Programme Leaders

The programme has been devised and will be delivered by Helen Timbrell and Charlotte Witteridge. Both are experienced trainers and facilitators with deep experience in recruiting, managing and “being” Heads of Volunteering.

Dr Helen Timbrell MCIPD

Dr Helen Timbrell MCIPD is a consultant, researcher and coach working across people and organisational development (OD). She is a former Head of Volunteering and Director of Volunteering at the National Trust and held the positions of Director of People and OD at Samaritans and Versus Arthritis. She has an MBA and an MSC in Coaching and Behavioural Change, and her PhD explored geographical variations in volunteering. Helen is accredited in the use of the MBTI psychometric tool and an experienced facilitator, including of action learning sets. Her coaching work spans Heads, Directors and CEOs in the charity sector. Helen is a visiting lecturer at the Centre for Charity Effectiveness. She is currently Co-Chair of Dogs for Good and a Trustee of Abortion Talk. As a Director, Trustee and external adviser Helen has been involved in the recruitment of Heads of Volunteering in multiple organisations.

Charlotte Witteridge

Charlotte Witteridge brings over 20 years experience of involving volunteers across the charity sector, having worked for organisations such as Sense, The Myton Hospices, and Macmillan Cancer Support in senior volunteering leadership roles.

Charlotte is currently a Vice-Chair of trustees, and a Non-Executive Director for the Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM). Using her experience of developing and implementing volunteering strategy and building high performing teams, she is a trainer, facilitator, and consultant specialising in the development of those who manage and work with volunteers.

"It was good to create deeper connections with people in the ALS group."

“Action Learning Sets are so valuable. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to be part of them.”

“I was initially very apprehensive about action learning sets, but as a small group we have really bonded and we have all got so much out of these type of sessions. It takes a lot to put yourself in a potentially vulnerable position, but the space felt very safe to do so – and the rewards are huge!”

“This much needed programme within the profession is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to move into strategic volunteering leadership and take that next step as a Head of Volunteering. It’s been developed by experts in leadership development and in volunteering, who have also been on this journey personally. This will be extremely beneficial for anyone lucky enough to be part of it."

“I’m honestly really inspired by your online facilitation skills… it’s really great to see it modelled so well in the course. Being warm, welcoming and also authoritative in corralling a big online meeting is a real skill so thank you for showing us how to do it well.”

“Thank you as always. Learning so much from Helen and Charlotte and my peers.”

“An excellent webinar with a great balance of theory, panel discussion and opportunity to contribute… The background reading /work beforehand was great – relevant and engaging. Thank you.”

“I felt so energised and enthused after the workshop… I was inspired by speaking to peers and to Helen and Charlotte. The most interactive and thoughtful training programme I have done in a long time.”

“Thank you for creating a welcoming and inclusive space.”

It is fantastic to finally have a course dedicated to volunteer management at a higher, more strategic level… it’s clear that elevating the discourse around volunteer leadership will have a significant impact on our sector.”

“There has been so much to enjoy – meeting the other participants and the warmth, honesty and expertise of the trainers…”

“This is a great programme for anyone looking to move into strategic volunteer leadership or into a Head of Volunteering role. Charlotte and Helen have vast experience in volunteering leadership and development across many organisations, and together, as great trainers and facilitators, that‘s a winning combination. This will also be fun! I recommend this learning to anyone who wants to develop their volunteering leadership skills.”

Programme sponsorship

The Aspiring Heads of Volunteering™ programme is kindly sponsored by TeamKinetic. TeamKinetic provides volunteer management solutions and are passionate about supporting the voluntary sector. That means simple, practical tools with no hidden costs and unlimited volunteer accounts.

They reinvest their profits to help build a thriving volunteer community.