How JCW Employees Make a Difference Through Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV)

At JCW, our commitment to communities extends beyond the buildings we maintain. We’re proud to support our employees who dedicate their time and skills to causes that make a difference. One of those employees is Martyn, Ipswich Engineer Supervisor, who has been a volunteer with the 21st Ilkeston Scout Group since 2019, an experience that started with a simple favour and grew into a passion.

From a Helping Hand to a Long-Term Commitment

Martyn’s journey into volunteering with the Scouts started quite practically. His two sons were already involved in the local Scout group of Ilkeston, and one weekend he found himself needed to tow a trailer full of equipment to a camp. Since he was the only one who had the vehicle to do it, he made the trip to the Brentwood camp site, and rather than driving back home only to return the next day, he stayed on the camp to help. That one act of support quickly turned into a long-term commitment, and Martyn has now been volunteering for over five years. Martyn has also supported the Scouts through weekly meetings in the village hall, and more importantly, through the annual summer camp in Brentwood, near London. JCW has supported Martyn through our ESV scheme since 2023, giving him the opportunity to dedicate a paid workday to preparing for the summer camping weekend.

JCW’s Volunteer Day

In 2023, Martyn began making use of JCW’s volunteer day benefit, which allows employees to take a paid day each year to support a cause they care about. For Martyn, this means dedicating a full day to preparing the Scouts’ annual camp — pitching tents, setting up cooking areas, and making sure every equipment is ready before the participants arrive.

“It’s a busy day, but hugely rewarding,” he explains. “Having that time supported by JCW makes a real difference. It allows me to give more back to the community.” Each summer camp even has a theme, with a day dedicated to fancy dress: past years have included country western, and this year’s Disney theme.

Martyn's Scout Group Fancy Dress Day — Event in July 2025

Outdoor Adventures and Life Lessons

While Martyn enjoys all aspects of volunteering, it’s the outdoor adventures of camp that truly inspire him. He helps run a wide range of activities, from kayaking, axe throwing, and archery to pioneering projects where young people learn teamwork and problem-solving by building structures out of ropes and poles. “It’s great to get close to nature and help young people learn life skills they might not even realise they’re picking up,” Martyn says. “In a world where so much revolves around screens and technology, Scouts gets them outdoors, working together, and having fun.”

Although Martyn had been a Cub himself as a child, a move to a new town meant he chose football over continuing in Scouts. But through his recent volunteering, he has come to fully appreciate the value of the group, seeing first-hand how these activities shape young people’s confidence, resilience, and life skills. Initially drawn in by his children’s participation, Martyn has found his own enjoyment growing year after year.

The impact is clear. When Martyn first joined as a volunteer, there were just 12 Scouts. Since then, the group has grown to 27 Scouts and expanded beyond Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts to now include all five sections - from Squirrels through to Explorers. Much of this growth has come through word of mouth, as existing members encourage friends to join. The fact that there is now even a waiting list highlights how popular and well-run the group has become, giving more young people the chance to take part in outdoor activities and develop valuable life skills.

Why It Matters

Martyn’s story is a powerful reminder of how small contributions can grow into something much bigger. What started with towing a trailer has become years of dedication, enriching the lives of young people and helping them build skills that will last a lifetime.

At JCW, we’re proud to support initiatives like this through our Volunteer Day programme. It’s one way we can invest in the communities where we live and work, while giving our people the opportunity to make a personal difference.

Get Involved

For JCW employees considering volunteering, Martyn’s advice is simple: just get started. The process is straightforward, and the rewards, both for the volunteers and the community are immense. why not use your volunteer day to support a cause that matters to you? Whether it’s helping a youth group, supporting a local charity, or lending a hand in the community, your day can make a real impact. Speak to your manager to find out how to get started.