by Investing in Volunteers (Platinum Sponsor for the AVM Conference 2025)
In today’s dynamic voluntary sector, one truth stands firm: volunteers are the lifeblood of countless organisations. Their time, energy, and passion drives impact and strengthens communities. But great volunteering doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when organisations make a conscious decision to invest in their volunteers.
Investing in Volunteers (IiV) is the national standard for good practice in volunteer management but it is more than a framework—it’s a philosophy. It’s about recognising that volunteers deserve the same strategic attention and support as paid staff. When organisations commit to quality volunteer management, they’re not just improving processes—they’re building a culture of respect, inclusion, and excellence.
Why Investing in Volunteers Matters
The IiV standard is a nationally recognised quality framework that helps organisations reflect on how they involve volunteers, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate what they’re doing well. It’s not just a badge—it’s a roadmap to better practice.
By working through the IiV process, organisations learn to:
- Listen to volunteers and understand their motivations and needs.
- Create supportive environments where volunteers feel valued and empowered.
- Build robust systems that ensure consistency, fairness, and sustainability.
- Use feedback to shape better experiences and drive continuous improvement.
When volunteers feel heard and respected, they thrive—and so do the organisations they support. That’s why investing in volunteers isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for long-term impact and growth.
Leading by Example
Organisations that pursue the IiV standard are making a bold statement: we care about our volunteers, and we’re committed to doing things right.
This commitment sends a powerful message to funders, stakeholders, and the wider community. It shows that volunteer involvement is strategic, intentional, and aligned with organisational values.
As Janet Lewis-Jones, Lead Assessor for IiV, puts it:
“It’s so rewarding to see organisations invest in their volunteers by making sure their practice meets standards. Talking to volunteers about their experiences and feeding that back to organisations is a real privilege. Seeing them get recognition for it is just the icing on the cake.”
Janet has worked with thousands of volunteers and organisations across the UK, over the two decades working with IiV, helping them improve policy and practice. Her insights reflect the transformative power of investing in volunteers—not just for the individuals involved, but for the organisations themselves.
Real Stories, Real Impact
One recent IiV achiever, We The Curious, will be sharing their journey at the upcoming AVM conference in October 2025. Their Volunteer Programme Manager will join Janet to offer practical insights into how the IiV process helped them strengthen their volunteer programme, improve engagement, and embed volunteer voice into decision-making.
Their story is a testament to what’s possible when organisations take volunteer management seriously. From grassroots groups to national charities, the IiV framework offers a scalable, adaptable approach to excellence.
A Proven Path to Excellence
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing volunteer programme, IiV provides a clear structure to help you:
- Benchmark your current practices.
- Identify strengths and gaps.
- Engage volunteers in meaningful ways.
- Build a culture of continuous improvement.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. The IiV team offers support, guidance, and expert assessment to help you every step of the way.
Invest in What Matters Most
Volunteers give their time, skills, and heart to your cause. The least we can do is ensure they’re supported, respected, and set up for success. By investing in volunteers, you’re investing in the future of your organisation—and in the communities you serve.
So, whether you’re attending the AVM conference or exploring ways to improve your volunteer programme, remember this: leading the way in volunteer management starts with investing in volunteers.
Learn more about the IiV standard and how it can support your organisation at http://www.investinginvolunteers.co.uk.
