Name: Ben Smith
Contact: [email protected]
Place I Call Home
Leicestershire, UK.
Languages Spoken
English and sub-school boy French; “baguette, Gérard Depardieu, la Gare et al a droit” etc.
Volunteer Experience
I have very limited volunteer experience in respect to EDV's activities, but I work very closely with a number of voluntary sector organisations in the Leicestershire health economy and have been inspired by many of the amazing, committed and generous people I encounter.
The voluntary sector and more importantly volunteers save governments and tax payers millions of pounds each year and contribute massively to society in general. In times when we are being bombarded with stories of ‘Broken Britain’ and the breakdown of society the dedication and selflessness exhibited by volunteers all over the globe is a cause for celebration.
Why I Volunteer
My wife Heather and I have volunteered to be the home base for EDV and we'll be the communications centre when EDV are on deployment. I spent 6 years working in finance for the NHS and see EDV as an opportunity to put those incredibly dull accountancy skills to good use!
Professional or Other Related Experience
I have worked closely with the voluntary sector for the past 18 months as a contracts manager for the local NHS Primary Care Trust. I also manage a grants scheme which is available to all voluntary sector organisations within Leicestershire for the improvement of people’s health. This is funded by the NHS and local governments.
Most of my work to date has involved some degree of financial responsibility and I have volunteered to look after the day to day financial aspects of EDV’s activities. I perform the same function for my band (albeit on a smaller scale) and am happy to burying my head in spreadsheets for the greater good!
Random Fact(s)
I once jumped off a pier for £10 and a packet of tobacco….. with no clothes on….. in England…… in February! Cold was not the word.
