Working in the Voluntary Sector Talk and Free Lunch

Between 12th-18th February, JMSU are celebrating 'Student Volunteering Week 2024'. We have a whole week of events to recognise and celebrate our Student Volunteers and those interested in volunteering.

Are you interested in a career in the Voluntary Sector? Are you currently volunteering or wish to volunteer to build your employability skills? Come and join us for lunch and talks from some inspirational professionals within the Voluntary/ Charity Sector.

Confirmed speakers:

Heather Akehurst OBE- Heather Akehurst OBE is Chief Executive at education charity Open Awards, a community Trustee for JMSU, and Board member for Liverpool City Region Freeport and the One Day Group. She is also a policy adviser for the National Council Voluntary Organisations having worked in the sector for 27 years. She received her OBE for services to Further Education in Merseyside

Gareth Prytherch- CEO of Wirral Council for Voluntary Service: the Local Infrastructure Organisation established to support Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector organisations in Wirral. He has worked in the sector for 33 years starting in Youth Work, moving into Voluntary Sector Capacity Building, Training, Asset Based Community Development and finally Wirral CVS.He has worked all over the UK and parts of Europe snd his first ever role in the sector was a volunteer role and has continued to volunteer throughout his career.

Also joining us will be LJMU Alumni who currently work in the Voluntary Sector, including Francesca McIntosh, who graduated Liverpool John Moore’s University in July 2023 with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication. During her final year, she applied to the Charityworks graduate programme, and was matched with a placement in November 2023. She now works as a Research and Communications Coordinator for the Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW). VSNW is a membership organisation that connects to the region’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. Her role involves developing research engagement opportunities for Cheshire and Merseyside VCFSE groups.