Down District Volunteer Centre

Name of Organisation

Down District Volunteer Centre (DDVC)

Why did you decide to go for Investing in Volunteers?

Volunteers are integral to Down District Volunteer Centre. We recruit and place volunteers for over 250 groups in Down District, and we also involve volunteer in-house at every level in our organisation. By achieving this standard, we are able to lead by example in promoting good practice in volunteer management in Down District.

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

The benefits have been numerous; through working towards the IiV standard DDVC has reviewed and revised all internal systems, policies and procedures that relate to volunteers. It has enabled us to undertake essential core work and has enforced to our staff, volunteers and Committee the value of good practice in volunteer management.

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

The assessment process was thorough and logical. It was a step-by-step process that was clearly explained at all stages. It involved qualitative and quantitative assessment, and the process ensured that all aspects of volunteer involvement was assessed.

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

Get together a small working group of staff and volunteers with strong skills and knowledge about volunteering issues to carry the process through.
Be organised! We used on master file and everybody worked from that, it became invaluable.
Share good practice advice from other groups, and be willing to take good advice.