Retired locals volunteer their time help out charities in Forth Valley

Rather than putting their feet up as they head into a hard-earned retirement, two Forth Valley residents have been recruited as business consultants by local charities and they’re doing the work for free!

Ernest Barnard and David Kell are members of a programme called the Senior Executive Programme (SEP). SEP uses the skills of retired volunteers with business experience to provide professional support and advice to community organisations in need. It is managed by Scottish Business in the Community (SBC) - Scotland’s leading voice on responsible business practice.

Over the past 12 months, SEP Forth Valley has matched the skills of both “senior executives” with the needs of two local charities in particular.

The Lilies Graham Trust (LGT), based in Thornhill, who provide residential support to families in crisis were looking for someone to come in and take a fresh look at their business operations. They were offered the help of semi-retired Ernest.

LGT Chief Executive, Cath Morrison, said: “Ernest’s help was invaluable. The companionship, professionalism and friendliness shown to my organisation were above and beyond the call of duty.”

And just down the road in Callander, the Heart to Heart project - who offer a recovery programme for families going through the trauma of divorce and separation – were presented with a polished business plan by David.   

The Senior Executive Programme covers 12 areas of Scotland from Inverness to the Borders and currently has over 250 members. SEP can offer help to community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Volunteers have a range of professional skills including management, finance, sales, marketing, human resources and I.T. Their support and advice can often make the difference between success and failure for the community organisation.

If you are a retired individual or a community organisation interested in finding out more about SEP in Forth Valley please contact Anne Roberts, SEP Coordinator, annestrath@hotmail.com.