The Parish Trust is proud to be an Investing in Volunteers (IiV) achiever, having been awarded the quality mark/standard in 2023 for the first time. It shows that we value our volunteers and demonstrates our commitment to volunteering within the organisation.
Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, Chair of Trustees said,
The accreditation as an Investing in Volunteers Charity is the result of nearly two years’ hard work that has been put in by staff, (both present and some former staff) who have been driven by their passion to make volunteering at the charity a fulfilling and purposeful experience. The Board of Trustees are extremely grateful for the written work they have done, as well as the encouragement and support they have shown towards the volunteers, and also in their dealings with the Assessor over the last two years. This is yet another big achievement for The Parish Trust, and continues to show that the charity is serious about growth, development, and fulfilling its core mission to make our world a better place.
Investing in Volunteers is the UK 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. Investing in Volunteers is delivered by the three national volunteering infrastructure bodies Volunteer Scotland, Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland and Wales Council for Voluntary Action. Together they enable organisations across the UK to achieve the award.
The Parish Trust was assessed against six quality areas and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its 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:
- Vision for Volunteering
- Planning for Volunteers
- Volunteer inclusion
- Recruiting and welcoming volunteers
- Supporting volunteers
- Valuing and developing volunteers
The Parish Trust has received a detailed assessment report, outlining how the charity was assessed, and the elements of the charity’s work which have secured the achievement. In it are included quotes from volunteers themselves, who describe their experience of volunteering at the charity:
“The Parish Trust is like a family – many of us live alone and we come and volunteer to be with other people because we all help each other when we can.”
“We have the opportunity of being able to discuss new ideas or changes to the way they work which makes us feel a real part of The Parish Trust.”
“I had a neighbour who didn’t do much during the day so I dragged her along once to come and help and she is still here now after 12 months and loves getting out of the house and helping.”
Further information about the Standard can be found on investinginvolunteers.co.uk or through the WCVA
The Standard will enhance volunteer management and is rigorous but is designed to be simple to implement and not to generate large amounts of paperwork.
