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Investing In Volunteers

According to the 2005 Citizenship survey, approximately 18 million people volunteer every year-completing an equivalent of 90 million hours of work. Excellent volunteer management is essential in providing volunteers with a positive experience and towards achieving the organisation's objectives.

Investing in Volunteers is the only national quality standard that recognises excellence in volunteer management and which is applicable to all types of organisations, across all sectors. Organisations include: public services, voluntary and community sector as well as private companies that provide employee supported volunteers.

Help for Organisations wishing to Acheive Investing in Volunteers Award

Three Volunteer Centres in Devon have been awarded Investing in Volunteers Partner status after completing a training programme. This means they can offer 8 hours assistance free of charge to organisations undertaking Investing in Volunteers.

Contact either East Devon, Mid Devon or Teignbridge Volunteer Centre to find out more.

Investing in Volunteers covers four key volunteer management themes:

• Planning for volunteers
• Recruiting volunteers
• Selecting & matching volunteers to appropriate roles
• Supporting, retaining & recognizing volunteers

These areas have been divided into 10 indicators, each supported by a range of practices that organisations need to demonstrate in order to be awarded the Investing in Volunteers standard:

Indicator 1

There is an expressed commitment to the involvement of volunteers, and recognition throughout the organisation that volunteering is a two-way process, which benefits volunteers and the organisation.

Indicator 2

The organisation commits appropriate resources to working with volunteers, such as money, management, staff time and resources.

Indicator 3

The organisation is open to involving volunteers who reflect the diversity of the local community, in accordance with the organisation's stated aims and operational procedures.

Indicator 4

The organisation develops appropriate roles for volunteers which are of value to the volunteer and create an environment where they can develop

Indicator 5

The organisation is committed to ensuring volunteers are protected from physical, financial and emotional harm arising from volunteering

Indicator 6

The organisation is committed to using fair, efficient and consistent recruitment procedures for all potential volunteers.

Indicator 7

The organisation takes a considered approach to taking up references and official checks which is consistent and equitable for all volunteers.

Indicator 8

Clear procedures are put into action for introducing new volunteers to the organisation, its work, policies, practices and relevant personnel.

Indicator 9

Everybody in the organisation is aware of the need to give new volunteers recognition.

Indicator 10

The organisation takes into account of the varying support needs of the volunteers.

Investing in Volunteers is a web based product and everything you will need to help you through the process can be found on line. If you would like more information or have any questions or queries please visit the website at http://iiv.investinginvolunteers.org.uk/ or call your local Volunteer Centre.