Volunteer Focus - November 2026

Hello everyone

November is a month of celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and this edition is packed full of all three.

We're marking International Volunteer Managers Day tomorrow by saying thank you to the amazing managers and coordinators who support volunteers every day, while Trustees' Week gives us a chance to recognise the invaluable contribution trustees make to organisations and communities across Renfrewshire.

Inside, you'll find ideas for showing your appreciation, a special thank you to our trustees, inspiring features shared by Quality Radio and Kairos Women+ and helpful Trustees' Week resources.

I hope you enjoy this month's update and find something that inspires you.


 

Reminder that our next Volunteer Managers Network gathering will take place on 2 December, 10am to 12pm, at The Wynd Centre. The event will provide an opportunity to share stories, experiences and achievements from the past year, while also recognising the fabulous work of volunteer managers and coordinators who dedicate their time to delivering volunteer programmes that are inclusive, supportive and meaningful.

There will also be a special thank you to volunteers, plenty of festive snacks and, most importantly, a chance for you to take centre stage and celebrate your successes. We'd love to hear what's gone well, what you've learned, and the difference volunteering has made in your organisation and community. Let's round off the year with inspiring stories, ideas and conversations to carry us into the new year.

To book your place, visit Eventbrite, drop me an email, or do both if you're feeling particularly enthusiastic. Volunteers are welcome too!.

Book your place here

To mark Volunteer Managers Day, we're sharing an inspirational story from Terry McTernan, Volunteer Co-ordinator at The Tannahill Centre, whose journey highlights the difference that great volunteer support can make in helping people thrive, grow in confidence and create positive change in their communities.
 

"My journey into volunteer coordination has been a little unconventional, with volunteering and community action coming long before the job title. Years of volunteering alongside local people in Ferguslie Park through groups such as Darkwood Crew, Ferguslie Seniors, Maw Patrol and FPTV have shaped my approach at The Tannahill Centre.

For me, volunteer coordination is about recognising people's strengths, helping them grow in confidence, and creating meaningful opportunities to contribute. I'm fortunate that my work and volunteering overlap in a community I care deeply about, where I see every day the positive impact volunteers have in tackling challenges, building connections, and creating lasting change."

You are all awesome! Thank you for everything you do to support the incredible volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to strengthen our communities.

Trustees' Week takes place from 9 to 13 November 2026 and is an opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution charity trustees make to organisations and communities across Scotland.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that board members are volunteers too. To help you show your appreciation, Trustees' Week provides resources, guides and a celebration toolkit to support your efforts.

Trustees’ Week 2026
 

Alan McNiven, CEO here at Engage Renfrewshire, has a special thank you message to our directors.

Allan Dick, Alan Gibson, Anne McMillan, Gloria Murray, Gordon McGuiness, Jacki Smart, Johannes Gonani and Mark McMillan.

"Trustees are often the unseen volunteers at the heart of successful organisations. At Engage Renfrewshire, our trustees provide the leadership, guidance and support that help us grow our impact and continue supporting communities across Renfrewshire.

As we celebrate Trustees' Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our Board and to all trustees across the third sector. Your time, expertise and dedication make a real difference, and your leadership helps vital local services thrive every day. Thank you!"

At Kairos Women+ we are proud to be supported by seven skilled Trustees (L to R): Kate, Simran, Ramatu, Jules, Stella, Katie and Kim. Their leadership ensures we’re always heading in the right direction. Whether it’s a listening ear, equalities advice or high-level risk management, they have a diverse skillset that is vital for a charity working with marginalised communities. Our community-led model means that five out of seven of our Trustees first came along to participate in groups, later deciding to give their time and expertise as Board members. Thank you, Trustees, for all you do for our community. 

I’ve had a lifelong connection to local broadcasting, from helping establish hospital radio in Paisley in 1969 to working with stations such as Radio Clyde. In 2017, I helped secure an Ofcom licence for Renfrewshire and became a founding member of Quality Radio, supporting community health and wellbeing through broadcasting and the Quality Wellbeing Hub.

As a Trustee, I’m proud to support a cause that reflects my values, helping to keep the charity sustainable, inclusive and connected to the communities it serves. I’m passionate about bringing diverse perspectives to the board and ensuring our programmes continue to make a meaningful local impact.

A highlight of recent years was Quality Radio being named Community Radio Station of the Year 2025 at the Scottish Enterprise Awards. Alongside operating a local radio station, the charity provides wellbeing support through its Hub in Linwood and delivers dedicated hospital radio services for patients and staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Reach Volunteering has excellent tools and resources to help you navigate the challenges that come with trustee recruitment. 
 
Trustee recruitment tools and templates | Reach Volunteering

Diversity on boards remains a challenge, but taking a more inclusive approach to trustee recruitment can help attract a wider range of skills, experiences and perspectives. Here are some top tips for building an inclusive and effective trustee team:
 
How Can I Ensure Inclusive Charity Board Recruitment?