In today’s fast-paced political landscape, ensuring young people have a voice is more crucial than ever. But how do we actually bridge the gap between disenfranchised youth and the political system?

In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, host Chris Wade sits down with Dan Lawes from My Life, My Say—a national charity focused on mobilising underrepresented young communities.

Crucially, this isn't about adults speaking for the youth; it is a movement built entirely on the passion of young people volunteering their time to lead the charge.

Dan shares his personal journey of grassroots, youth-led organising following the political shocks of 2016, and reveals how empowering young volunteer leaders is the secret to bringing an entire generation back to the democratic table.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 2016 Catalyst: How major political shifts like Brexit sparked a grassroots movement, driven entirely by young volunteers stepping up to engage 14,000 of their peers across the North West of England.

• The Power of Democracy Cafés: A look inside the innovative, peer-to-peer model where young people volunteer as trained facilitators to run community gatherings, identify local issues, and engage directly with policymakers.

• The Campaign for 'Vote 16': Why lowering the voting age could enfranchise 2.5 million young people, and how early inclusion creates lifelong habits of democratic participation and civic volunteering.

• Making Politics Relevant: Why traditional political outreach fails, and how youth-led, volunteer-driven initiatives successfully connect policymakers with young voters by focusing on real-world issues like housing, education, and the cost of living.

Key TakeawayThe future of a healthy democracy relies on the active participation of young people. By stepping away from top-down outreach and empowering young volunteers to facilitate peer-to-peer discussions in their own communities, we can build a much more inclusive, representative, and resilient political system.

About the Guest & OrganisationDan Lawes is a passionate advocate for youth democratic engagement with My Life, My Say (MLMS). MLMS is a youth-led, non-partisan charity heavily driven by the dedication of young volunteers, on a mission to empower their peers to participate in democracy and get their voices heard by decision-makers.

This episode is proudly supported by the organisations championing the power of volunteering across the sector:

• Volunteers' Week: The annual celebration of the incredible contributions volunteers make across the UK.

• Investing in Volunteers: The UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.

• Volunteero: Volunteer management software helping charities streamline their processes and maximise their impact.

*** Host: Chris WadeProduction: Time for Impact Ltd

🤝 A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

🎙️ The Heart of Volunteerism: Insights on Community Engagement with Angela Williamson

Episode SummaryWhat makes someone dedicate their life to giving back, and how do we design volunteer experiences that truly matter?

In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, host Chris Wade sits down with seasoned volunteering consultant Angela Williamson CVA to explore the profound, community-shaping impact of volunteerism. From trading trash collection for concert tickets in Nebraska to leading volunteer programs across diverse sectors, Angela shares her personal journey and professional masterclass on what it takes to build a thriving volunteer culture today.

Whether you are a volunteer manager, a non-profit leader, or just someone looking to connect better with your neighbours, this conversation reveals the true essence of making people feel part of something larger than themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Journey into Volunteerism: Angela’s early introduction to giving back in childhood, and how family culture sets the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service.

• The Evolution of the Sector: Insights from Angela’s career spanning public horticulture to blood bank management, and how the motivations behind volunteering have shifted over time.

• US vs. UK Volunteering Culture: A fascinating look at the cultural differences in community service, the role of local institutions, and how the modern "movement of people" impacts community bonds.

• Creating Meaningful Experiences: Why effective volunteer management has to go far beyond simply assigning tasks to truly fostering connections with your organisation's mission.

• Hyper-Local Community Building: How a simple "Groundhog Day dessert night" proved to be a powerful, grassroots way to bring neighbours together.

Key TakeawayAt its core, the art of engaging volunteers isn't just about getting jobs done; it’s about building community and fostering relationships. Whether through a formal programme or a simple act of neighbourhood kindness, everyone has the power to contribute to their community's well-being.

About the GuestAngela Williamson is a dedicated volunteering consultant who helps organisations establish solid, sustainable foundations for their volunteer programmes, ensuring that engagement strategies are effective, rewarding, and deeply connected to their mission.

Tags / KeywordsVolunteerism, Community Engagement, Nonprofit Leadership, Angela Williamson, Time for Impact Podcast, Building Connections, Volunteering Culture, Social Impact.

*** Host: Chris WadeProduction: Time for Impact Ltd

Are traditional volunteering models actually helping communities, or just making volunteers feel good?

