Jessica Frot is Head, Global Payroll at Standard Chartered Bank. Jessica tells us about why volunteering is so important to her, how it has given her the opportunity to make a difference to areas that are important to her, whilst simultaneously honing skills and developing a deeper understanding of the importance of corporate social responsibility and community empowerment.  

Why do you volunteer?
I find that volunteering is a powerful force for good, benefiting both those communities and individuals which I volunteer for and myself. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection by bringing people together around common causes, enriching lives, strengthening bonds and creating a more equitable and compassionate world for all. It also promotes personal growth and development, offering opportunities to learn and expand my own perspective.

What have you gained from your volunteering experience?
Volunteering with ELBA (East London Business Alliance) offers me a myriad of benefits that extend beyond mere altruism. Through ELBAs programs (mentoring students foraying into the world of work for the first time, reviewing CVs and LinkedIN profiles) I have had the opportunity to make a tangible difference to areas that are important not only to the East London community but also to myself (education, employability and community development).

Working with ELBA in this way has also given me the opportunity to hone a wide range of skills (communication, coaching, problem solving, project management, etc). These experiences have enriched my personal growth and also enabled me to gain insight into the complex social issues facing East London and developed a deeper understanding of the importance of corporate social responsibility and community empowerment.

Would you recommend volunteering to a colleague and, if so, why?
Yes, I would highly recommend volunteering to a colleague.  Volunteering has been a transformative experience which has empowered me to create positive change, build meaningful connections and develop valuable skills while contributing to the well-being and resilience of communities.

Volunteering is a rewarding and enriching experience that benefits both the individual and community at large. Encouraging colleagues to volunteer not only promotes personal growth and well-being but also strengthens organisational culture and a sense of corporate responsibility.