Here at GC, our volunteering policy, Volunteer2day, allows you to take up to two days leave in any one-year rolling period to volunteer.
You can take your two days leave in hours, half days and full days, and if your volunteering is done outside of the working day, you can claim this time back in lieu. If you have already done volunteering in the calendar year which you would like to count towards your two days, you are able to do this and claim the time back in the same way.
Volunteering to help people get access to sport
Sebastian Banach is Employment Engagement Consultant at GC Employment and coaches BMX Racing and Mountain Biking (MTB) – a challenging sport that involves riding bikes on rough terrain like rocky paths, forest trails, and mountain slopes.
Sebastian coaches at Manchester BMX Track, which is in Platt Field Park Manchester, or British Cycling Manchester indoor BMX track. His areas of coaching are from Balance Bike to Expert, however he's had chance to coach Pro as well.
Sebastian told us why volunteering is important to him:
"I hold my British Cycling Coaching qualification L1 which I was doing in BC Manchester. This is activity that I do on a voluntary basis as I believe that everyone should to have access to sport. Occasionally I help my friend as well in 'Access to Sport' with coaching a group of kids with special needs.
"Usually, I do 3-4 sessions a week on a Saturday morning. Who can race BMX?... well, everybody from the age of 3 to 105 years old, as long as you can keep control of the bike. I will say I am an active type of coach as I can’t resist to stay on flat and not to jump on the wheels!"
Volunteering with a local Parents & Teachers Association
In her spare time, Fern Goddard, Head of Sales in GC Employment serves as Chair and Trustee of her children's school Parents & Teachers Association (PTA), which is a registered charity.
Fern told us what this voluntary activity involves:
"As a PTA we are dedicated to nurturing our school family and wider local community. To raise funds and support the environment is something we are also incredibly passionate about. We joined the 'Donate Clothes 4 Sammy' scheme, which aligns with our values, and supports Leukaemia and Myeloma Research UK—a cause close to us due to a committee member's illness."
The small school of 120 children saw Year 5 students campaign and collect donations over the February half-term period. Fern told us that the community's support was overwhelming, resulting in 533 kilos of donations, all set for recycling and avoiding landfill. She said:
"For every kilo donated, our charity received 55p, and Leukaemia and Myeloma UK gets 35p. This effort raised £293.15 for our PTA and £186.55 for Leukaemia and Myeloma UK. Overall, our efforts helped protect the environment while supporting important causes, making a meaningful difference in our community and beyond."
Photo: Children celebrating their fundraising success - including Fern's son.