Why get involved with pro bono work?
Giving Back is a core value for the Company and its Members and pro bono volunteering is one of the ways in which you can achieve this.
Pro bono involves giving time on a voluntary basis for a charity or similar organisation who needs the support of a human resources professional.
Pro bono projects differ greatly in what they offer to both the volunteer and those who benefit from it. There is something available for everyone wishing to get involved.
Pro bono lies at the heart of our Company's commitment to «Giving Back» and all Members are encouraged to become involved.
How pro bono benefits you?
The personal benefits of pro bono work are immense, especially the feeling that you have been able to make a difference for the client organisation or individual.
Involvement can draw on your skills and expertise in many different ways as well as helping you to further develop your own skills.
Interacting with people from different sectors of society with different lived experiences can also remind us that there are other worlds beyond our day-to-day experiences.
In summary, pro bono involvement is a great way to use your expertise while providing a useful service to organisations and people that need it.
Pro bono work
The Pro Bono Committee (PBC) develops, promotes and organises members’ delivery of pro bono services to charities, not-for-profit organisations and other good causes in support of the Company's objective to give back to society through using HR skills for the benefit of others.
The focus for pro bono is on four key areas:
- Discussion with an HR Professional
- HR Health Check
- HR workshops
- Employability support
Pro bono support should not be advisory in nature. We are careful not to get involved in areas such as employment law, employee taxation etc. and do not offer any day-to-day operational support.
The PBC acts to protect the interests of both the volunteer and the client. To this end we:
- scope the work and time commitment, recognising that many Members need to manage this within an already busy life.
- define requirements and expectations to ensure that all pro bono support is delivered to a professional standard and meets the needs of clients. We do this by working through Members who are suitably qualified and willing to provide the agreed pro bono support.
- ensure that the pro bono work undertaken does not expose the Company or the volunteers to any adverse financial or reputational risk by putting in place a clear Agreement letter.
How do I get involved with pro bono
If you would like to get involved, please contact any member of the Pro Bono Committee or the Secretary at Pro-bono@HRProfessionals.org.uk.