The October Volunteer of the Month is Derek Cox, Financial Controller at Davis Polk & Wardwell London LLP. Derek was nominated for his incredible work with community interest company, RP Haven. 18 months ago, Derek responded to a request for a volunteer to help RP Haven with their financial planning. His passion for board games and finance expertise made him the ideal volunteer. Derek’s support has contributed to the expansion of RP Haven and they are now able to reach enthusiasts across several cities. The ELBA Team are extremely impressed with his efforts!

We caught up with Derek to hear about his experiences.

Why did you volunteer?
The Community Interest Company (“CIC”) where I volunteer as financial controller provides a safe environment in which a wide range of individuals can come together and play either RPG or board games whilst also raising funds for local charitable groups. Each branch nominates a chosen charity and donations are made towards the end of the financial year. The majority of funds are raised through attendance fees for the weekly gaming sessions, with additional funds being raised by supporting open gaming at conventions around the country. The CIC formed a few years ago with just one branch and after adding a second branch, needed financial advice and support to ensure that it continued to expand at a controlled rate whilst also meeting its charitable objectives. My background in finance coupled with a strong interest, bordering on obsession, in board games, seemed to make the role an ideal fit.

What did you gain from your volunteering experience?
Firstly, a feeling of really making a difference. The finance processes have been reviewed and updated so that there is greater control over weekly income, the vast majority of which is in cash. We can see at a glance the current financial position of the company and decide whether new projects are affordable. This has formed a secure base from which two more groups have been added in the past year, with more being planned for the next 12 months. Secondly, the work gives you a sense of perspective as to what is happening in the “real world”. When you hear that people are struggling to find the weekly fee of £2.50 as a result of changes in government policy, a delayed commute or a last minute request for information suddenly seems a minor inconvenience. Finally, a perspective on other skill sets that are needed in business. The head of the CIC has excellent marketing skills so I have learnt a lot from him about branding and web presence.

Would you recommend volunteering to a colleague and if so then why?
Most definitely. You will meet a wide range of people from a cross section of society, learn new skills that you did not necessarily even know existed and make a positive difference to people’s lives. Working with the people at ELBA enhances the experience further, as they are a dedicated team with a passion for their work in linking business and charities to bring positive change in the local community.