Inspiring the next generation through the RISE programme

We’re proud of the work we do for our clients but we’re equally proud of the impact our people make beyond the workplace. One of the most rewarding ways our team gives back is through volunteering with the RISE programme, an initiative designed to help school pupils build essential life and workplace skills.

Recently, Jade Blount and Justina Bandhal volunteered with RISE for the first time, following in the footsteps of others, such as Andy Ryder, Michelle Adams and Lynne Gill, who supported the programme previously. Although each experience was different, they all share the same message: giving your time can make a real difference - to students and to themselves.

Why they volunteered

For all volunteers, the opportunity to inspire young people was the key motivator.

Lynne felt a strong personal connection to the students, having grown up in a school where university wasn’t the norm. She knew how powerful it could be for pupils to meet someone who had taken an alternative path and succeeded later in life.

Justina had always wanted to volunteer but was waiting for the right opportunity. The chance to help boost young people’s confidence and support their personal development was “too good to miss.”

Jade, who had benefitted from strong careers guidance at school, wanted to help students who might not have the same access to advice. Being part of that experience, she said, felt “incredibly rewarding.”

What the volunteers did

Each session involved groups of pupils completing tasks designed to develop skills such as:

• teamwork
• communication
• leadership
• adaptability
• problem‑solving

Volunteers move between groups, offering support, guidance, and real‑world context. They share details about what their roles involve, how they first got started in their careers, and what skills matter most in the workplace.

For Jade and Justina, this meant plenty of lively discussions especially around topics like apprenticeships, earnings, holidays, and what a “typical day” looks like in accountancy and finance. As Justina put it, the students were “genuinely interested and full of great questions.”

The students' questions

Across all sessions, the pupils weren’t shy in asking what they really wanted to know:

• “Did you know what you wanted to do when you left school?”
• “How much do you earn?”
• “What qualifications do you need?”
• “What’s the working day like?”
• “What’s your favourite chocolate?” (a Lynne classic!)

These conversations helped break down barriers and gave students a snapshot of real working life, delivered by people they could easily relate to.

Was it worthwhile? Absolutely.

Every volunteer left feeling inspired—often more than they expected.

Lynne described her morning as “busy but incredibly worthwhile,” and felt she learned as much from the students as they did from her. She left wanting to do more.

Justina said the experience was “100% worthwhile” and loved reading the pupils’ written feedback, which showed how much the workshop had helped them build new skills.

Jade admitted she was nervous at first, but any worries quickly disappeared. The day “far exceeded expectations,” and the positive feedback from students made it truly memorable.

Did our team enjoy the experience?

The answer was a unanimous yes.

There were moments of challenge—especially when working with larger or SEN groups—but every volunteer finished with a sense of achievement and connection.

Justina recalled students telling her she had “a very kind heart.”
Lynne said she’d “definitely volunteer again.”
Jade described the whole experience as “thoroughly enjoyable and incredibly rewarding.”

Opportunities outside of work at Shorts

Volunteering with RISE is just one example of the many opportunities our people have to get involved in meaningful activities outside their day‑to‑day roles.

Whether it’s community engagement, professional development, mentoring, or supporting local education initiatives, we actively encourage our team to pursue experiences that enrich their skills, broaden their perspectives, and make a positive impact.

As Jade, Justina and Lynne have shown, stepping outside your routine can be powerful—not just for the young people you meet, but for your own personal and professional growth.