A journalist at Metro is seeking views from HR/recruitment experts about having volunteering on your CV. The piece is for Volunteer Week (next week), so she is keen to hear about why volunteering can make a difference on a CV, and what employers think when they see it? Or does it make no difference at all?

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Metro seeking views of HR experts

"For someone who maybe doesn't have a lot of experience, volunteering is an excellent way to get ahead and show you have the drive to learn.

"In the same way, if you are made redundant and don't find a role straightaway volunteering will help with your own mindset as well as showing a potential new boss that you did something and maybe learnt something new while you were looking for employment.

"Both are great traits to have in an employee and the behaviour I look for when recruiting for my clients."


At Kate Underwood HR and Training consultancy we pride ourselves in providing cost-effective and high quality commercial HR and Training Consultancy with a specialist focus on start-ups and SME’s. People are what make your company work and are your biggest cost, we take the time to get to know your business and how you tick to ensure that the right solution is found. We have often been told we am not the 'usual HR type'​ as I am approachable, down to earth and try and find soultions that are both legally compliant and fit what your business needs. As well as Human Resource Management I am a bit of a technology geek, and can help you find tools to improve your business. In Novemeber 2020 we launched Pocket HR (www.pockethr.co.uk) an online membership platform for small business owners to learn about HR in their small business. It includes bitesized training, Monthly Q&A Sessions, Private FB Group and all the templates, Checklists and support you could need.

Kate Underwood HR and Training

Kate Underwood

"Employers are focused on culture fit more than ever before, which is great for those with volunteer work listed left, right and centre on their CVs.

"In fact, many employers are encouraging their employees to get out into the community and involve themselves in projects that matter.

"If an employer can see that your values align with theirs, then you’re already onto a winner."


As a Leading HR & People Consultancy, Talk Staff supports employers in focusing on their most important asset - their people. Established in 2009, it's gone from strength to strength and now supports clients with recruitment, hr support, payroll and specialist consultancy.

Talk Staff

Gary Parsons

"Seeing a volunteer role on a CV is only ever positive in my opinion. It shows a kind personality and a 'will do' attitude.

"One brief line of the kind or work done is usually sufficient: save the juicy bits for a discussion point at the interview stage."



DFA Law has been advising clients for over 180 years. Today the firm is a blend of modern and traditional: a progressive, dynamic law firm which adheres to the old fashioned principles of professional integrity and personal service.

DFA Law LLP

Danny Roberts

"If you've been made redundant, or put on furlough, volunteering really makes a difference. It shows that you have motivation, and are looking out at the world, rather than focusing on yourself - two vital qualities that every employer is looking for.

"Finally, depending on what you did and whether it's relevant to the job, there's also the possibility that you can offer the employer entry to a new network with new connections."

The Redundancy Recovery Hub is a free resource for anyone who has been made redundant, or is worried about redundancy. It is a collection of video interviews, articles and advice from people who been there and moved onto better things, as well as experts in their field. Subjects include bouncing back and mental health after redundancy, job hunting, advice for dealing with recruiters, coaching around changing careers, and going back into education or even retirement. The Hub was founded by business psychologist, coach and Human Givens psychotherapist (trainee) Paula Gardner, who is also the author of The Career Pause and Pivot. Paula is available for interviews and written content around redundancy, careers and job hunting.

Metro seeking views of HR experts

4 responses from the Newspage community

Kate Underwood

Managing Director / HR Director at Kate Underwood HR and Training

Gary Parsons

CEO at Talk Staff

Danny Roberts

Partner & Practice Manager at DFA Law LLP

Paula Gardner

Founder at The Redundnacy Recovery Hub