Flintshire Volunteer Centre is celebrating validation that it continues to offer an outstanding experience to volunteers, and is effective is assuring volunteers that they’re valued.
The Investing in Volunteers Award is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. Every three years, assessors revisit achievers of the quality mark to seek an assurance that they are maintaining quality standards and Flintshire Volunteer Centre has recently proven that it is.
Debbie Long, Senior Volunteer Development Manager said “Volunteers add so much value to our organisation, and their involvement has strengthened our support to the wider community. The retention of the quality mark acknowledges our efforts to understand, and to help fulfil, the goals and aspirations our volunteers wish to achieve through volunteering. Comments made to assessors by our current volunteers were very positive and we’re grateful to them for their participation in the assessment process .”
To quality mark framework has 9 key indicators, requiring the centre prove that it has, for example, a fair and equitable recruitment process, an approach to involving and attracting volunteers that promotes diversity, and an environment where volunteers are protected, safe and supported.
The centre is proud to offer volunteers a role assisting with its Supported Volunteering Programme which helps prepare individuals aged 14 and over to volunteer independently with organisations by improving their communication skills, confidence levels and, in turn, their overall health and wellbeing.
Claire Worrall, Volunteer Development Officer said “As well as supporting local people to take advantage of volunteering opportunities and promoting local and national volunteering opportunities via the Volunteering Wales website, the centre offers information and advice on all aspects of volunteering to the many charitable, voluntary and community groups and organisations throughout Flintshire. The quality mark confirms that we are an authoritative, credible and reliable source of help.”
Flintshire Volunteer Centre is part of Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC), the organisation that champions voluntary and community action. FLVC Chief Officer Ann Woods said “The centre embodies everything that the Investment In Volunteers award promotes. I thank our Volunteer Centre colleagues for their hard work and every member of our wider staff team and Trustee Board for their commitment to recognising and appreciating volunteers.”
If the prospect of volunteering with Flintshire Volunteer Centre’s Supported Volunteering Programme appeals to you, please email volunteers@flvc.org.uk to find out more, or call 01352 744000.
If you’re responsible for volunteers at a voluntary, community or charitable group or organisation in Flintshire and would like advice and guidance, and to learn and share best practice at a Volunteer Organisers’ Network, the centre would love to hear from you.
