A History of Kensington & Chelsea Volunteer Centre


Lady Goodman Picture

1969
Bureau is founded by Lady Anstice Goodman

After the death of her husband in 1967, Lady Goodman realised that she never fully used all the skills she had gained from the experience as a nurse and working with refugees. She launched a centre where people could use their skills to help the community. It was also a response to a multi racial society emerging and the conflict surrounding the Notting Hill Riots.

Her flat became the basement of the bureau, soon she received funding from Notting Hill Council. She started with £50 but was already raising more money and eventually made leaflets, only available in the libraries and town halls. It was opened on September 29th 1969.

The Bureau was in high demand and a second office was opened in Onslow Square. 1971: 235 people placed as volunteers Demand continues due to the success and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea gives the bureau £1500 grant.
1973
Bureau’s first organiser, Eileen Roberts is appointed

Eileen Roberts Picture
1976 Picture

1976
Lady Goodman steps down as Bureau Chair

The bureau becomes an independent charity
1977
First meetings of Organisations Forum, convened by Bureau

Forum Picture
These were held to exchange ideas, feedback and experiences between different groups within the borough, volunteer guidelines of good practise were formed as a successful outcome of this meeting.
Workers Picture

1978
Bureau’s first targeted efforts to help unemployed people to benefit from volunteering
In partnership with the Central London TEC, this scheme was set up to encourage unemployed people to gain valuable skills and confidence, preparing them for the job market.
1982
Half of all new volunteers placed are unemployed

Volunteers Picture
84 Annual Review Picture

1984
Equal Opportunities statement is established and forms part of the Bureau’s objectives
1986
The Family Support Group develops out of the health service

Family Picture
A group set up to allow volunteers to provide confidential, emotional support to individuals and families experiencing emotional distress or despair.
Workers Picture

1987
Bureau participates in the first ever Volunteers Week
Volunteers week is nationwide celebration of volunteering that provides stage for volunteer organisations to recognise the UK's millions of volunteers. A chance for those involved to say ‘thank you’.
1988
New addition to the bureau

Computer Picture
A computer! Business Links Scheme is launched.
Workers Picture

1991
Volunteer database for opportunities is set up
A successful way to match community and organisational needs with volunteers and their skills
1994
Volunteers in Action set up, supporting disabled people to volunteer

Disability Picture
Volunteers in Action set up, supporting disabled people to volunteer Positive step in encouraging Equal Opportunities and dispel attitudes and stereotypes towards those with disabilities.
Jamie Thomas Picture

1995
More changes...
Jamie Thomas is the new Director and the new location is Canalside House. 576 volunteers interviewed and Small Repairs Service set up, helping elderly and disabled people carry out important DIY jobs in and around their homes.
1996
New strategy is in place

1996 Picture
Recruiting volunteers and promoting good practice.
Brent VB Picture

1997
We establish Brent Volunteer Bureau
1998
Naughty!

"Naughty" Poster
‘Naughty’ publicity poster sparks controversy in Evening Standard, enquiries for volunteering rise!
Due to the massive publicity campaign, the borough had a record 1,004 people register. 85% of these volunteered totalling 1500 hours a week! (click on the picture for a closer view)
Jamie Wilcox

1999
In with the new...

Jamie Wilcox appointed new Executive Director.
Family Support Group receives an independent charity status. Bureau is launched on the net www.voluntarywork.org.uk.
The VB is the first in the country to launch a website giving people information about how to get involved in volunteering and a proactive opportunity to contact organisations directly.
The VB gains company limited by guarantee status. Registration of volunteers continues to rise: 1,044
2000
New Developments and Horizons

2000 Image
New Millennium Volunteers Project for young people. Mentor Point established. Registrations: 984
Office Picture

2001
Another Milestone
Lady Goodman dies. New Award set up in her name.
New projects and services ensures the VB is one of the strongest volunteer development agencies in the country.
Supported Needs project set up. Registrations: 1,562
2002
Continued Success...

2002 Picture
Fundraising – new projects. National Quality Standards accreditation awarded.
Large staff and volunteer group – 24 people! The VB is one of 35 Bureaux in the country who are first to receive the Volunteer Development England Quality accreditation mark.
Registrations: 1,500
Website Picture

2003
New VB website Launched...
Registrations reach 1,700 – Over 50% done online.
The Resettlement Scheme is launched.  A fantastic innovative project, only one of it’s kind in Britain enabling ex-offenders on day release to volunteer.
2004
Thirty-five years and Counting ...

2002 Picture
In 2004, The VB handled over 19,000 enquiries, via telephone, postal, drop-in and internet services. Over 1,750 people have registered for voluntary work. Equating to 637,000 hours of voluntary work or £7,000,000 generated by the VB.
The VB is awarded a new Home Office contract to run mentoring and befriending across the whole of London. The programme registered and trained 275 people and placed over 200 mentors in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster’s secondary schools and community groups.
VB celebrates 35 years being at the forefront of promoting volunteering and community involvement as a valuable and effective solution to community issues.
Website Picture

2005
New brands and New Beginnings ...
Kensington and Chelsea Volunteer Bureau re-brands under a new licence agreement in conjunction with Volunteering England to Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea.
VC secures funding to run a new project for people at risk of homelessness.
Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea is one of just nine organisations in England, to have been awarded the ‘Investing in Volunteers’ Quality Standard, for recognition of our work with volunteers.