A new run of the Channel 4 series “The Secret Millionaire” started last night. For those of you who have not seen previous series the basis is that a “millionaire” goes undercover and looks for projects doing great things to which they choose to donate some of their fortune.

Last night the story was of James Benamor, who, by his own admission was a “nightmare ” for his parents when he was young but who through hard work and determination has made millions from his financial services company.

He narrates his own way through the programme and said that he was treating this like he would treat his business. He could not see the point of volunteering so he posed as someone who wanted to volunteer in local projects to find out more.

As you would expect from a show like this there is a definite “feel good factor” involved. You just know that the millionaires will be won over by the wonderful people they meet. I have to admit to feeling a wee bit uncomfortable by the ending of each of the programmes when the “millionaire” goes back to the people they have met to tell them that they are millionaires ( why not just say they have very successful businesses? Suppose the clue is in the title!).But of course the recipients are delighted.

Anyway. That aside. James volunteered on a project for young people which worked with them to complete their schooling, a group run by Mothers Against Violence and with an elderly couple who had opened their home up to homeless young men for many years. He realised that the work they did  was invaluable and relied heavily on support from volunteers.

As a result he has made it possible for his own workforce to have time off for volunteering. James is a shrewd businessman. He clearly sees  that this will benefit  both the community groups and his employees. A good employer will take this into account when reviewing the skills and talent of their  people. A visionary employer will look for examples of volunteering on a CV of a potential hire.  An employer engaged with their community will support volunteers who can share the business skills and resources with organisations who would otherwise have to manage without it.

There are many facets to volunteering and “millions” of opportunities to get involved. James was in a position to write cheques to support these projects too but more often than not the commitment of time, energy and skills can be just as helpful if not even more so.

Why don’t you check out volunteering opportunities today?