One topic seems to have divided opinion in volunteerism in the UK recently. The Time for Impact Podcast is all about exploring innovation so we had to take a look at RVS's new platform plans.
In this episode of "Time for Impact," we're joined by a true giant of the UK's charity and volunteering sector, Catherine Johnstone CBE, the CEO of the Royal Voluntary Service. Known as a positive disrupter, Catherine has a remarkable track record of leading and innovating in organisations like Samaritans and now the RVS.
We dive into her latest, and perhaps most debated, project: a new national volunteering platform funded by the People's Postcode Lottery. Is it a much-needed innovation or a threat to local volunteering infrastructure? We explore the pros and cons.
Catherine Johnstone CBE is a leader who has dedicated her career to public service and voluntary action. She started as a nurse in the NHS before moving into the charity sector, where she has held numerous high-profile leadership roles.
CEO of Royal Voluntary Service (RVS): Catherine leads one of the UK's largest volunteering organisations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was instrumental in developing large-scale initiatives to support the NHS, including the recruitment of hundreds of thousands of volunteers.
Former CEO of Samaritans: For nearly seven years, she led the suicide prevention charity, developing a long-term strategy that established it as a thought leader in suicide prevention and postvention services. Her work was recognised with a CBE in 2016.
A Champion for the Sector: Her wide-ranging experience includes roles in asylum and refugee support, CEO positions in local infrastructure bodies (CVS/Volunteer Bureaus), and Chair of the Directory of Social Change. She has been at the heart of government funding decisions and is a passionate advocate for collaboration, co-chairing the Shaping the Future with Volunteering coalition.
Catherine is also one of the key architects behind the Big Help Out campaign.
In our conversation, we cover:
The "Positive Disrupter" Mindset: What drives Catherine's passion for challenging the status quo in the volunteering sector?
Lessons from a Career of Impact: From her beginnings as a nurse to leading national charities, we explore the key lessons Catherine has learned about enabling the "gift of voluntary service."
The Big Help Out: We discuss the genesis and impact of this major national event and what it tells us about the future of mass participation in volunteering.
The New RVS Volunteering Platform: The central topic of our discussion. Catherine outlines the vision behind the new sign-up and brokerage platform.
The Future of Volunteering: What does Catherine believe the future holds? We discuss the role of digital innovation, collaboration, and the importance of supporting both large-scale and grassroots community action.
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