Meet the new members of APM’s Volunteer Delivery Group

Association for Project Management (APM) is pleased to welcome three new members to its Volunteer Delivery Group (VDG); the group that oversees APM volunteering initiatives, supports volunteers to reach their ambitions and helps APM achieve its charitable goals.

The group’s newest members took some time to introduce themselves and share opinions about volunteering and the profession.

 

Nigel Beecroft, Associate Director at Mace Group

 

What is your main reason for joining the VDG?

“I’m reapplying after my initial one-year term because I’ve really enjoyed working with fellow VDG members. It’s been great to get involved in decision-making for new Interest Networks and Regional Networks, volunteer recruitment, and planning and running volunteer conferences.”

What are you most looking forward to working on with the group?

Establishing how we can best support volunteers to maximise volunteering effort and deliver outputs that contribute to APM’s objectives, such as projects that benefit society.

What do you think is the biggest issue affecting the project profession that APM volunteers can help address?

“I believe effective knowledge-sharing is the big challenge. For example, how can volunteers help to make key lessons more accessible amongst project professionals? In many cases the answer to a project issue is out there somewhere. It's a case of getting access to it!”

 

 

Tamsin Alli-Balogun, Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis

 

What made you want to join the VDG?

“I have built my network, my confidence and my visibility through volunteering with APM. Volunteering has opened a lot of doors for me. By joining the Volunteer Delivery Group I want to help as many people as possible to experience the types of benefits that I have experienced, whether as a volunteer themselves, or as an APM member taking part in volunteer-led events.”

What are you most looking forward to working on with the VDG?

“I am excited about the VDG’s role in reviewing the proposals put forward by APM Networks. APM is such a vibrant professional community and it’s great to be able to offer members a blend of tried-and-tested events and activities, along with trying out new ideas for events that engage and support project professionals across the UK and beyond.”

In your opinion, what issues affecting the profession can APM volunteers make a positive difference towards?

“The need for project professionals to understand the importance of their role, and the amount of power they can have in building a better future. Being actively involved with APM, whether as a member or as a volunteer, has really made me feel proud of my profession. Our volunteers can (and do) help promote that pride through every event and activity we put on, and I think it’s brilliant.”

 

 

Niruja Thiyagan, programme manager for the UK Government.

 

Why did you want to join the VDG?

“I am passionate about volunteering within the project delivery profession, and I want to be able to support and give back to the wider community.” 

What are you most looking forward to working on with the group?

“Being at the centre of discussions for project delivery and being able to provide a ‘voice’ from a corporate perspective.”

What would you say is the biggest issue affecting the project profession that APM volunteers can make a positive contribution towards?

“The value project professionals have and the skills they provide; being an APM volunteer allows me to help raise the profile of the project profession within business and provide diverse opportunities within the public and private sectors.” 

 

If you’re interested in volunteering with APM, you can see the latest opportunities here.