Fresh Start

Name of Organisation

Fresh Start

Why did you decide to go for Investing in Volunteers?

Fresh Start was specifically set up to involve the wider community in volunteering opportunities to help previously homeless people, we are always looking at ways to improve our service to volunteers and show our commitment to them. Investing in volunteers seemed like an ideal opportunity to review our current practice.

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

We found the process of the self assessment an opportunity to look over our current practice and make improvements. We have also implemented some new practices as well which has been an improvement to our service. The volunteers appreciated been consulted and the opportunity to talk to the outside assessor.

How did the assessment work in your organisation?

It worked well - gave Fresh Start the opportunity to review our current practice.

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

• When gaps are identified give responsibility to specific staff members
• Use your steering group for setting targets and timescale
• Keep all your updated forms/policies in one folder for easy access
• Keep volunteers informed of the process
• Give your volunteers plenty of notice for meeting with the assessor

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

Any questions or queries where dealt with efficiently by our contact at our local volunteer centre.