Slice of Life: Peter Cocks of Volunteering Australia

Super Slicer Peter Cocks recently volunteered some of his time to bring us up to speed with Volunteering Australia, International Volunteer Day happening on December 5, and his love of a good brie.

What is your role with Volunteering Australia?
I am the National Communications Manager responsible for the overall public relations, marketing and media management for the organisation.

What does Volunteering Australia do?
Volunteering Australia is the peak body for volunteering in Australia. We aim to promote volunteering, and issues that affect volunteering, nationally. Volunteering Australia also manages National Volunteer Week held annually in May, and International Volunteer Day held annually on December 5th.

What do you do with all the news items you receive?
Media clippings are analysed to identify trends and to assist with the evaluation of media campaigns.

How does monitoring the media affect the organisation, and achievement of business goals?
Most State Volunteering Centres do not have media monitoring in place so Volunteering Australia plays an important role being able to identify emerging trends and issues in the volunteering sector. Evaluation of media campaigns, especially where linked to sponsorship or specialised project funding, is a critical part of future funding bids.

Why Slice over other monitoring services?
Moving to Slice has allowed us to substantially reduce our monitoring costs but allows us full digital access to clippings. The recent extension of packages to 90 days will reduce our costs even further and make the packages more attractive.

What's the best thing you like about Slice?
Customer service has been exceptional including a quick response to queries, and the web site is very functional, simple to use and not complex.

Tips for other subscribers?
Continually refine your search strings and ask advice on how to fine tune your searches.

How has Slice made a difference to your job and/or organisation?
The cost saving to a not-for-profit organisation is very important, easy digital access saves us processing time and provides a more instant service, and the ability to refine search strings has made us give more consideration to what we want from our media monitoring service.

Low-carb lite or full strength heavy?
Lite beer or just water as I am usually the designated driver.

4WD or convertible?
Family car – not car conscious so I go for practicality.

Cheddar or brie?
Absolutely brie, preferably King Island Double Brie, but it must be room temperature.

Antarctica or Acapulco?
My golden rule is to only go on holidays to a place where a Hilton Hotel would not be out of place. Acapulco wins.