A big thank you to all our volunteers #volunteersweek #ORblog

As we start Volunteers Week I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the Pro Bono O.R. volunteers without whom the Pro Bono O.R. scheme would not be possible.

We have over 300 registered volunteers across the UK, of whom over 100 have applied to work on projects and 54 have completed or are currently working on projects.

Since September 2013, we have completed 18 projects and are currently working on a further 16.

For details of the projects we have worked on please visit: Pro Bono O.R. webpage

Here is what some of the organisations we've worked with have to say:

Springboard

The work is already supporting our planning and development for next year and allowing us to focus our thoughts and decisions on the places of most importance for our organisation. It has helped us to come up with new solutions already.

(CEO)

Crimestoppers

We've benefited hugely from your work and support in all areas of the project, and from an organisational perspective you've enabled us to take a highly professional approach to increasing the efficiency of our charity.

(Performance Manager)

The Cardinal Hume Centre

We valued the opportunity to work collaboratively and without doubt benefited from the analyst’s expertise and commitment to the project.

 (Operations Director)

The Dachshund Breed Council

Brilliant – it makes the predictions of risk visible. This will be so useful.

(Lafora Screening Co-ordinators)

HARCVS

I'm really pleased with the report and it will be very useful indeed for forward planning and to support our Big Lottery bid.

 (CEO)

Here is what some of our volunteers have to say:

"It’s a chance to make a difference, practice getting to the heart of a problem quickly, meet some very dedicated people and use techniques which you might not in your every day job"

"Being a volunteer was a great way to make a real difference for an organisation with people that were clearly passionate about what they do. At the same time I've added some interesting people to my network and expanded the breadth of projects I've undertaken on my CV"

"Working as a pro bono volunteer is a great way to contribute some professional expertise to some truly worthwhile causes.  The Third Sector is full of people who feel passionately about their Mission, so working with them is invariably a positive learning experience"

"I've really enjoyed working with third sector organisations and found the staff extremely positive about the contribution we make"

I have thoroughly enjoyed my role promoting and managing the scheme and look forward to the impact the scheme will have during the rest of 2015.

To find out more please follow me on twitter, LinkedIn or send an email to felicity.mcleister@theorsociety.com