Why volunteer?

Volunteering delivers vital support to people in need, worthwhile causes and communities. But giving up your time for others is far more than altruistic. According to the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can trigger positive changes in the brain associated with happiness. 

It can also be a great way to broaden your skillset, plug skills gaps in your CV and demonstrate much sought-after competencies to future employers if you have been made redundant or are looking for a training agreement, says James Brent, director at Hays, specialising in accountancy and finance. “You might pick up communication, listening, problem-solving and leadership skills, which are highly transferable and beneficial to your overall career.” 

Liz Sebag-Montefiore, career coach and Director of people consultancy 10Eighty, says taking on a voluntary role can also help you learn about yourself and understand your values, motivation, skills, and interests, as well as giving you a chance to find out how other people view you and your strengths.

In addition to honing new skills, the right volunteering match can help you to find friends, connect with the community and ultimately help you advance your career as a chartered accountant by expanding your network, Brent adds.

Where do I start?

One such opportunity is ICAEW's Rise Initiative, a programme dedicated to improving social mobility by helping young people develop key workplace skills. Since 2021, Rise, in partnership with The Talent Foundry and leading firms, has delivered more than 700 workshops to 42,000 young people across the UK.

Volunteers are at the heart of Rise's success, running engaging, career-themed workshops and sharing real-world experience with students aged 11-16. No specific volunteering experience is required - just a desire and willingness to support future generations. Full training is provided. 

Volunteering with Rise not only empowers the next generation but also offers significant benefits for volunteers, including enhanced leadership, communication skills, increased job satisfaction, and a stronger connection to their local communities.

“The workshops boost young people’s confidence, helping them to understand the interview process, workplace attitudes, and how to interact with professionals,” says Jack Henman, Marketing Manager for Rise. “Supporting kids to take that first step in their careers, and inspiring their curiosity, is extremely rewarding - and it’s fun”

Try our student societies

ICAEW’s student societies – regional groups of trainee chartered accountants run by student committees – present another great opportunity to volunteer. Societies organise professional and social events, revision sessions and networking opportunities designed to ease you through your ACA training experience.

Emma spent three years volunteering with her local student society. “I started out as a firm representative; essentially a sounding board for students to the committee on the events we ran,” she explains.

Emma says the connections and insight into the wider ICAEW committees and groups have been really valuable, together with the sense of giving back and engaging with those starting their accounting careers. “Having been on the journey, I can appreciate how daunting it can be,” she adds. “But it can give you the confidence to strike up a conversation about the broader career opportunities available to them.”

Professionally, Emma also believes giving up two to three hours a month for the student society has undoubtedly benefited her enormously, not least in terms of public speaking, access to senior members of the profession and development of soft skills including leadership and communication. “I would recommend it to anyone,” she adds. “If you have time to give, you’d be welcomed with open arms.”

Choose the right fit

“To find the right opportunity for you, think about what you're passionate about and what makes you tick,” Sebag-Montefiore adds. “To make the most of the experience, try to get as involved in the organisation as you possibly can; tell people what your strengths are and what you like doing, but also tell them what skills you're keen to develop that you can't currently do in your role back at work. It's a win-win experience!”

Andy Stephens FCA, CFO at law firm Browne Jacobson, is more than familiar with the benefits of volunteering. Not only is he the treasurer of Trent District Community First Responders, but he is also one of their first responders providing first-on-the-scene medical assistance pending the arrival of ambulance crews.

“It’s a great test of communication skills because you’re dealing with people who are often distressed, confused, or there may be cultural barriers,” Stephens explains. “I’m used to being the boss in my day job, so being there to support my ambulance service colleagues is grounding! At the same time, it’s exciting and interesting and this is a chance for me to give something back.”

Volunteering for something you feel passionately about is key, Stephens adds. “Don’t just do it for your CV or you won’t stick with it and it won’t be genuine.” And be realistic about the time you can commit, he adds, particularly if you’re studying for your ACA exams and working at the same time. “Lots of people might think of volunteering for a big national charity but keeping it small and local means the difference you can make will be huge.”

Register as a volunteer and get involved in your local student society.