Brent Mind

Name of Organisation

Brent Mind

Why did you decide to go for Investing in Volunteers?

• To ensure that volunteers were receiving the best possible service.
• To ensure that all our policies and procedures were in line with best practice.
• To gain recognition for the volunteer service within Brent Mind and to our funders.
• To celebrate volunteers.

What benefits have you found from working towards Investing in Volunteers?

• Confidence that we are working within best practice.
• Recognition.
• Celebration of volunteer’s achievements.
• Up-to-date policies and procedures.
• New ways of working with volunteers.
• Cohesive volunteer strategy.

Tell us about your experience of the assessment process in your organisation.

• Assessor was open and friendly and supportive.
• Guidance was provided every step of the way.
• I didn’t feel like we were being “judged”, I felt like we were being helped to achieve the award.

5 Practical tips you would give another organisation working towards Investing in Volunteers

• Leave enough time to organise interviews as this can be quite stressful to co-ordinate.
• Inform staff and volunteers every step of the way.
• Get volunteers involved in the process.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for additional support if you need it.
• Remember that IiV is about practice and not just a folder of policies!