From the CVS’s point of view: Rodger Lymburn, Chief Officer, Fenland CVS
There were a number of reasons which prompted Fenland CVS into agreeing to participate in the Investing in Volunteers Award, supporting Kings Lynn & Wisbech Hospital Trust. The CVS already had a good relationship with the Trust as they had provided training courses for volunteers and staff, so they were keen to help support them. They also saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the award so that when it was rolled out nationally, they would be able to support organisations, as well as learn some lessons on the way. Rodger also had a personal interest in finding out more about new quality systems.
Having a well-established relationship with the Trust’s Voluntary Services Manager meant that partnership working was not difficult. It was agreed from the outset that both parties would be open and honest with each other.
The Trust and CVS had a one day meeting in which they discussed the assessors report, highlighting the areas which required action. Although the Trust had already made good progress since their self-assessment, this meeting was useful in determining gaps in policy and practice. The CVS worked with the Trust to create a Volunteers Charter which they saw as an ideal way of bringing together all the points which demonstrated good practice, and provided ongoing support by phone and email, as well as through meetings.
Time allocation to work on the project was a challenge but it was clear to the CVS that meetings were required to talk through action points, and days had to be set aside for reading through documentation. Understanding the way the Trust uses volunteers was also a challenge. With voluntary organisations the CVS had simply to create new policies where required, but the Trust had well-developed policies in which a volunteer framework would occasionally not fit neatly. However, the flip side was that the CVS gained a better understanding of volunteering within a hospital setting, and saw first hand how this can differ from other organisations.
On a personal level Rodger enjoyed working on a new quality system and felt a great sense of achievement when the Trust obtained the award. The financial benefit to the CVS was an incentive and originally justified their participation, but being part of the process has meant that the CVS has added to their range of skills, and for Rodger, demonstrated the real benefits an external look can have to an organisation.
Fenland CVS may join Volunteering England as a partner agency if workload permits they have the capacity to deliver.
