Benefits of volunteering with the London Society

What can you gain from giving? Viresh Paul, the Chair of LSCA's Area Societies, looks at the rewards of volunteering with your local branch of the London Society of Chartered Accountants.

November 2019

It seems in this day and age that all of us have so much to do and so little time to do it in. This is why it can be difficult to commit to starting something new, and why we need to be sure that this new endeavour that we are investing our oh-so valuable time in will be worth it.

Volunteering in any position can be a rewarding experience. It gives you a chance to enhance and develop new skills, build your network and help other people (which is generally the aim).

With the London Society of Chartered Accountants (LSCA), there are many opportunities to get involved. As well as the central London committee, there are multiple local branches covering the areas of North, North West, South East, South West and West London. In each of these areas, a committee of enthusiastic volunteers run a programme which provides support to local members and we are always looking for fresh new faces to get involved. In particular, we are looking for volunteers to join our networks in South East London as well as West and South West London. If you live in these areas, this opportunity could be perfect for you.

The personal benefit of using your professional powers for good.

1. Professional gains from experts in various fields 
   
   When volunteering with LSCA, much of the work is centered around providing relevant technical updates to members in a particular area. In organising these lectures and discussion groups, you will be coming in to contact with experts in their various fields and will definitely learn something new every day. 
   
   
2. Contact with other local practitioners who may be experiencing similar issues
   
   Have you ever heard the phrase ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’? Volunteering alongside other members local to you will give you the opportunity to discuss current issues with like-minded people. More often than not, other people that are in the same professional set up will have experienced similar problems and can offer a listening ear or maybe even a few words of wisdom. 
   
   
3. Build new skills
   
   As well as providing you with a resource of technical knowledge, your role will undoubtedly help you to build up new and existing skills. If this is how to network effectively, create a buzz around your events or identify new trends in the profession, the experience will undoubtedly help you in the day job.
   
   
4. Career progression
   It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Well, to a point anyway. Volunteering with LSCA will give you access to accountants working in a huge range of sectors and industries, so if you’re looking to change career path or return to work after a break, you will have a well-equipped contact list to call on. 
   
   Your role could also boost you up a rung when climbing the corporate ladder. By raising your professional profile and expanding your horizons you will only be more employable.
   
   
5. Make your voice heard
   
   Volunteering with your own membership body immediately gives you a voice on your own profession. By coming into regular contact with ICAEW employees and thought leaders in the industry, you can make your voice heard and shape the environment that you operate in.

If you are interested in volunteering with ICAEW in London, please get in contact for more information.