Celebrating our teams...Matt Parker, Bay Volunteers Manager

There are a variety of roles across BHCP and other organisations we work with in the community. Here we shine the spotlight on the people who carry out a range of roles to keep our communities healthy and supported.

Matt Parker has recently been appointed as Bay Volunteers Manager and is based in Lancaster, working at Hope Church in Lancaster. Matt’s role involves managing and developing the whole Bay Volunteers project, effectively working with partners and communities. He works solo but with an overseer and a growing list of close-working partners.

Here Matt tells us more about his role as Bay Volunteers Manager. 

How did you become a Bay Volunteers Manager?

Matt said: "I saw the advertisement from my church, enquired more about what it would entail and involve, and then was successful at interview with my presentation and answering of questions."

What experience did you need?

Matt said: "No experience of this similar job was required but the experience of certain transferable skills involved in this job were required.

"I had previously volunteered and helped to set up the Support Line section of the project in its early days, as well as undertaking some of the tasks."

What does your role involve?

Matt said: "Managing and developing the whole Bay Volunteers project, effectively working with partners and communities – seeking to expand this, making sure that volunteering opportunities are found, making sure that volunteers are recruited and supported, making sure that the needs of the vulnerable and/or those in need and the needs of communities are met."

What have been the best bits and challenges of your role?

Matt said: "The best bits have been helping to get people the support that they need, including helping clients with their needs or supporting a volunteer to help others.

"The challenges have been balancing the different aspects of the project and the vision for it as well as recruiting volunteers."

Top tips for people wanting to become a manager in the voluntary sector:

Matt said: Be organised, be able to effectively manage lots of different ongoing tasks, be an effective communicator and collaborator, be able to effectively manage and care for people, appreciate your partners and volunteers, and be passionate about what you do.

How can I find out more about Bay Volunteers?

To find out more about Bay Volunteers and opportunities available you can contact Matt on bayvolunteersmanager@hopelancaster.co.uk

You can download a PDF version of the case study here.