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My time on the Assemble Volunteer User Panel

Susannah Robinson holds multiple volunteering roles for the MS Society, including Group Coordinator of our Gwynedd/Ynys Mon Group and Chair of Cymru Council.

She tells us about her time on the Assemble Volunteer User Panel, and shares some tips on what you can do to prepare for the launch of our new volunteer management system.

Can you tell us about your role as a member of the Assemble Volunteer User Panel?

I've been a part of the Assemble Volunteer User Panel since the group was formed at the end of last year. We've been meeting about once a month for an hour or two and get updates as to what’s happening. We have a certain amount of input, but it's more about gauging our reactions to things, so that the ultimate roll out of the system to volunteers will be smoother.

We see Assemble from the volunteers’ point of view, and we're able to highlight potential problems. This gives the Assemble staff team an idea of points that perhaps need extra attention in training materials and communications. It’s been interesting to see Assemble develop.

Why were you keen to get involved?

I like to know what's going on. I also feel that because I do a lot with the MS Society, I’m able to see things from different angles and perspectives. I used to work for a small software company and did a lot of the testing, so I find it interesting from that point of view too.

What do you think will be the main benefit of Assemble for volunteers?

Hopefully it will make things easier. Assemble will replace multiple platforms, such as the Portal and REACH, so it will mean volunteers no longer have to jump from one system to another, or have to remember emails and passwords for numerous systems. It should make everything simpler and more streamlined.

What advice would you give to your fellow volunteers in preparation for the launch?

Approach it with an open mind. Don't give up before you've started. A lot of time and effort’s gone into it to try and make volunteering life easier. You do have to spend a bit of time to learn how to use it, but it shouldn’t take too long and ultimately it will make your life easier.

Don't be afraid to ask questions - there'll be plenty of people on hand to support you, lots of ‘how to’ videos and written guidance. You can find Assemble information and the first of the ‘how to’ videos, including an introduction to the system, on the Volunteer Website here.

Speak to others to learn about how they’re using it to benefit them and what the advantages of Assemble are. Bear in mind that the system is already being used by lots of other organisations. It’s worked for them, so it can work for us too

What would you say to any volunteers who might be hesitant to learn how to use the new system?

Using a new system can be daunting. Ask somebody if you're uncertain. There’s no such thing as a silly question. One thing I learnt when I used to do training with people in my job was that they were scared of doing something wrong. They’d ask, “Can I wreck it? Can I delete everybody's data”? The answer is no, you won’t have that level of access to do any serious damage.

Take it in your own time. Keep up to date with the communications sent to you and look at all the training and support. Look at all the ‘how to’ videos. You don't have to learn everything all at once. Find out what functionality is the most important for your role. Get comfortable using that and then see what else it can do. Take it gradually. You're cleverer and more confident than you think. And, if you've coped with all the MS Society systems in the past, you'll be able to cope with Assemble!

Visit the Assemble homepage on the Volunteer Website here to find all the latest information about our new Volunteer Management System and the support available.