As we celebrate Volunteers Week 2025, CFG takes immense pride in recognising the extraordinary contributions of volunteers both within our own organisation and across the charity sector as a whole.
This annual celebration, which has now been running for 41 years, and this year runs from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 June, provides the perfect opportunity to spotlight the invaluable work of those who give their time, skills, and passion to strengthen our communities.
How volunteers support CFG
CFG is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers. Alongside our members and partners, they are the backbone of what we achieve and they enhance every aspect of our work.
Whether they're chairing an event, delivering training, writing a technical article, leading a discussion forum, or supporting our policy work, CFG's volunteers ensure that our members and partners receive high-quality, expert learning and networking opportunities throughout the year.
Read on to find out about some of the ways our volunteers support charity leaders and finance professionals...
Sharing ideas, skills and intellectual property
Our volunteers are often individual members who have helped to shape the strategy and steer the direction of the organisation. We can't help think that this is just one of the reasons that our membership community is so special.
Time is the main currency of volunteering but it's the skills, experiences and intellectual property of our community that adds true value.
Among those who've made a significant impact on CFG as a member and volunteer is Simon Hopkins who, after more than a decade, continues to shape CFG through his unique learning framework - The Finance Journey which he has so generously gifted to the organisation.
Together with Simon and volunteer members of the Finance Journey Steering Group, CFG is looking at where we take the Finance Journey next. We're grateful to all those who are dedicated to bringing The Finance Journey to many more charitable organisations across the UK and putting it at the heart of membership offering.
CFG's Peer Mentoring Scheme is another example of how a seed of an idea can grow into a successful programme that benefits CFG's members for life.
The scheme is led by Nicki Deeson, a leadership coach, executive mentor and experienced charity finance director. Her unique blend of experience means she’s perfectly placed to bring together members as mentors and mentees and understand their needs and challenges.
This programme exemplifies how volunteering can create ripple effects of professional development and mutual support throughout our charity finance community.
Our special interest groups and discussion forums
We're also grateful for the dedicated individuals who volunteer to host our Special Interest Groups (SIGs), such as our Overseas Special Interest Group, and our lively discussion forums. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to fostering meaningful discussion and learning have created spaces where members can share their experiences and support one another.
Special recognition goes to volunteers Alan Sharpe and Jon King, who have dedicated countless hours over years to supporting their fellow members, embodying the spirit of service that makes our community so strong.
Impact on the sector
Volunteers Week 2025 serves as a vital reminder of the profound impact that volunteers make across the charity sector. They are the glue that holds together our organisation and strengthens the entire charity finance community.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to each and every volunteer who helps to make CFG such as thriving, impactful community.
Further reading
Read our article on the volunteering 'crisis' and the case for statutory volunteering leave
Read our article on how our volunteering leave policy benefits our own organisation and the sector as a whole