A TRAILBLAZING scheme aimed at helping good causes get the most out of Swindon businesses is looking for new recruits.

Swindon Employees in the Community Network is believed to be the only local network of its type in the country.

It aims to match up voluntary organisations needing help with businesses that can provide it.

This can take the form of traditional team exercises like garden clearing or decorating, or having a database of firms which are willing to supply their professional skills at no charge.

This skills bank could see a firm of solicitors offer to deal with a charitable organisation's lease renewal, or accountants give cashflow procedures the once-over.

The network wants to hear from firms which can help and organisations that want to be on the receiving end.

On the steering group of the Swindon organisation are big-hitters from the town including Zurich, Intel, Nationwide, npower, Motorola, Thames Water and the De Vere hotel.

Jane Butler, funding advisor from the Charities Information Bureau in Wiltshire, said: "There is a national network that we are replicating in a local form, and as far as we are aware we are the first of our kind.

"Our first aim is to get more people volunteering in Swindon for the benefit of the community. It can be team challenges like repainting a day centre, but also to use companies to recruit people on a more permanent basis."

In essence this means using a firm to spread the word about volunteering and information on how employees can get involved in their spare time. The network came from an idea of Tony Martin, head of community involvement at Zurich, and is now really beginning to spread its wings.

Ms Butler said: "The firms are doing more volunteering than they would have done, which for us is the bottom line."

The benefits of voluntary work from a human resources perspective have been proven time and time again. Staff end up with better communication skills, and feel more satisfaction at work.

Any businesses which would like to find out more about the scope for volunteering, or any volunteer groups looking for extra help, can contact Alex Mullins at the Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557, or Ms Butler at the Charities Information Bureau on 01380 729279.