New skills exchange scheme

DUNDEE Third Sector Interface is inviting private firms and local voluntary organisations to get involved as it develops a new scheme which will bring the two together for the common good.

The Knowledge Exchange Network aims to unite private firms and local charities by sharing knowledge while fulfilling corporate social responsibility policies, which allow employees to take time from work to volunteer.

The KEN scheme i s being run by Lesley Caldwell and Nikolaos Xypolitos of Dundee Third Sector, who say the idea will reap benefits for all those involved.

Lesley said: “We’re contacted by large companies who have volunteering schemes all the time, saying they have 30 staff ready to volunteer.

“The reality is there are only so many fences to be painted and gardens to be tended to — and in the third sector you can wear a lot of hats. You can be doing a bit of marketing one day and budgeting the next. The idea is we match skills from the private sector into the third sector, giving them the support they need.”

Nikolaos added: “For example, a lawyer could come i n specially to ensure an organisation has everything in place to comply with the l aw. Another example is that a consultant could visit to ensure everything is running smoothly.

“We’re always looking for people to get involved.”

For more information, call 01382 305705.