Council apprentice Miss Tina Garner has taken on a part-time role providing administrative support to Voluntary Centre Services West Lindsey for six months. The role will involve dealing with enquiries, supporting volunteers and helping at workshops and events.

If successful, the council could offer a similar service to other organisations and businesses in the district. A spokeman for the Council said:

“The council is a keen supporter of the voluntary sector and recognises the valuable and irreplaceable work volunteers do in their communities. By working more closely with Voluntary Centre Services, we can support them in promoting and encouraging volunteering across the district.

“This is also a really helpful way for the council to bring in extra income as we look for new sources of funding that will prevent us having to make service cuts.”

Voluntary Centre Services are funding the post for six months initially and, if  successful, it is hoped that this will become a model for the future. Mrs. Gill Taylor, area co-ordinator for Voluntary Centre Services West Lindsey, said:

“We are really excited about this new joint initiative with West Lindsey District Council. It’s win-win for us – Tina brings her excellent customer service and admin skills to support our work in the volunteer centre and also helps us to spread awareness of volunteering among her colleagues and customers at the council.”

Miss Garner, from Gainsborough, is currently studying an apprenticeship in Level 2 Customer Service. She said she was looking forward to learning more skills. She said:

“This is a great opportunity for me to combine customer service skills gained at West Lindsey District Council in a new environment with Voluntary Centre Services and improve my administration skills.”