CIPD Trust at the Festival of Work: Volunteering creates changemakers who transform workplaces
How can volunteering help create more effective, productive and inclusive workplaces? That was the question explored by the CIPD Trust at the Festival of Work on 11 June, as HR leaders from across sectors shared how giving their time and expertise had transformed not only the lives of others, but also the way they lead within their own organisations.
Chaired by Leah De Silva, Senior Programme Manager at the CIPD Trust, the panel brought together Anne Maltby, Talent Programme Lead at GSK; Rob Oxley, People Director at John Sisk & Son; and Cheryl Samuels, People & Culture Director at Evelina London, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Anne Maltby first became involved with the CIPD Trust through its Aspiring HRD programme, shortly after stepping into her first HR Director role. Since then, she has volunteered as a mentor on the Trust’s Finding Potential programme and serves as Co-Chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Coldingley.
For Anne, volunteering offers HR professionals an opportunity to develop skills that are difficult to replicate within their day jobs.
It gives you access to different sectors, different experiences and different perspectives," she said. "You hone your influencing, stakeholder management and workforce planning skills, while also creating social value."
Those experiences have directly influenced Anne’s work at GSK. Drawing on her volunteering insights, she is helping review recruitment processes to better support people facing barriers to employment. She has also launched a pilot programme designed to prepare colleagues from finance backgrounds for future board positions.
Leah described Anne’s approach as “changemaking in action” – taking learning from volunteering and using it to drive positive organisational change.
Rob Oxley’s relationship with the Trust began as a mentee on the Aspiring HRD programme. Today, he continues to give back as a mentor on the Future People Leaders programme.
He credits the experience with helping him think more strategically before stepping into senior leadership.
It grounded me and made me think more broadly," he said. "Originally, I approached mentoring thinking about what technical knowledge I could share. I've realised it's much broader than that. It's about support, guidance and helping people navigate their own journey."
The benefits have extended back into his own organisation. Working in the construction sector, Rob reflected on how mentoring had influenced his leadership style.
“Construction can be fast-paced, deadline-driven and high pressure,” he said. “Mentoring and coaching help you explore different ways to lead. Emotional intelligence is just as important as technical capability.”
He has also become a champion for greater collaboration between organisations: “We’re encouraging people to connect with others, even those seen as competitors. Looking more broadly at the sector and how organisations can work together benefits everyone.”
For Cheryl Samuels, volunteering is driven by a desire to support those who may not have had the same opportunities as others.
“Some people’s paths are more rocky,” she said. “Volunteering gives us an opportunity to give back and stay connected to the reality that we can have an impact on more than just the individual we’re supporting.”
She believes volunteering also helps leaders become more effective within their own workplaces: “It keeps you grounded and relatable,” Cheryl explained.
It helps you recognise difference and better understand the challenges people may be facing within your own organisation."
A common question from the audience was how busy professionals find the time to volunteer.
Anne acknowledged the challenge: “I have three children and two jobs,” she said. “But the pay-off is the reward.”
For Rob, mentoring and coaching are priorities that he refuses to sacrifice: “I see it as a duty to pass on what you’ve learned – your wisdom, experience and knowledge. The opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally, are enormous.”
Cheryl added: “We pay attention to the things that are important to us,” she said. “Sometimes volunteering allows you to use a different part of your brain and find joy outside your day job.”
Audience members were also keen to understand how volunteering can be positioned as valuable within organisations.
The panel highlighted the moral imperative of supporting others, but also the clear business benefits. Volunteering can support retention, provide development opportunities and help challenge stereotypes by exposing people to different experiences and perspectives.
As the session drew to a close, the panel shared their advice for HR professionals considering volunteering.
- “Be curious. Be brave. Explore opportunities,” said Anne.
- “It’s a no-brainer,” added Rob. “It enriches you, broadens your perspectives and gives you a point of difference.”
- Cheryl offered a simple message: “Start small. You don’t have to do lots. Do what you can. If everyone gives a bit of their time and expertise, we can make society a better place.”
Closing the discussion, Leah invited attendees to become part of the growing movement of HR changemakers.
“Let’s be curious and brave,” she said. “Let’s find that joy and join our changemaking community.”
The panel reminded us that volunteering is not separate from leadership development. By building empathy, broadening perspectives and strengthening people skills, volunteering creates leaders who return to their organisations better equipped to drive positive change. In doing so, they help create workplaces that are not only more inclusive, but ultimately more effective, productive and human-focused.
Interested in volunteering with the Trust? We have different opportunities supporting people facing barriers to work. Register your interest.