Home-Start Leeds

Name of Organisation

Home-Start Leeds

Why did you decide to go for Investing in Volunteers?

-To recognise and validate our organisation’s work with volunteers

-To formally recognise and value the fantastic work our volunteers do

-To highlight our areas for improvement

-To gain recognition from external agencies of our attainment of a quality kitemark (e.g. influential in future funding bids, partnerships)

-We had the time/funding to go for IiV through GoldStar (Cabinet Office) funding

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

- The process has allowed staff the time to reflect on our work and affirmed that what we do is “inspirational” (our assessor’s word!) and exemplary!

- It has further strengthened the relationship and mutual respect between volunteers and the rest of our organisation

- Through this process, we have and hope to continue to positively influence other outcomes e.g. partnership working, funding bids etc

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

-We found the process straightforward and clear.

-We feel that the process has enough flexibility to be adaptable to the needs of the wide variety of volunteer- involving organisations

- We felt supported and listened to by our assessor and felt we were able to pace the process to fit our needs

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

• Be realistic with the time you need to undertake the assessment

• Designate a lead person/team to drive the assessment forward

• Involve volunteers in the process, if possible

• Set yourself targets and timetable work e.g. 2 half days per week to cover 2 indicators of the self assessment

• Be structured/methodical in your approach to the process