CHILDREN 1ST

Name of Organisation

CHILDREN 1^ST

Why did you decide to go for Investing in Volunteers?

We thought that Investing in Volunteers would assist us to achieve a high standard of practice in the involvement of volunteers within our organisation.

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

• Identified strengths and weaknesses
• Development of an action plan to improve on certain areas of practice
• Provided momentum to carry us through the process of quality improvement
• Learned more about our volunteers’ experience of working with CHILDREN 1^ST
• Helped us to develop a vision for what we can realistically achieve

How did the assessment work in your organisation?

It was professionally carried out by 4 assessors based in different areas across Scotland. Due to the high numbers of volunteers we involve in our organisation, this was essential.

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

• Make best use of the Self Assessment tool to identify areas for improvement, it is invaluable
• Do not rush, be realistic about what can be achieved in certain timescales
• Make sure everyone in the organisation is informed about IIV and the process
• Involve volunteers in the whole process from beginning to end
• Celebrate your success and thank volunteers for their input

What training/learning did you require to help you meet the standards and where did you source it ? e.g.VDS, local Volunteer Centre, local college

We piloted volunteers management training in partnership with VDS. This helped us to skill-up key staff in order to progress our IIV development plan.