Groups Receive Prestigious Award!

Four Northern Ireland organisations have been the latest to receive the Investing in Volunteers national award, which recognises their commitment to good practice in volunteer management.  This brings to ten the number of Northern Ireland groups who have been successful in achieving the standard.

Down District Volunteer Centre, Down's Syndrome Association NI, Strabane Community Project and Young at Art will retain the award for three years, having demonstrated policies and procedures which value volunteers and support positive volunteering experiences.

Karen O'Donnell of Strabane Community Project said "The Investing in Volunteers standard has allowed us to identify and address weak spots and show our commitment to volunteers, an integral part of our organisation.  Without volunteers, we would not be able to provide essential services for older people in the Strabane District Council area."

Sandra Adair, Assistant Director with the Volunteer Development Agency said "Achieving Investing in Volunteers demonstrates a real commitment to volunteering, proving the organisation's volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards."

If you would like to get national recognition for your volunteer management, the Volunteer Development Agency is currently engaging with groups who are ready to start the process.  To get further information about the award, and advice on how to move towards it, contact the Volunteer Development Agency on 028 9081 8308 or go to www.investinginvolunteers.org.uk