The MemberWise Network is unique as being the only Network led by association and membership professionals. A core part of our team are the MemberWise Ambassadors; a group of practising membership professionals specialising in a specific area that we consider core and crucial to the world of membership such as engagement, recruitment and value.
In recent years, we have branched out into complementary areas such as governance, leadership, communications and PR, and people/volunteer management in order to show how the membership role requires broader business insight and experience.
We are now pleased to announce that we have appointed a second Ambassador to work alongside Annette Woolman from Coeliac UK in the area of people and volunteering: Michael Shann, Head of Membership & Volunteering at Carers UK.
Let’s get to know Michael, who’ll be championing this crucial area of activity…
How long have you worked in Membership?
After working for two larger charities (VSO and BHF) I was keen to work for a smaller charity where I could have more of an influence in supporting beneficiaries. I joined Carers UK because I could relate to its support for unpaid carers rather than because it was a membership organisation, but I have come to really value the benefits of membership and understand why carers and former carers want to be part of our supportive community and movement for change.
What does your role involve at Carers UK?
I manage a small but highly productive and creative team of three staff to support Carers UK’s 45,000 members and 500 volunteers, as well as the many more carers who access our support. Our team sits within the Carer Support department and as well as producing monthly communications for our members and volunteers, we also manage our online forum, support our members through regional ‘roadshow’ events and our annual Members’ Conference, and run several online meetups for carers every week (Care for a Cuppa and Share & Learn sessions).
How will you champion your ambassador subject area (people/volunteering)?
I strongly believe that we should provide a diverse range of accessible opportunities that enable all members to volunteer with and contribute to an organisation, whatever their availability and skills.
What advice would you give to others also working in membership?
Meet as many of your members and volunteers as you can early on in your role to understand what drives them to support the organisation and ask them for their ideas for developing your volunteer roles further.
Tell us something we don’t know about you!
I’m also a poet and printmaker and have had three books of poems published by a small press in Walthamstow. I also volunteered as an English teacher (with VSO) in China for two years, and as a school governor for ten years.
The MemberWise Team welcomes Michael on board as MemberWise Ambassador (People and Volunteering).
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