We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been awarded our first Investing in Volunteers quality mark/standard.
We received the accolade in September’s round of awards, being one of only two children’s hospices and one of only three ever to hold the distinction. We currently manage a roster of 163 volunteers, all of whom are extremely highly valued as volunteering has always been central to our operation. Volunteering itself is a hugely rewarding experience and one that enables volunteers to develop their knowledge and skills, whether it’s just a few hours or a couple of days a week – volunteering really does makes a difference.
This prestigious Investing in Volunteers accreditation shows recognition for our effective involvement of volunteers and is the quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers. Investing in Volunteers aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and demonstrates that organisations value the enormous contribution made by their volunteers and is delivered by the national volunteering infrastructure bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Together they enable organisations across the UK to achieve the award.
We were assessed against six quality areas and proved to excel in all aspects of working with our volunteers. Investing in Volunteers is unique in that it is the only standard that focuses on volunteers. It is based on the following six quality areas:
1. Vision for Volunteering
2. Planning for Volunteers
3. Volunteer inclusion
4. Recruiting and welcoming volunteers
5. Supporting volunteers
6. Valuing and developing volunteers.
Our CEO Sophie Andrews OBE said:
“We are incredibly proud of our volunteering offering and that its excellence has now been recognised by Investing in Volunteers. Our volunteer service is vital to the children and families we support and hopefully this new achievement will encourage more people to consider this fulfilling and rewarding activity.”
Dan Smith, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s Volunteering Development Manager said:
“We are so proud to be an Investing in Volunteers achiever as it shows that we value volunteers and demonstrates our commitment to volunteering within our organisation.”
The Chair of UKVF (the Awarding Body) said:
“UKVF is delighted to announce Noah’s Ark Children‘s Hospice’s successful achievement of this Award, they have demonstrated a real commitment to volunteering, proven that their volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards.”
Anne-Marie Zaritsky, Investing in Volunteers Assessor, said:
“It was a pleasure to work with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice on their Investing in Volunteers journey. It was clear throughout the process that volunteers, and the care and compassion they bring, are integral to the support provided to children and families. Volunteers spoke with passion and pride of their involvement where they work alongside staff who ensure they volunteer in a professional environment where kindness is key. The volunteering programme at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an exceptional example of good practice in volunteer management.”
More information on available volunteering roles can be found here.
If you have any questions about volunteering at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice please email: [email protected] or call 020 8449 8877.