Voluntary Action North Somerset

Voluntary Action North Somerset achieved the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard in May 2007.

This is a recognition of the excellent work we do with volunteers. Sian Clason-Thomas, Development Manager for Services to Volunteers with VANS, said “We are delighted to have achieved this award – it shows that we really do put our ideals into practice and give our volunteers a really good experience with us.” Investing in Volunteers is a the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers. Investing in Volunteers aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and for organisations to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by volunteers. Investing in Volunteers is managed by the UK Volunteering Forum and delivered by Volunteering England, Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Development Agency in Northern Ireland and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

VANS was assessed against a range of best practice standards and proved to excel in all aspects of working with it’s volunteers.

Linda Shaw, Director of VANS, said,

“It has been a real boost to achieve this award. It was hard work and made us reflect on how we welcome and involve our own volunteers in the work of the organisation. But it has been worth it – our staff are more confident in recruiting and supporting volunteers, and our volunteers really appreciate the support and opportunities we provide for them to develop their skills.”

Amanda Aziz, Volunteer said

“Contributing as a volunteer for the VANS drop-in is a rewarding experience which has been made more valuable by the continued support of staff within the organisation. VANS is exemplary in its development of the voluntary sector and thoroughly deserves an award in recognition of this”

Investing in Volunteers is unique in that it is the only standard that focuses on volunteers. It is based on four areas of volunteer management; planning for volunteer involvement, recruiting volunteers, selecting and matching volunteers and supporting and retaining volunteers. Further information about the Standard can be found on www.investinginvolunteers.org.uk . The Standard will enhance volunteer management and is rigorous but designed to be simple to implement and not to generate large amounts of paperwork. It is the only quality standard that has independent external validation with a UK Quality Assurance Panel that makes recommendations to the UK Volunteering Forum, the awarding body.