We provide support to develop the opportunities and good practice that enhances the involvement and maximises the contribution of volunteers.

We can help you with ...

Information - We provide information, guidance and publications (most downloadable from our website) on volunteering, volunteer management, child protection and governance - keeping you up to date with the latest legislation and good practice.

Training - We provide training on involving volunteers, child protection, management committees and governance enabling you to improve your organisational practice, and can provide training for volunteers on skills for volunteering.

Standards - We provide guidance on using the National Occupational Standards for volunteer managers and trustees, and support organisations to access nationally recognised quality standards such as Investing in Volunteers.

Grants - We administer funding programmes on behalf of Government Departments - the Department for Social Development and Department of Education, which aim to support and develop volunteering. Grants may enable you to enhance your current delivery or develop new programmes for involving volunteers.

We aim to increase awareness of, and recognition for, the importance of volunteering as an expression of active citizenship.

We can help you ...

Raise awareness of and recognition for volunteering - Join in our volunteer campaigns such as the annual Volunteers' Week (1 - 7 June), International Volunteer Day (5 December) and specific themed events which raise the profile of volunteering. Our campaigns are designed to enable all kinds of organisations to participate, from national charities to grassroots community groups.

Enhance the promotion and involvement of volunteers - We can help you embrace diversity in your organisations - diversity of volunteering opportunities and people. We believe volunteering is open to everyone and everyone can volunteer.

Evidence the impact of volunteering - We carry out research and audits for groups that involve volunteers and help them report on the impact of volunteering.

We seek to represent the interests of volunteering and volunteers through influencing policy, monitoring legislation and promotion of good practice.

We can help you ...

Identify and respond to trends in volunteering - We undertake research that provides direction for our work and equips you with a clear picture of volunteering across Northern Ireland.

By representing volunteering interests, influencing politicians, policy makers, individuals and organisations to create a positive climate for volunteering - We represent volunteering so that decision makers value volunteers.

Make sure your voice is heard by taking the lead in reviewing policy initiatives and legislation that may impact on volunteering - We volunteer proof and respond to initiatives and legislation. We will keep you informed and consult you on relevant issues.