ERSKINE

Name of Organisation

ERSKINE

Why did you decide to go for Investing in Volunteers?

The Investing in Volunteers is recognised as the industry standard in Volunteer Management. Volunteers are vital to the care given to the ex-servicemen and women we care for and therefore it was vital the Erskine do the very best for our Volunteers.

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

The overall process of working towards Investing in Volunteers is has taught us a great deal about the effectiveness of what we do and has been the catalyst to look for continual improvement in our Volunteer Management throughout the organisation.

How did the assessment work in your organisation?

Erskine has 5 sites but our assessor chose the largest two to examine our work. He interviewed 42% of the volunteers at these locations together with staff with responsibility for volunteers. His interviews were informal and volunteers found it a very easy process. The input by our assessor was very supportive throughout. He indicated where we needed to do a bit of work in a very instructive but human way which made it very much easier to respond to.

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

·Do not under estimate the time involved in collecting evidence

·Work through each standard systematically

·Ensure that all staff and volunteers are kept informed of progress.

·Speak with other organisations that have already undergone the process

·Ensure that volunteers understand it is not them that are being assessed but the organisation.

What training/learning did you require to help you meet the standards and where did you source it ? e.g.VDS, local Volunteer Centre, local college

The training undertaken at Volunteer Centre prior to the process starting was very helpful. The website was a great help also as was networking with other organisations that had already undergone the process.