How volunteering with the CIPR enhanced my professional practice

The outgoing chair of CIPR East Anglia describes how five years of volunteering at the network provided unique opportunities and helped him overcome imposter syndrome.

By James Sharp

After five years volunteering for the CIPR East Anglia committee including two as chair, I’ve decided it is time to step back. It is a strange feeling, marking the end of a chapter that has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. Volunteering with the CIPR has been one of the most enriching experiences of my career, and as I prepare to hand over the baton, I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learned along the way.

Stepping in, despite the imposter syndrome

When I first put myself forward as a volunteer, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was stepping into. My imposter syndrome was working overtime, whispering that I wouldn’t fit in, that everyone else would be more experienced or more established, and that I would never quite measure up.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

From the very first meeting, I realised this wasn’t a space where you had to prove yourself. It was a space where people supported one another to grow. The committee welcomed me with genuine warmth, curiosity, and encouragement. Instead of feeling out of place, I found myself surrounded by colleagues who valued openness, collaboration, and the collective strength that comes from bringing diverse perspectives together.

Over time, those early doubts faded. What replaced them was a growing confidence in my own voice, my ideas, and the contribution I could make. Volunteering didn’t just help me feel part of the professional community; it strengthened my belief that our field thrives when we stretch beyond our comfort zones and step forward even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

Expanding horizons

As my involvement grew, so did my appreciation for the breadth and depth of our regional network. I had initially joined with the hope of giving something back to the profession, but I quickly realised just how much I was gaining in return.

Being part of a volunteer community that connects practitioners across such a vast and diverse region has opened my eyes to the many ways communications is evolving. From agencies and freelancers to in-house leads in health, local government, education, science and the private sector. Every conversation has enriched my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry - from digital transformation and data ethics to accessibility, inclusivity and the fight against misinformation.

That diversity of thought and experience has shaped my own practice in ways I didn’t anticipate. It has helped me see issues from different angles and encouraged me to adapt, innovate and stay alert to emerging trends.

Leading with purpose

Taking on the role of chair has been one of the most fulfilling leadership experiences of my career. It is a unique position. One that blends strategy, empathy, curiosity and a genuine commitment to people. Working with an incredible team of volunteers to deliver events, create opportunities for professional development and champion our members has been a privilege.

The role has sharpened skills that sit at the core of effective communication: strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, collaboration and long-term planning. It has also taught me how to bring people together around a shared purpose, even when they are juggling busy day jobs and personal commitments.

Learning through connection

One of the greatest lessons from the past five years is that professional growth is rooted in connection. Some of the most valuable insights haven’t come from formal training sessions or conferences, but from the informal conversations; the moments after an event when ideas are exchanged, the discussions during committee meetings, the chats that happen over our WhatsApp group when creativity tends to spark.

The CIPR network is full of generous, passionate practitioners who care deeply about the integrity of our profession. Working alongside them has challenged me to think differently, to stay curious, and to keep learning. It has also reinforced that volunteering is not just about giving time; it is about nurturing relationships, building community and creating the conditions for others to thrive.

Five top tips for anyone considering volunteering

As I step down, colleagues have asked what advice I’d give to someone thinking about getting involved. These are the five things I wish I’d known at the start:

1. Start before you feel “ready”
Volunteering isn’t about being the most knowledgeable person in the room. It’s about being willing to contribute, learn and grow. Don’t wait for perfect confidence as it rarely arrives on its own.

2. Be open to opportunities beyond your comfort zone
Some of the most rewarding moments come from trying something new, whether that’s leading an event, shaping a project or supporting a campaign. Stretching yourself leads to genuine growth.

3. Connect with people intentionally
Volunteering is built on relationships. Make time to speak to others, share ideas, and learn from different perspectives. Those connections can become some of the most valuable in your career.

4. Treat it as part of your professional development
A CIPR volunteer role gives you hands-on experience in leadership, planning and delivery, all of which strengthen your day-to-day practice. Lean into it with curiosity and professionalism, and you will benefit enormously.

5. Remember that your contribution matters
You don’t need to be the most senior person to make a difference. Every task, every idea and every bit of support contributes to a stronger, more connected professional community.

Giving back, moving forward

Over the past five years, I have seen first-hand how volunteering with the CIPR elevates practitioners at every stage of their career. It builds confidence, develops leadership, encourages critical thinking and anchors you in the wider conversation about what good practice looks like in a rapidly changing world.

As I step down, I do so with a huge sense of pride in what we have achieved as a region, and in the way our profession continues to evolve. The next chapter for CIPR East Anglia will bring new voices, fresh ideas and continued ambition. I am excited to see where it leads.

To anyone considering volunteering: do it. You will gain far more than you give, and you will enrich your practice, your confidence and your sense of community in ways you might not expect.

James Sharp is a chartered PR professional and senior communications manager for NHS Mid and South Essex.