Norwich and Norfolk Voluntary Services (NVS) agreed to participate in the Investing in Volunteers Award as they saw the advantage of the award to volunteers, whereas other awards such as Investors in People, did not focus solely on the volunteer, and managing volunteers within a volunteer-involving organisation.
NVS historically have had a relationship with Norwich & Norfolk NHS University Trust, as they provided volunteers for the hospital through their volunteer bureau. They are also involved in a special support needs project with volunteers.
No conflicts of interest or difficulties were experienced. NVS reported that the Trust was positive about participating in the Investing in Volunteers award and it was easier to work with them as they were already committed to the study by the time NVS were on board.
With regard to the amount of support which was required, NVS originally had 2 staff dedicated to Investing in Volunteers, but reduced this to one staff member. They met twice with the Trust and there was email exchange. The Trust did not require extensive support. The external assessor had completed an initial assessment and had identified that the Trust’s volunteer policy should be revised, so NVS worked with the Trust to amend the policy; making it more volunteer friendly, and reducing the amount of NHS terminology.
The greatest challenge for the VDA in participating was ensuring that its own practices and procedures came up to a high standard, but supporting the Trust to gain the award has prevented standards slipping, and has enabled the volunteer development agency to cascade information and advice to other organisations.
Additional benefits to the organisation have been achieved. As well as gaining the funding for participating in the pilot study, NVS have benefited from being involved in ‘on-the-ground’ good practice in volunteering. By maintaining the partnership role that the development agency has with the Trust, they hope to continue to work closely with them, as well as continue to share good practice with other volunteer-involving organisations.
“The whole process was greatly helped because the Volunteer Co-ordinators were enthusiastic about the award and keen to achieve it. It was also helpful that their managers were receptive to the changes recommended”.
NVS has already committed to joining Volunteering England as a partner agency in the national roll out of Investing in Volunteers.
For further information please contact:
Darleen Plattin
Norwich & Norfolk Voluntary Services
Charing Cross Centre
17/19 St John Maddermarket
Norwich NR2 1DN
Tel: 01603 883802
Email: dplattin@nvs.org.uk
