No two days in my role look the same, and that’s something I really enjoy. One moment I might be at my computer processing applications or responding to enquiries, and the next, I’m out visiting volunteers at one of our enterprises or supporting a corporate volunteering day.
One of the parts of my job I find most rewarding is helping people find the right volunteering role and guiding them through the application process. There’s a real sense of excitement when everything falls into place – when someone is ready to start. It’s a genuine buzz knowing they’re about to begin something meaningful.
Seeing the impact first-hand
What stands out to me most about volunteering at Brandon Trust is the mutual benefit. I’ve met so many volunteers who are truly in their element. You can see it in their smiles, their body language, and the way they talk about what they do.
Whenever I visit one of our enterprises, I see first-hand the difference volunteers make. Whether they’re supporting the people we work with or getting stuck into practical tasks that keep things running smoothly, their contribution is invaluable.
But what’s just as powerful is what they get back. Time and again, volunteers tell me how much they value the friendships they’ve made and the sense of belonging they’ve found. As one volunteer put it so beautifully: “Volunteering feels like coming home.”
What keeps me motivated
Spending time at our enterprises is what keeps me motivated. They are calm, caring and productive environments where people are supported to thrive, gain skills, and enjoy training and paid employment. There’s something very special about them, and it’s a privilege to play even a small part in their success.
The growing importance of corporate volunteering
Corporate volunteering is becoming more important than ever, and at Brandon, we’re incredibly fortunate to have the support of so many fantastic organisations and businesses.
At Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton, Bristol, there are always essential jobs that need doing. From maintaining growing areas to building fences, these are tasks that help keep the farm safe, welcoming, and productive for our co-farmers. While our staff, co-farmers, and regular volunteers do an amazing job, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all.
That’s where corporate volunteering groups make such a big difference. They swap their desks for wellies and bring energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork to the farm.
Since June 2024, over 490 corporate volunteers have given an incredible 2,970 hours of their time – the equivalent of around £35,000 in salary. That’s a huge contribution – and its impact is felt every single day.
A real-world example: Plimsoll Productions
Many corporate groups come back year after year, making volunteering at Elm Tree Farm part of their annual calendar. It’s something they genuinely look forward to, a chance to get outdoors, connect with colleagues, and give something back to the community.
A great example is Bristol-based Plimsoll Productions. Recently, more than 90 of their team visited the farm for the fourth consecutive year. Together, they tackled a range of projects – maintaining growing areas, painting, weeding, and building fences.
Yes, there were some aching muscles and sore backs by the end of the day, but just as importantly, there were smiles, laughter, and a real sense of achievement.
You can click here to watch Plimsoll in action at Elm Tree Farm.
A win-win for everyone
Corporate volunteering doesn’t just benefit the farm – it benefits the organisations taking part too. Many teams tell us it improves staff engagement, wellbeing, and retention. Like individual volunteering, it’s truly a win-win.
Volunteering, in all its forms, brings people together, creates opportunities, and makes a lasting difference. Whether you’re an individual looking to give your time or a business wanting to make an impact, there’s something incredibly special about being part of it.
And from my perspective, there’s nothing better than seeing it happen every day.
Mark Nelson
Volunteer Coordinator
