Published in the WCVA newsletter April 2014
Bullies Out says that renewing the Investing in Volunteers accreditation helps them to ensure that what they do is consistent, relevant and up to date.
The Investing in Volunteers accreditation is valid for 3 years. The renewal process is an opportunity to set aside dedicated time to review volunteering and make improvements. Continued accreditation is valued as a mark of continuing good practice and to give weight to funding applications.
Six months before the accreditation expires a reminder is sent and the organisation encouraged to re-register on the website. The first step, a Health Check, is an informal conversation with an assessor, to identify what has changed since the first assessment and what development work might be beneficial.
"Renewing the IIV accreditation is hugely beneficial" said Linda James, Director, BulliesOut. "If achieved, not only are you given a recognised award, but the whole process enables you to see how much you have grown as an organisation.
BulliesOut first achieved the award in 2010 and we learnt so much whilst
working through the process.
When we decided to renew our IIV award, so much had changed over the past 3 years and once again, we were able to identify our weak spots and put new strategies in place to strengthen our volunteering framework.
One thing we learned is that it is ok to say no! Previously, we had taken on everyone who had applied to us and when working through the accreditation process again, we were able to highlight some difficult issues this had caused. This lead to a complete change in the way we recruit volunteers, which is much more successful and beneficial not only to us, but to the volunteer, as we now make better use of an individual's skills."
We would urge all organisations to renew their accreditation. The whole process is one of learning, growth and enhancement."
To find out more about Investing in Volunteers visit www.investinginginvolunteers.org.uk
or contact Fiona Liddell This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (029 2043 1730) to discuss how it might
benefit your organisation.