by Investing in Volunteers (Gold Sponsor for the AVM Conference 2024)
“This accreditation isn’t just about meeting standards – it’s a heartwarming symbol of our dedication to achieving volunteer excellence.” Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS)
Thousands of organisations rely on the hard work and free time of volunteers, but how do they show their appreciation and recognition for this incredible dedication?
Investing in Volunteers (IiV) gives your organisation the framework you need to assess the quality of your volunteer management and involvement, helping you ensure your volunteers feel valued and supported and enjoy their experience with you.
“The IiV process is undeniably worth the work. As an organisation who felt they already did volunteering well, we were surprised by just how much we gained through the process, and how much of a positive impact it had at every level of the organisation.” The Hwb Torfaen, Wales
Two decades of volunteer recognition
Over the last two decades hundreds of organisations have achieved the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. Many of which renew every three years to keep their systems in check and up to date.
This year saw Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) become the first organisation in the UK to achieve the award seven times, showing consistent dedication to their volunteers.
“Engaging staff in the process is always positive as it gives us a chance to reiterate the value of volunteering for the organisation.” Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
What does the IiV standard cover?
The standard consists of six quality areas. Expert assessors support you through a journey of review, development and assessment that enable you to meet practices under each of the following areas:
Vision for volunteering:
Ensuring volunteering is embedded with the overall vision, values and culture and aims of the organisation and its impact is recognised and communicated. Organisations understand why they involve volunteers.
Planning for volunteers:
People, policies and procedures have been put in place to ensure volunteering is well managed.
Volunteer inclusion:
There is a positive approach to inclusion, equity and diversity and a proactive approach to making volunteering accessible.
Recruiting and welcoming volunteers:
It’s easy for volunteers to find out about opportunities, explore whether they are right for them and get involved.
Supporting volunteers:
Volunteers feel supported at all times, that they are a part of the organisation and that they contribution makes a difference.
Valuing and developing volunteers:
Volunteers are valued and there are opportunities for volunteers to develop and grow through their experience.
What are the benefits of Investing in Volunteers?
There are many benefits to achieving IiV. Your IiV assessor will help you to:
✓ Create a structured environment for volunteer managers
✓ Review and strengthen processes, policies and procedures to ensure safe and legal volunteer management
✓ Identify areas for development and innovation in your programme
✓ Develop a greater understanding of the importance of volunteers in your organisation, the impact they have and how they help the organisation achieve its goals
✓ Support volunteer managers through regular mentoring with assigned assessor
✓ Develop clear boundaries and expectations for volunteering in your organisation and for your volunteers
✓ Develop relevant and diverse volunteer role profiles
✓ Enhance volunteers’ experience
Achievers also report many benefits to achieving the Investing in Volunteers award:
✓ Increases volunteer motivation and enhances their experience
✓ Builds volunteer trust and confidence
✓ Raises the profile of volunteering within the organisation, boosting morale
✓ Encourages more people to volunteer
✓ Reassures funders money is being well-spent through having a well-managed volunteering programme that links into organisational strategy and impact
✓ An opportunity to reflect on what we do with volunteers and demonstrate how much we really value them
Stay in touch with Investing in Volunteers on LinkedIn and subscribe to the newsletter to keep up to date with the Award and top tips from the achievers.
More information and how to register for a quote can be found at https://investinginvolunteers.co.uk/