In the latest episode of the Time for Impact podcast, hosts Chris Wade and Matt Cobble sit down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and CEO of Globe Aware.

This episode dives into a fresh perspective on short-term service projects, exploring how the industry is evolving beyond outdated models to foster genuine connections, cultural sensitivity, and truly impactful change driven by the communities themselves.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Globe Aware Mission: Discover how Globe Aware facilitates ethical, short-term service experiences across 26 countries—from building homes in Kenya to installing hygiene stations in Ghana—always in direct partnership with local locals.

  
  

• A 25-Year Journey: Kimberly shares her personal transition into the world of volunteering, driven by a background in international business and art history, and an insatiable desire for authentic cultural exchange.

  
  

• Hard Lessons in the Field: Good intentions don't always equal good outcomes. Kimberly shares a powerful story about deploying water filters in the Andes, highlighting why solutions must be tailored to specific environmental and community contexts.

  
  

• Changing Dynamics & The "White Saviour" Complex: A candid discussion on the evolution of volunteer tourism over the past two decades, the growing awareness of ethical pitfalls, and how organisations are prioritising sustainability and local input.

  
  

• The Future of Corporate Giving: A look ahead at the rising trend of corporate-supported volunteer initiatives and navigating the complexities of service in politically sensitive regions like Cuba.

  • Bridging Cultures and Building Lifelong Habits Beyond the immediate impact on the host communities, Kimberly highlights the profound, lasting effects that overseas service has on the volunteers themselves. Immersing oneself in a new culture while working side-by-side with locals breaks down preconceived barriers and fosters deep empathy and cultural awareness. Furthermore, Kimberly shares a beautiful "ripple effect" of global service: participants who experience the fulfillment of volunteering abroad frequently return home with a newly ignited passion for community service, actively seeking out ways to volunteer and give back in their own local neighborhoods.

• Key Takeaways:

  • True impact requires stepping back and letting local communities dictate their own needs.

  • Authentic volunteering leads to profound cross-cultural understanding and personal growth.

  • The volunteer landscape is rapidly shifting toward ethical, sustainable practices that actively combat the "white saviour" narrative.

  • Corporate support is opening new, personalised avenues for employees to engage in meaningful service.

    
    

  • Global volunteering acts as a powerful catalyst, sparking a lifelong habit of community service that participants bring back to their hometowns.

    
    

  • Working alongside local communities abroad deepens cultural awareness and fosters genuine, lasting empathy.

  Connect with Us:

  • Learn more about Globe Aware: https://www.globeaware.org/

  • Follow Time for Impact on LinkedIn

  • Host Chris Wade: LinkedIn

    Host Matt Cobble: LinkedIn

    Time for Impact website

  
  

Guest: Matt Hyde OBE , CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales

Episode Summary:What does it take to turn a moment of national crisis into a lifelong habit of community action? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Hyde, a powerhouse in the charity sector. Following an incredible tenure as CEO of the NUS and the Scouts in the UK, Matt is now the CEO of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, and Vice Chair of Comic Relief (which just raised a staggering £30 million for 2026!).

Matt joins us to discuss the return of The Big Help Out (running June 5th–8th alongside The Eden Project’s Big Lunch) and how the initiative is going global. We also get an exclusive look at the Lloyds Bank Foundation's groundbreaking new strategy, 'In a Good Place', and explore how shifting power and money directly into communities can build crucial resilience, tackle homelessness, and drive systemic change.

Please note: This episode was recorded in late 2025, so any references to "next year" apply to our current year, 2026!

Brought to you by our sponsors:

• Investing in Volunteers: The UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers.

• Volunteero: Volunteer management software helping charities save time and engage their communities.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Origins & Future of The Big Help Out: How the pandemic inspired 12 million people to volunteer (including 4.6 million first-timers) and how Matt, alongside Catherine Johnstone of the RVS, seized the momentum to create The Big Help Out.

• Reaching the "1 in 5": How this year's Big Help Out is utilising influencers and simple messaging to target the 20% of the UK population who have never considered volunteering, with a special focus on young people navigating life transitions.

• The 'In a Good Place' Strategy: A deep dive into the Lloyds Bank Foundation's new place-based, community-led approach.

