Many Hands Make Light Work for Charity: James Coss on Supporting the Industry Through Tough Times
The Electrical Industries Charity wouldn’t be able to offer the support we do without the volunteers who make it happen behind the scenes. We spoke to James Coss, York Group Manager at CEF and a member of the EIC’s Yorkshire Committee, about the difference the charity makes to the industry, his proudest moments, and his hopes for the future.
Supporting the Industry Through Unprecedented Times
James first got involved with the EIC in 2019 after taking on a more senior role and gaining an understanding of the level of support the EIC can offer employees, supply partners, and customers within the industry. Seeing the support the charity provides was further outlined by some of the challenges that the pandemic that followed in 2020 brought.
“The support was phenomenal at the time,” says James. “It was a really challenging period, and being able to call on the EIC to offer additional support to employees and customers made such a difference.”
That support left a lasting impression on James and ultimately led him to join the charity’s Yorkshire Committee.
“I felt I was in a position to give back, and I saw how important it was,” he says. “It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t get involved. That’s when I discovered the regional committees.”
Bringing the Industry Together
One of James’ proudest achievements as part of the Yorkshire Committee was helping to organise a Summer Lunch event in Leeds.
“The event really underpinned that our industry is not just about Teams calls and meeting virtually, but also about getting together and supporting one another,” James says. “That event showcased how keen people were to connect with others across different segments of the industry.”
James is currently looking forward to the upcoming Yorkshire Christmas Lunch, taking place on 11 December. The annual event brings together industry professionals from across Yorkshire to celebrate the year with food, drink and festivities.
“I’m really pleased to continue supporting the Yorkshire Christmas Lunch at the Harrogate Pavilions,” James says.
“The wider team at CEF helps support the event with raffle prizes, so facilitating that tends to be my go-to responsibility, along with raising awareness among potential new attendees.”
James also hopes to continue raising awareness of the event, particularly among contractors.
Looking ahead, James is excited about the prospect of introducing new events to the Yorkshire calendar over the coming years and is eager to bring fresh ideas to the table.
Life-Changing Support
For James, the impact the EIC has on the industry cannot be overstated.
“The EIC provides life-changing support to those who are in need,” he says.
“Some people who attend our events are surprised by the support that’s available. A lot of them have no idea that this support is in place for people like them. If you are in the industry, we’re here to support you.”
James says the most rewarding part of his work with the EIC is seeing how many people the charity supports each year.
“I’ve learned through our work that our industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, so helping to raise funds and provide more of a platform for people to reach out is something I’m really committed to,” James says.
“That’s the bit that really stands out to me,” he continues, “because that could be someone I know, someone I work with, who may not feel comfortable reaching out to somebody they know. When you see how much support is needed in our industry, it feels good knowing that the more we do for this charity, the more we’re able to help the people who need it.”
Looking Ahead
Over the next few years, James hopes to see even more people getting involved with the charity.
“In the future, I can see the number of people getting involved with the charity growing,” he says. “It’s about getting more people involved and being part of it.”
According to James, the more people who put their hands up to help, the greater the impact of the committee and its ability to fundraise.
“The overall workload is very minor, and when more people get involved, many hands make light work,” he says.
Beyond his committee duties, James says his next step will be to push himself out of his comfort zone by taking on a fundraising challenge.
“Let’s put myself under some duress and raise some funds,” James laughs. “I’m on the lookout for a challenge I can really sink my teeth into and raise some funds for the charity.”
James’ Advice for Future Volunteers
James’ final advice to anyone considering getting involved with the EIC is simple: “Don’t hesitate.”
“Throughout my time on the Yorkshire Committee, I’ve had so much fun and contributed to a really positive cause while doing so. It’s incredible seeing the impact that small acts of kindness can have on people who are struggling, and being able to provide a source of support for people in our industry to turn to when they need help.”
The EIC’s Regional Committees organise and host more than 30 events each year, generating a significant proportion of the charity’s annual income. Not only do they raise much-needed funds, but they also help spread awareness of the Electrical Industries Charity and the support we provide to employees, their families and businesses.
Becoming an EIC Regional Committee member is a great way to get involved and make a difference. If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved—whether as a volunteer, supporter, or committee member—click here to find out more about the ways you can make a difference.
