Victim Support Merton was the first Victim Support Scheme to achieve Investing In Volunteers and I would certainly encourage anyone thinking of participating in this award to do so. When we were first invited to participate we saw it as an opportunity to measure our performance in the way we recruit, train, manage, support, develop and value our volunteers. We quickly identified the hard work involved but we were promised help and support throughout the process. Indeed we were supported and encouraged and our hard work was ultimately rewarded.
The process gave us the opportunity to measure our performance against set standards. We were able to identify any gaps and we were helped to fill these gaps through the assessment process. Much of what we were providing already met the set standards and this was very reassuring.
One of the many positive outcomes was that now we have everything documented and obtainable for everyone involved in the organization to see, rather than essential information being known to one person only. We have been able to ensure that we now have effective policies and procedures in place and these are regularly reviewed and updated.
The assessment process has helped the whole organization, looking closely at every aspect of our work, which involves volunteers. It has given us a valuable opportunity to actively involve all staff, trustees and volunteers. Everyone at Victim Support Merton is proud of their achievement and we now have an award that recognizes our good practice.
MARGARET JONES, Borough Manager
