Business & Leadership
James Caan (Entrepreneur & FormerDragon’s Den Star): “I am thrilled once again to have the opportunity to support the vinspired National Awards. I had the privilege to present an award last year and I am so pleased that I have the chance to do so again this year. It is great to have the opportunity to recognise young people for all of their hard work, creativity and their fantastic contribution to their communities.”
Martha Lane Fox (Entrepreneur & UK Digital Champion): “I salute anybody who volunteers. Not only does it give you valuable experience but it makes you eminently more employable. And who knows you might even have some fun too!”
Karren Brady (Vice-Chairman of West Ham United): “I think that anybody who volunteers is taking a decisive step in the right direction and taking their career ambitions into their own hands...Not only does volunteering for the vinspired award scheme give you valuable experience, but it makes you eminently more employable. And who knows you might even have some fun too! I would seriously consider a candidate for interview if they had committed to such a unique scheme.”
Felix Howard (President of A&R at EMI Music): “The media often portray such a negative image of England’s youth and it’s great to see the other much more positive side. The vinspired award scheme is a fantastic way of recognising, and thanking these people for getting involved and if I saw this on a cv, it would definitely jump to the top of the pile.”
Tom Hadley (Recruitment and Employment Confederation): “Experience gained through volunteering can significantly bolster a candidate’s CV. This is particularly true for young people who may have little or no experience in the labour market. At a time when it is becoming increasingly difficulty for jobseekers under the age of 25 to find an entry point into the labour market, volunteering is one way that can help a candidate stand out from the crowd. We are therefore pleased to support the vinspired awards”.
Richard Wainer (Confederation of British Industries): “At a time when businesses around the country are feeling the strain from the global economic downturn, young people too are finding it more and more difficult to find employment. Volunteering is one way that young people can stay active and keep in close touch with the world of work, learn new skills and contribute to communities. The CBI is pleased to support the vinspired awards because they allow young people to assess and articulate to employers the impact of volunteering on key employability skills.”
Alex Mitchell (Institute of Directors): “At a time when the job market is challenging, volunteering can develop in young people crucial skills such as leadership, team work and project management, skills that will be invaluable to business. The vinspired awards will showcase the advantage that volunteering can bring to young people and inspire them to get involved. The IoD is therefore delighted to support this initiative.”
Bill Bush (Director of Communications and Public Policy at Premier League): “Premier League clubs have a long tradition of supporting volunteering, so this new ‘Make the Team’ campaign is a great way of highlighting that work and reminding people that there is always a broader team working behind the scenes to help those playing on the pitch. Volunteering is valued by the Premier League: there are over 3,700 volunteers who donate time to work on Premier League activities taking place at the heart of their communities. The role of the volunteer is a key element within football, covering all aspects of the game and creating a real sense of community.”
