Sarah Kessell, CEO of WTSWW, said “We’re thrilled to have achieved this award recognising our commitment to volunteering within our organisation. Our volunteers play a crucial role in our mission to connect people with nature and restore biodiversity in South and West Wales. Our work and this award wouldn’t have been possible without the input of our volunteers who helped provide vital feedback.”
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 national volunteering infrastructure bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Together they enable organisations across the UK to achieve the award.
WTSWW was assessed against six quality areas and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers. The Chair of UKVF (the Awarding Body) said “UKVF is delighted to announce WTSWW’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.”
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales provides an exciting range of volunteer roles. Our regular work parties on reserves across the region provide opportunities for individuals to meet like-minded people, build communities, get exercise and ultimately take positive action to protect the environment. Our long-term positions on Skomer, Skokholm and Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre provide invaluable experience for early-career conservationists. Volunteers in our offices and visitor centres have an essential role in our organisation.
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
Further information about the Standard can be found on investinginvolunteers.co.uk.