• The Power of Corporate Volunteering: How Lloyds Banking Group (including Scottish Widows and Halifax) mobilises its 65,000 employees with 3 paid volunteering days, and how charities can capitalise on this scarce, skills-based talent pool.

• Funding What Matters: Why the Lloyds Bank Foundation champions multi-year, unrestricted grants and isn't afraid to fund vital infrastructure—like CRMs—that other funders often overlook.

• The Risk vs. Power Dilemma: A candid conversation on the challenges large organisations face when trying to devolve power to local communities while still managing risk centrally.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Get involved with The Big Help Out (June 5-8, 2026)

• Learn more about the Lloyds Bank Foundation

• Comic Relief 2026

  
  

  Support the Show:If you found this conversation valuable, please share it with a friend, colleague, or your wider network! Time for Impact is proud to be a free resource for the sector. If you’d like to say thank you and support the work we do, you can drop a donation via our Buy Me a Coffee link: buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi.

  
  

Episode Overview

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a household name in the UK, famous for its courageous work saving lives at sea. But behind the iconic orange lifeboats is a massive, highly innovative volunteering infrastructure that extends far beyond the coastline.

In this episode, we sit down with Ollie Arthur from the RNLI to explore how an organisation with 23,000 volunteers manages high-stakes, life-and-death responsibilities. We dive into the RNLI’s “One Crew” culture, the power of radical trust, and some of the most unique volunteer roles in the sector. From starting volunteers at age 13 to equipping them with £2.5 million lifeboats, Ollie shares incredible insights into how the RNLI successfully embeds volunteering into its everyday workforce planning.

• The "One Crew" Culture: How the RNLI ensures that every staff member—whether they drive a forklift or work in finance—understands and values volunteering from day one of their induction.

• Radical Trust in Volunteers: What happens when you trust volunteers with a £2.5 million lifeboat? We discuss how the RNLI empowers its crew to perform under immense pressure in life-or-death situations.

• Pioneering the Volunteer Mediator Role: A fascinating look into the highly skilled volunteer mediators who resolve conflicts in stressful environments. We also discuss the potential for a cross-sector coalition to bring this vital role to other charities.

• Saving Lives Before the Water: The crucial impact of water safety education volunteers who provide sage advice and preventative care across our seas, rivers, and lakes.

• Engaging the Next Generation: Why the RNLI allows volunteering to start at age 13—younger than much of the sector—and how the Duke of Edinburgh awards programme plays a key role in building lifelong habits.

• The Power of Ad-Hoc Volunteering: How transient, flexible volunteering opportunities can not only build long-term engagement but also provide a significant boost to donations.

Ollie Arthur brings a wealth of experience to his role at the RNLI. During our chat, Ollie shares his inspiring personal journey into the third sector, starting with his formative experiences in the Prince's Trust (now the King's Trust) and the Scouts, leading up to his current impact at the RNLI.

• 23,000 total volunteers powering the RNLI.

• 14,000 community fundraisers driving essential revenue.

• 7,828 dedicated crew and shore personnel (with some of the most important crew members being entirely land-based!).

A massive thank you to our sponsors Investing in Volunteers and Volunteero for making this episode possible:

Key TakeawaysAbout Our GuestRNLI Volunteering by the NumbersSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsors

In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, Matt Cobble and Chris Wade sit down for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Kate Lee OBE, the new CEO of NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations).

Kate shares her vision for the future of the UK’s voluntary sector, moving away from the image of a "sage thought leader" and toward becoming a powerful convenor, partner, and cheerleader.

• Changing the Narrative: Why Kate wants to shift both the internal and external perception of charities to be more celebratory, focusing on the incredible, life-changing work the sector delivers every day.

• NCVO as a Convenor: How NCVO is returning to its roots—bringing great charitable thinkers together to spark the next generation of social innovation, much like it did for the many charities it helped found.

• Harnessing Sector Expertise: Moving from a top-down approach to one that taps into the vast wealth of knowledge held by practitioners across the country.

• The Data Debate: We dive into the critical importance of quality data for the sector but debate the best "home" for its collection and analysis.

• The Future of Mutual Aid: Exploring how the surge in local, organic community support can be sustained and integrated into the wider voluntary landscape.

• Partnership over Preaching: The shift from being a "body that tells" to a "body that listens and connects."

