Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From subscription magazines to snazzy industry gala invites, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of EEIBA Chief Executive, Timothy Lambert.
From bikes to benevolence, this self-proclaimed “professional beggar” has been in the charity business for over thirty years. A born and bred Londoner, Timothy started his career working as a qualified housing officer and is a member of the Chartered Institution of Housing. He is currently living in Lightwater, Surrey. Timothy’s transition into charity work started when he was approached by a car charity enquiring about the building of sheltered housing. Shortly after, he was working for this charity’s PR department and organizing key fundraising events. Timothy eventually moved on to become Director of Fundraising for the Parkinson’s Disease Society. It was here he came across the job opening for Chief Executive of the EEIBA.
“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Timothy. “These jobs don’t come by often. It was everything coming together.”
Four interviews later, Timothy landed the job. And despite the high pressure and time consumption, Timothy says it is the “most fulfilling” job he could ever ask for.
1. Scottish Charity Registration Papers: The EEIBA is applying to become a registered charity in Scotland, as currently they only have a charity number for England.
2. E-learning Package: The EEIBA is about to implement e-learning for staff and volunteers on welfare related issues. Timothy is currently in the midst of working on the modules.
3. 2008 EEIBA Diary: Timothy is a man in demand. He is already filling his 2008 diary with events and meetings. Timothy describes his planner as the “key driving force” on his desk.
4. Budgets and Forecasts: As well as being the Chief Executive, Timothy is the EEIBA’s Company Secretary. He is currently in the middle of working on 2008’s budgets.
5. Mobile Phone Holder: This mini deck chair phone holder was a gift given to Timothy by his son, who is currently attending university in Bourmouth. “He’s studying sports development,” said Timothy. “Along with rugby, blondes and beer.”
6. SELECT Electrotechnical Industry Awards Invitation: Timothy was invited to rub shoulders alongside some of the industry’s finest at SELECT’s annual industry celebration. “We’re out and about all over the UK, not just England,” said Timothy.
7. Power Ball 2007 Seating Plan: This premier social event in the electrical industry calendar is the EEIBA’s largest annual fundraising event. The event, which has been incredibly successful since its creation in the 1930’s, has had a tremendous positive response and Timothy is doing everything he can to squeeze more people in.
8. Trade Press Magazine: Timothy tries to get the EEIBA in the trade press as much as possible to increase awareness about the organization and the wonderful support services offered, as well as to link people to the EEIBA website. That being said, be sure to check out www.eeiba.org
9. HOG Magazine: An acronym for Harley Davidson Owners Group, Timothy subscribes to this magazine because he owns and rides a Harley Davidson V-Rod. He’s been riding for ten years and has been to a Harley Convention in the South of France. “When the riders took their helmets off it was a sea of grey hair,” said Timothy, supporting his choice of taking up the sport later in life. “The magazine tells stories about people’s exploits around the world…and I look at it enviously over lunch.”
10. Paperwork on the search engine “Benevolence Today”:
www.benevolencetoday.org - This coalition of charities have banded together to create a charity search engine and increasing awareness though pooling resources in marketing and communications.
11. Letter of Enquiry: This letter was sent to Timothy by a woman who is interested in getting involved with charity work. He is going to email her back and suggest that she starts as a volunteer and builds from there. “It’s damn hard work,” said Timothy. “The reality is it’s a combination of perspiration and inspiration.” Anyone interested in volunteering for the EEIBA can find out more by visiting their website or calling 020 8673 0131. Said Timothy: “Volunteers are a tremendous help to us.”
12. Guide to Social Services: This guidebook helps readers sort through legislation and social policy issues. The EEIBA is listed in this book.
13. Case Paperwork: Timothy is reviewing a case for a disabled applicant that needs help to receive level-access facilities. The EEIBA has six telephone help lines that are association/company specific. The paperwork involved is an internal authorization process that involves a specific set of rules. Timothy then approves the applicant, deciding whether or not they are eligible and in need.
14. Pen Set: This gift was given to Timothy by his fiancée, Joanna. Despite his insanely hectic winter schedule, Timothy is getting married in December…on his birthday! He plans on having an intimate gathering of family and close friends. “And no, we’re not doing a raffle,” joked Timothy.