There for the whole journey
Claire is RMC’s Volunteer and Training Manager. Her work begins long before anyone arrives for their first day. Claire advertises roles across universities and volunteer networks such as BVSC Birmingham, Wolverhampton Volunteers and One Walsall.
Applications come through the volunteer management system, where she assesses each person’s skills, languages and experience before arranging an initial phone call and informal meeting. Once a volunteer successfully joins the organisation, she oversees the full onboarding process, including references, DBS checks and induction.
For Claire, this is only the starting point. “It is not just getting someone in and sending them off,” she explains. “We have to support them, check in with them, help them access training and make sure they have what they need to grow.” She also works closely with dedicated volunteer mentors to ensure they feel confident supporting volunteers’ day to day.
"I love talking to people"
A large part of her role involves bridging the gap between volunteers and managers, making sure volunteers feel cared for throughout their journey and ensuring mentors have the guidance they need. Managing such a diverse group of people requires patience, empathy and strong communication skills, qualities Claire has developed and refined throughout her time at RMC. Claire relies heavily on her people skills, which she sees as central to her work. “I love talking to people,” she says. “I love the relationship building. I love going out there, finding people and bringing them in.”
She explains that volunteering is a significant commitment, especially when many people have limited time to spare. That is why she feels so strongly about recognising those who choose to give their time consistently, even while facing their own challenges. “A lot of our volunteers have their own adversities, but they still come. They still turn up. They still want to support the people we support.” Claire is constantly moved by the kindness and determination volunteers show, particularly in the context of busy lives. “They bring hope,” she says. “Hope in the goodness of human beings.”
Why does it matter?
What motivates her most is seeing volunteers develop confidence they did not know they had. She remembers one volunteer who arrived with limited English and a lot of uncertainty. “They had been through such adversity and were not sure they could do it,” Claire says. “But their mentor supported them, and they grew so much. Their English and computer skills improved and eventually they got a job. They absolutely found their confidence!”. Claire explains it is stories like this that keep her going.
She sees volunteers as essential not only to RMC but to society as a whole. “We could not manage without volunteers, not just here but everywhere. Whether it is unpaid carers, someone doing shopping for an elderly neighbour or someone offering language support to a person experiencing trauma, society needs volunteers.”
The impact
The impact is significant. Last year, volunteers and students contributed more than 15,000 hours to RMC, the equivalent of over £200,000 of support. Claire is quick to point out that the real value goes far beyond numbers. “It is not just the hours,” she says. “It is the interactions. The thousands of moments where someone felt welcomed, understood or less alone. You cannot put a price on that.”
Even with the challenges that come with managing people and adapting to changes in volunteering, Claire’s passion is unmistakable. She lights up when she talks about Volunteers’ Week, when staff and volunteers come together across all offices. “I cannot help myself, I want everyone to feel celebrated. A simple thank you can go such a long way.”
After four and a half years in the role, Claire still finds inspiration in the people she meets every day. “When you see someone blossom, knowing where they started, it is amazing,” she says. “I might open the door, but they are the ones who step through it. They are the ones who prove to themselves that they can do it.”
Found this helpful? There’s plenty more to discover.
Need help? Check out all our support options
Want more stories and articles? Explore our latest topics
Want to learn more? We have lots of resources to build your knowledge
Ready to take action? Make a difference in a way that suits you
