision of mentoring and financial assistance, the ICAS Foundation supports academically talented young people from disadvantaged communities who wish to go to university to study accountancy or a finance-related degree.
Part of the Foundation’s assistance takes the form of bursaries, helping students overcome the financial barriers that would otherwise have deterred them from entering university.
However, each recipient of an ICAS Foundation bursary is also automatically enrolled into the ICAS Foundation mentoring scheme. Those mentors come from within the ICAS membership, and there’s always a need for experienced CAs willing to volunteer their time, knowledge and expertise and help further the Foundation’s cause.
Mentoring with the ICAS Foundation offers a unique opportunity for inspirational and enthusiastic CAs to build professional relationships with like-minded youngsters, through a scheme that will be highly rewarding for all involved.
The Business Mentoring programme
The Business Mentoring programme enables ICAS members to help early-stage endeavours grow and thrive, through assessment of business needs and guidance for priorities. This is an opportunity to give something back and help improve the chances of success for a business.
Thank you
ICAS would like to extend its warmest gratitude to all those who have and all those who continue to volunteer. Thank you.
