Member Article

Mancunian ladies on mission to bolster region’s falling volunteer rates by helping chronically ill find work

Amid falling charitable volunteering rates in the North West , two women from Greater Manchester have committed their spare time to helping the UK’s long term sick access meaningful work.

Pauline Taylor and Nicola Smith have both been appointed area managers for the North West for ground-breaking charity ASTRiiD (Available Skills for Training, Refreshing, Improvement, Innovation and Development).

Inspired by the story of founder David Shutts OBE, who passed away in May 2018, less than a year after launching the charity, Pauline and Nicola both felt compelled to see how they could help the ‘invisible talent pool’ that David had identified.

David founded ASTRiiD in July 2017 after he was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer ten days after his 50th birthday. Despite enjoying an applaudable career within the Royal Navy, where he was commended for his leadership skills and subsequent directorial roles in the business world, his prognosis left David feeling inadequate and isolated.

Realising that there must be thousands of others just like him feeling ignored because of a health diagnosis, David set up ASTRiiD, a professional online matchmaking service. Jobseekers describe their skills and how and when they can work; employers list the work they have available and ASTRiiD links them up.

Pauline and Nicola will initially be connecting with those who have signed up as business partner but have yet to post a vacancy. They will advise and help businesses benefit from the invaluable voluntary or paid-for coaching and mentoring ASTRiiD’s highly experienced members can offer.

Having worked in HR for over 25 years in both the public and private sector, Pauline said: “I’ve recently retired, and it was always my intention to do voluntary work to give something back to society. When I saw David interviewed on BBC Breakfast I was so inspired. I wanted to make an active contribution and felt that my HR background could be of use.

“I’ll be working with ASTRiiD’s other area managers to help troubleshoot any practical problems that HR departments may have in moving forwards with ASTRiiD. I’ll also help formulate appropriate contracts as well as contacting new businesses to encourage them to sign up as a partner. I want to do everything I can to help it grow.”

Nicola, 29 from Astley, a Commercial Programme Manager for The BOC Group commented: “I learned about ASTRiiD at the Salesforce World Tour in London when David’s brother Steve Shutts, Chairman of ASTRiiD gave the Keynote speech. What he said was so raw and powerful you could have heard a pin drop in that room and as a young professional I was incredibly motivated to do whatever I could to help.

“When Steve was talking I was reminded of an old friend who continued to work despite battling cancer and it brought home the true value of work, and the sense of purpose and worth it can afford an individual. I’ve made plans of how I can approach key influences within the business sphere and I can’t wait to get started!”

Steve Shutts, Chairman at ASTRiiD said: “We’re so pleased to welcome Pauline and Nicola as ASTRiiD area managers for the North West region. It’s overwhelming how David’s story and vision has resonated to such an extent that people are being galvanised into action. A light is now shining on the invisible talent pool and businesses are benefiting from a more diverse, experienced workforce, increased productivity, salary savings from flexible working and much more!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by ASTRiiD .