Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2025!

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do

My day to day work is after death care of the deceased; booking in patients from the wards and community settings, and assisting Pathologists at post mortem by evisceration of patients and preparing the organ blocks for examination, as well as preparation of samples for histological, microbiological and toxicological examination before reconstruction of patients to a high standard.

 What inspired you to start volunteering?

Once I attained by RSciTech award, I was asked to volunteer to present at the Science Council’s Celebration of Science in November 2024. Whilst public speaking is not my most comfortable environment, I was happy to share my story of how I’d gone from being an archaeology graduate, to working in corporate NHS roles, to retraining as a scientist in my thirties. On the back of this, I now assess RSciTech shortened application routes as part of my work with my professional body on a voluntary basis. I hope that by sharing my journey with others and by being able to use my knowledge of the application process by assessing others, that my peers can successfully attain their accreditation and further develop their roles and careers.

 Can you describe a memorable experience or highlight from your time volunteering?

In May I was asked to volunteer as part of a panelist discussion as part of the summer activities organised by the Science Council. This took place over Microsoft Teams and was a 2-hour session; I was one of two panelists who had obtained their professional registration although via different routes and from different professions. This panel participation was a particular highlight due to being able to impart my knowledge not only from an applicant’s point of view, but from an assessor’s perspective. I found the panel style particularly effective and learned a lot from my fellow panelists.

 Has volunteering influenced your career or studies in any way? Or helped you develop any skills or knowledge?

Volunteering has strengthened my skills around public speaking and participation in events; neither of which come to me naturally as I am rather shy. However, I recognise the need to participating in activities which don’t come to me as naturally as others, in order to become more well rounded personally and professionally.

 What does volunteering mean to you personally?

Personally, I love giving something back and volunteering is a great opportunity to help others through a process I have already lived and breathed. The sort of knowledge I’m able to impart is something I’d have been grateful for before starting my application.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering?

I would advise anyone thinking about volunteering to go ahead and get involved; you never know what tidbit of your knowledge and experience will do to enable others to succeed.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do

I was recently appointed as the Technician Strategic Lead at the University of Cambridge, where I work to enhance the visibility, development, and impact of the technical community. My role involves collaborating with stakeholders to shape strategy, deliver professional development, and ensure technicians are recognised as essential contributors to research, teaching, and innovation. I also volunteer as Vice Chair of the Science Council’s Registration Routes Committee (RRC) and serve as a Registration Champion, advocating for professional recognition across the sector.

 What inspired you to start volunteering?

I’ve always believed in the power of community and collective progress. Early in my career, I benefited from mentors and networks that helped me grow professionally and personally. Volunteering felt like a natural way to give back—supporting others in their journey and helping to strengthen the technical profession through recognition, standards, and shared best practice. It’s also broadened my perspective beyond my own institution, deepening my understanding of the UK technical landscape and helping me develop leadership, governance, and advocacy skills that directly inform my strategic role today.

Can you describe a memorable experience or highlight from your time volunteering?

A real highlight has been working with colleagues from across different institutions to shape the future of professional registration through the RRC. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a group that not only upholds rigorous standards but also actively looks for ways to make registration more accessible and inclusive. Seeing someone you’ve supported achieve Chartered status or begin to mentor others themselves—that’s what makes it worthwhile.

 Has volunteering influenced your career or studies in any way? Or helped you develop any skills or knowledge?

Absolutely. Volunteering has given me insight into the wider technical landscape across the UK and strengthened my leadership, governance, and communication skills. It’s deepened my understanding of policy and professional frameworks, which helped prepare me for my strategic role at Cambridge and continue to shape how I advocate for technician development at a senior level.

 What does volunteering mean to you personally?

To me, volunteering is about purpose and connection. It’s a way to use your voice and experience to help shape something bigger than yourself. It brings personal fulfilment, a sense of community, and the opportunity to challenge yourself in new and meaningful ways.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering?

Go for it—you’ll get out far more than you put in. Start small if you’re unsure, but don’t underestimate the value of your experience and perspective. Volunteering is not just about giving your time; it’s about shaping the future of your profession, growing your confidence, and connecting with like-minded people who are equally passionate about making a difference.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do

Hello, I’m Jas, and I have been a volunteer with the Science Council for approximately six months. With 20 years of experience in internal audit and risk management, I bring my expertise to the Science Council as an independent member of the Finance, Audit & Risk (FAR) committee. The FAR committee is a crucial component of the Science Council’s governance structure, ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities regarding financial systems, controls, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

My role involves ensuring that the board and organisation are accountable in nearly every area, from audit to financial and risk management. It is a diverse role that requires committee members to engage with a wide range of topics, all aimed at supporting the overall good governance of the Science Council.

What inspired you to start volunteering?

I have dedicated the majority of my career to working full-time within the STEM sector, specifically in technology. My passion for STEM has driven me to actively promote the sector, particularly by encouraging new generations of women and minority communities to enter the field. It is equally important to support the retention and advancement of those already in the industry.

When I discovered the volunteer opportunity at the Science Council, I recognised that I could contribute in a meaningful and positive way, leveraging both my existing skills and deep passion for the sector. This opportunity also enhances my professional development, as being a member of the Finance, Audit & Risk (FAR) committee provides me with valuable exposure, insights, and a greater understanding of the inner workings of a committee. This will undoubtedly support my career development in the future.

Can you describe a memorable experience or highlight from your time volunteering?

The most significant highlight by far was meeting my fellow committee members in person for the first time at our most recent meeting at the Science Council offices. As a people person, I find that interacting with others energises me.

 Has volunteering influenced your career or studies in any way? Or helped you develop any skills or knowledge?

Within approximately six months of volunteering with the Science Council, the scope of my experience has expanded well beyond my initial expectations. While I have an extensive background in managing risks and controls, the skills I have gained through volunteering have developed me in ways I had not anticipated.

I have contributed to shaping the Science Council's strategy, provided advice on internal methodologies and practices, reviewed externally facing documents, commented on audit reports, and offered insights into accounting practices and methodologies. This experience has broadened my knowledge and also developed new skills in unfamiliar areas, particularly SORP/FRS 102 accounting. The experience gained at the Science Council will undoubtedly enable me to apply these learnings and approaches to other areas in my professional career. For instance, helping to shape the Science Council's strategy will ensure I am better positioned to provide assurance over this area elsewhere in my career.

In addition to the technical skills acquired, I have further enhanced my soft skills by demonstrating curiosity and communicating effectively with board members/fellow committee members. I have expanded my professional network and work alongside some fantastic colleagues at all levels, including the Science Council CEO, all of whom are experts in their field. This has helped me deepen my understanding of the behind-the-scenes workings of a charity and audit committee, the STEM/Science sector, and how broader macro-economic factors can influence policy and impact the sector as a whole.

What does volunteering mean to you personally?

I am a purpose-driven individual with strong values. Volunteering provides me with the opportunity to think beyond myself and utilise my skills for the greater good. While we all lead unique lives, we share many common factors that enable us to build strong bonds and work towards a common purpose. As a community builder at heart, I take pleasure in being part of a dedicated cohort of individuals, all striving towards the same goal, which aligns with my personal values.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering?

Take the leap! There is nothing to lose, and the benefits you will gain, both personally and professionally, are substantial. You will have the opportunity to connect with numerous skilled professionals from a range of diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. This experience will expand your professional network and provide the chance to develop long-lasting relationships that extend far beyond the time spent volunteering. Ultimately, you will have the opportunity to advance the profession/sector and make a meaningful difference, leaving a lasting impact for future generations.