OPAL'S AWARD

At GoVolHerts, we are delighted to mark International Volunteers Day on Friday 5th December 2025, a special moment to recognise and thank the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, energy and compassion every day. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities, quietly stepping up in so many ways: listening, encouraging, supporting, and connecting. Their contributions may sometimes feel small, but together they create meaningful change. Whether it’s dropping in to help at a community hub, supporting someone facing difficult times, or lending a hand at local events, each act of service matters. This year, we shine a spotlight on the difference volunteering makes by showcasing the incredible work of North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport and Watford & Three Rivers Getting Together Social Clubs. Through the care, kindness and commitment of their volunteers, we see stronger communities, new friendships, better connections and brighter days. We also recognise that volunteering rewards the volunteers themselves, growth, satisfaction, belonging and purpose often follow. We are proud to collaborate on this project with our partners Community Help Hertfordshire (CHH) who join us in celebrating the spirit of volunteering. Together we invite everyone to reflect on how they might contribute, whether it’s a few hours, a regular commitment or simply offering help where it’s needed. To all our volunteers: THANK YOU! Your time, your heart and your drive make our community a better place. On 5th December and every day, we salute you!

Trustees have the overall legal responsibility for a charity. The law describes charity trustees as ‘the persons having the general control and management of the administration of a charity’ (Charities Act 2011, section 177). A trustee role is an opportunity to use your professional skills and life experiences to make a difference to a cause you believe in. Trustees work collectively to make decisions of behalf of their charity. Trustees are elected or appointed, usually for a fixed period (usually three years) - this will be outlined in the governance documents of the charity. Some organisations may use other term, such as ‘Governors’, for trustee roles. Trustees are required to operate within the bounds of the governance documents for their charity and also within the law - particularly the Trustee Act 2000, Insolvency Acts, Companies Acts and Charity Acts. As trustees are also volunteers, they won’t be paid for the role, but like any other volunteer, should be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Can I be a Trustee? Becoming a trustee is open to most individuals, typically those aged 18 or older (or 16 for Charitable Incorporated Organisations – CIOs). However, certain situations, such as prior disqualification as a trustee or company director, undischarged bankruptcy status, or specific unspent criminal convictions, render one ineligible. Depending on the organisation's requirements, some trustees may need a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, especially if their responsibilities involve sensitive work. Beyond meeting eligibility criteria, a charity trustee should align with the organisation's objectives, demonstrating honesty and integrity. While boards seek trustees with 'hard skills' like legal and financial expertise, they also value 'soft' skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy towards the charity's beneficiaries. Individuals with firsthand experience can offer unique insights, enriching the board's perspective. Diversity within trustee boards is crucial for effective decision-making. A diverse board embraces differing perspectives, while a board with same-profile trustees risks groupthink. An effective trustee board recognises when to seek external professional advice to complement existing expertise. Want more information on being a Trustee? Take a look through Resource Library.

Community Transport Week (13th - 17th October) is an opportunity to celebrate the essential role that volunteer-led transport services play across the country. These services don’t just get people from A to B, they connect communities, reduce loneliness, and provide vital support to those who may otherwise struggle to access transport. We spoke with Jon Brown, North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport Manager , to hear about the impact of volunteer drivers and the difference they make every day. Why are volunteer drivers such a vital part of your service, and what difference do they make to the community? “Without our incredible team of Volunteer Drivers, our service simply wouldn’t operate. The service is Volunteer led and that is what makes it that more special. Every day our Volunteer Drivers are making a real difference in the community, from providing safe and reliable transport to being a friendly and caring companion. Our service offers wonderful social benefits for both the service user and the Volunteer.” What kinds of journeys do volunteer drivers typically help with, and what roles do they play in people’s everyday lives? “Our Volunteer Drivers are taking local residents to important health and medical appointments. This could be to local hospitals, doctor surgeries, health centres, dentists and clinics. Many of our clients struggle to access reliable and affordable transport, and that offer the support and reassurance they need. We even take people to some of the big hospitals in London. We also support people by taking them to their weekly social club, day centre or support group. These can be a lifeline for many people and it can help to combat isolation and loneliness for many local people.” What qualities do you look for in someone who wants to become a volunteer driver, and how do you support them once they join? “We look for local people who are sociable, caring, friendly, patient, and who enjoy driving and supporting less able local residents. It’s a very flexible role and our Volunteers can offer the time they can give. We have a fantastic team who enjoy a friendly chat during the journeys. This provides a social connection and reassurance for many of our service users. Our service also provides a peace of mind for a lot of people using our service, which is so important during what can be a stressful and worrying time for a lot of people. We provide a full training induction to our Volunteers upon them joining our service, and the office team are their ongoing support whilst they are part of our volunteering team. We also provide training opportunities, covering relevant topics, such as Safeguarding, Dementia Awareness and Manual Handling.” How would you describe the rewards of volunteering as a driver, both for the volunteers themselves and for the people they help? “Being a Volunteer Driver is a wonderful opportunity to support local residents in your local community with their transport needs. There is a big demand for our service, and every day our team of Volunteers are making a real difference to people’s lives, providing safe and reliable transport, a listening ear and a friendly and reassuring chat. It’s a very rewarding and unique opportunity to help and use a service that looks to enhance the lives and wellbeing of people across North Herts & Stevenage.” Community Transport Week is the perfect time to recognise the dedication of volunteer drivers like those in North Herts & Stevenage. Their contribution goes far beyond transport they provide reassurance, companionship, and a vital link to community life. If you’ve ever thought about giving your time, becoming a volunteer driver could be a rewarding way to make a tangible difference in your community, you can find all driver roles on our website here .