• NCVO Website: https://www.ncvo.org.uk

• Time for Impact Volunteering Strategies: Learn more about our work

In this episode of the Time for Impact Podcast, we are joined by Irenie Ekkeshis, co-founder of the New Citizen Project. Irenie shares her profound personal citizenship journey—from facing significant adversity to co-founding a forward-thinking agency that is reshaping how we think about our roles in society.

We dive deep into the "Citizen Story", exploring why moving away from the "Consumer" and "Subject" narratives is essential for the future of volunteering and community power. Whether you are a charity leader, a volunteer manager, or an active citizen, this conversation offers a roadmap for involving people as true partners in your work.

• The Three Stories: Comparing the Subject, Consumer, and Citizen narratives and how they dictate how we show up in the world.

• From Adversity to Agency: Irenie’s personal story and the birth of the New Citizens Project.

• The Citizen Shift: How organisations can move from "doing for" people to "working with" them as partners.

• The Roots of Charity: Why many charitable organisations were born from a Citizen Story, and how to reconnect with those origins.

• Modes of Participation: A look at the different ways citizens can engage—from storytelling and learning to crowdsourcing and connecting others.

• Systems Thinking & Community Organising: Why we need to look at the whole system to truly empower communities and enable participation.

• ⁠Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us⁠ – The book by Jon Alexander (Co-founder of New Citizens Project).

• ⁠The New Citizen Project⁠ – Explore the agency’s work and tools.

This podcast is brought to you by Time for Impact. We help organisations unlock the full potential of volunteering through data-driven insights and expert guidance.

How we can help you:

• Consulting & Training: Tailored support to evolve your volunteer strategy.

• Impact Measurement: Help measuring the impact of your volunteering programmes.

• Cross-Sector Volunteer Experience Survey: Join our comparative survey to see how your volunteer experience stacks up against the wider sector.

Visit us at: ⁠www.timeforimpact.co.uk⁠

In this episode, we discuss:Key Resources:About Time for Impact

This episode of Time for Impact is a masterclass in challenging the "we’ve always done it this way" mentality. Join us as we sit down with Elena Laguna, a veteran leader in the sector (St John Ambulance, British Red Cross), to dismantle the rigid structures of traditional volunteering and replace them with a model built on agency, outcome, and inclusion.

The Hermit Crab Philosophy: We discuss the fascinating way hermit crabs collaborate to ensure everyone has a shell that fits. In the volunteering world, we often try to force people into "pre-made shells" (rigid roles) that don't fit their lives. Elena challenges us to look at the vacancy chain model: how can we, as managers, facilitate an ecosystem where volunteers find the "shell" that fits their unique needs and agency?

Elena argues that the industry’s obsession with micro-volunteering—tiny, bite-sized tasks—often misses the point. The real goal should be Flex Volunteering. It’s not just about the length of time; it’s about giving volunteers the agency to shape their own opportunities. When we offer predefined solutions, we often fail to meet the human on the other side.

How do you balance structure with freedom? Elena uses a brilliant analogy: Curation.

• The Walls: The essential structure (safety, legal, core goals).

• The Paintings: The individual experience, which should be as diverse and unique as the volunteers themselves.You need the walls to have a museum, but the museum shouldn't dictate how you look at the art.

Charities sometimes position themselves as the "heroes" arriving to solve a community's problems. Elena challenges this: the most impactful organisations act as convenors and enablers, helping communities find and lead their own solutions.

We dive into why "presumed best practice"—like rigid role descriptions and standard policies—can actually be an enemy of Inclusion and Diversity. If your process doesn't flex, it excludes.

Elena suggests:

• Shift focus from Activity to Outcomes.

• Compete with Netflix: People’s time is scarce. If we aren't intentionally innovating, we are losing to the leisure sector.

• Elena Laguna on LinkedIn: Follow Elena here to read her latest articles on flex-volunteering and impact.

• Camarados: Learn more about their movement and the "Public Living Room" model at camarados.org.

• The HR/Volunteering Exchange: Insights on what these two sectors can learn from one another regarding people management and culture.

Time for Impact is on a mission to modernise the way the world gives time. Beyond these conversations, we offer:

• Modern Consultancy: Strategy for organisations ready to move from process-led to impact-led.

• Training: Equipping managers to modernise volunteering and demonstrate impact

• Measurement Tools: Cutting-edge impact and satisfaction tools to prove (and improve) your value.