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My role: Chair
 Il Presidente I think I’d only been out with OCV three times before I was asked by Nora Allavoine if I’d take over from her as Chair when she moved to Brussels; looking back, maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to take up a position whose previous incumbent was fleeing the country! However, it wasn't a hard decision as, even after only relatively limited experience with the group, I knew OCV was something I wanted to have as much involvement with as possible. I'm in my fourth year as Chair now and there are still always new things to learn. As the title suggests, the main function of my role is to chair OCV's monthly Committee meetings, which is where most of the decisions behind the running of the group take place. Though I say it myself, the Committee work really well together and are fortunately a pretty civilised bunch, so there aren't many fights to break up - the main challenge is to make sure that the meetings don't run over and that we get to the pub on time! As well as performing the vital function of providing inspirational leadership to the OCV Committee, I deal with enquiries that come in through the website. These range from questions from individuals who are interested in coming out with the group for the first time (which is great), to companies asking us to arrange weekday volunteering outings for their staff (which is less great). Since OCV is a registered charity, I also make sure we're complying with Charity Commission requirements and that no one is slipping expense claims for moat cleaning in with their tea and biscuit receipts.  ...and what happens if you don't obey Miranda! Acting as Chair for OCV has been very rewarding on a personal level, but it has undoubtedly also helped me professionally. I've gained a lot of confidence through chairing meetings and corresponding with volunteers and clients, and since I work in the conservation sector there have also been direct benefits in terms of my knowledge of the natural environment and the way in which conservation is organised. I would definitely recommend that anyone who wants to add some extra interest to their CV should consider getting involved with the running of an organisation like OCV. Oh, and by coincidence, it looks like we might have some vacancies coming up! Hint hint. Miranda Gardner OCV Chair - a.k.a. Il Presidente |