We’re delighted to feature Maria in our latest Staff Spotlight!
Maria joined the Birmingham Settlement team at the very end of June as our new Volunteer Coordinator. With a wealth of experience in volunteering and community engagement, Maria is passionate about supporting people to get involved, feel valued and make a difference.
Our Comms Officer Keira chatted with Maria about her role, her favourite parts of the job so far, her experience at this year’s Neighbourhood Futures Festival and what she’s most looking forward to in the months ahead.
We hope you enjoy reading…
What does your day-to-day look like as Volunteer Coordinator? Is there a ‘typical’ day?
“No day is ever the same! I try to work across all our sites throughout the week so I can meet volunteers wherever they’re based – including the shops. The key for me is visibility and getting to know everyone.
So far, I’ve been working on all the volunteer-related documents so that we have a clear pathway for recruiting and supporting our volunteers. My aim is to be the first point of contact for volunteering enquiries and, in partnership with managers and colleagues, help guide people through the recruitment process.
My hope is that we continue to build our volunteer team and that I become the ‘go-to’ person for all volunteering matters – for both volunteers and staff across the organisation.”
What do you love most about supporting the volunteers?
“I love the diversity of our volunteers – the different skills, experiences and personalities they bring to their roles. I’m genuinely interested in learning about them and what motivates them to volunteer. It’s inspiring to see how much people want to give back to their community.”
How was helping out at the Neighbourhood Futures Festival 2025?
“Tiring! It was definitely a bit of a baptism by fire, but such a great way to start. It was lovely meeting staff and some of our volunteers, and I hope people could see that I’m someone who’s happy to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in!”
What are you most excited about in your role going forward?
“We’ll be launching a recruitment campaign at the start of the new year to help grow our volunteer team, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m also excited to feel more settled in the role and continue building relationships across all our sites.”
Fun fact – what do you like doing outside of work?
“I love music – I’m a singer in a band and also part of a community choir!”
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about volunteering at Birmingham Settlement?
“That we have such a wide range of roles available and really welcome volunteers to lead on activities. There are so many ways to get involved!”
Maria brings a wealth of experience to the Settlement, having previously worked as a Social Prescriber, spent five years as Volunteering Lead at Birmingham charity SIFA Fireside, and over 22 years with the NHS in Corporate Communications.
It’s been wonderful having Maria on the team – we’re so excited to see how volunteering at Birmingham Settlement grows under her leadership. Thank you, Maria, for taking the time to chat with us!
To volunteer with Birmingham Settlement and make a difference in your community, contact Maria for a friendly chat on volunteer@bsettlement.org.uk
Stay tuned for more Staff Spotlight’s in the coming months – who do you want to see featured next?