Community presenter FAQs

We get lots of requests from local community groups wanting to know more about the Marine Conservation Society and our work. We've created three talks so that we can help people across the UK learn more about the following themes:

• An introduction to the Marine Conservation Society
• Ocean pollution
• Climate change and the ocean

Talks have been created to last approximately 30-45mins. These talks can be adapted in length based on a group's needs, but PowerPoint presentations and some suggested speaker notes are provided in the resources area for guidance. Slides can be removed to reduce the talk length if needed.

The talks have been created to support requests from local community groups who would like to know more about the work of the Marine Conservation Society. These talks are for adult groups only. If a group is requesting a talk for young people or vulnerable adults, they should be directed to our education team who have more appropriate content and the required safeguarding procedures in place. The education team can be contacted at: education@mcsuk.org

Talks are promoted and offered to the public through our website here. The webpage includes an online booking enquiry form.

Presenters can also arrange talks locally. A promotional flyer is available in resources. If you need printed copies posting to you then please email seachampions@mcsuk.org.

You can ask people to complete the enquiry form on the website or you can go straight to step 5 in the booking process below.

When an organiser books a talk, they are advised that for 'in-person' talks, they must be able to provide any equipment (projector and screen, speakers, laptop with USB and charger etc) and the presenter will provide the presentation. You could email them a PowerPoint in advance or you might find it handy to have it available on a USB device, for example.

If equipment isn't available, you can offer a talk without using the slides if you feel confident to do so.

Weekday evenings are likely to be the most popular time for talk requests but there may also be opportunities' on weekdays and at weekends too. This is a really flexible way to volunteer. If you are contacted for availability, you can say 'no' or fit a booking around your other commitments.

If organisers have a preferred date in mind, they're asked to allow at least 4 weeks’ notice so that we can manage expectations and have time to match their request with a presenter in their area.

We know that volunteering can sometimes incur costs, such as travel or parking. If these costs would be a barrier to volunteering, please email us for more information.