Possible return of unfriendly, bossy volunteer

Hedgehog99 wrote: »

Unless the particular charity is personally important to you, or unless it is the only conveniently located CS for you to work in, I would get into a position where you are prepared and equipped to leave.

If you can get a reference now from a manager who knows how good you have been (before Maureen has the chance to poison their mind), then perhaps you can get a position recognising your skills at an alternative CS?

Surprisingly, another volunteer at my charity has asked for a reference and has been there for 3 years, management refused out right stating 'they don't give references' and the area manager didn't even know who she was, fair enough she only does an hour a week but the manager ought to have known who she was. Not convinced at all, they will give me a reference now.

Maureens are toxic and unless this is realised by those with the power to deal with them, it's devastating for the rest of the staff. I've been there, bullied by a colleague and then finding management doesn't properly deal with the perpetrator. It is miserable.

I agree people like Maureen are toxic. But it's like management don't seem to care. They know exactly how she is but they view her as unreplaceable or something. Which is ridiculous as everyone (myself included) has managed fine without her. Some are even glad she isn't there. W

If the management of your CS are not up to taking a stand and getting rid of Maureen, then I'm afraid they don't care enough about you or your good colleagues. Many managers think they have a happy team and are oblivious of the misery beneath the surface, but your managers have been told about her before, and by an independent witness too, so there is no excuse for their toothless behaviour.

They probably won't even realise their mistake when the good volunteers all leave and the shop's closed most of the time because the only volunteer still there (Maureen in her personal empire), isn't, well, there very often.

You could wait and see if the rumours are true (while equipping yourself to leave). If she arrives and is rude, just walk out, and phone your manager to explain why.

You are right I am just going to see what happens and stand my ground. If she's rude I will just have to deal with it. She has a way of twisting things (for example we walking out makes it look like I am stroppy and unreasonable or a "diva" and I can't work with people, or at least that is how she would spin it.)

I wish you well and hope you can end up in a happy volunteering situation without any more Maureens.

elsien wrote: »

I'm curious as to where your manager is all the days you're opening up etc because there's no one else there. Surely they should be present enough to spot any issues for themselves?