IiV Indicator 1

There is an expressed commitment to the involvement of volunteers, and recoginition throughout the organisation that volunteering is a two-way process, which benefits volunteers and the organisation.

1. Being clear about mission and aims

1.5 All young people/volunteers are aware of the purpose and objectives of the organisation.

The constitution and organisation’s mission statement, vision, policy & aims, interviews with young people/ volunteers.

1.7 The mission aims help you define clear roles for; a. Staff, b. Volunteers, c. Management Committee Members, d. Others

Task or Job Descriptions, the business plan, and consultation with people in the organisation.

1.8 All young people/volunteers are involved in the development of the mission, aims and limitations of the organisation.

Records of people discussing how they can influence the company’s ethos at strategic meetings.

2. Being open and accessible to all

2.10 We encourage young people to be aware of and understand equal opportunities through volunteering.

The induction pack and procedure, equal opportunity policy, training records, literature made available to young people, records of interviews.

3. Providing a framework for induction and progression of young people

3.1.a The organisation has an induction pack/programme for young people/volunteers, which includes information on the following: a. Mission and Aims of the organisation.

Induction Pack

3.3 Young People are aware of the ways in which they can become involved further in our organisation and the wider community.

Records of volunteering programmes for young people.

3.4 Young people have the opportunity to regularly evaluate the different levels of participation offered in our organisation.

Records of Interviews, meetings and discussions with young volunteers.

11. Benefiting the wider community

11.4 Our organisation records information that shows the benefit of volunteering by young people to the community.

Records kept on individual experiences, annual report, newsletters, reports on the web site, and reports in local papers.

IiV Indicator 2

The organisation commits appropriate resources to working with volunteers, such as money, management, staff time and materials.

4. Recognising and informing volunteers of their rights and responsibilities

4.3 We have the resources to enable young people to: a. Work in a safe environment, be reimbursed for any expenses, including childcare, c. have access to necessary information and support.

Records of the accounts, staff ratios, venues used, and evidence of materials supplied.

4.4. Our organisation ensures that young people: c, Have regular supervision, d, have access to training.

Records of supervision sessions, training records, training programmes.

4.5.c The necessary clothing, equipment and training they need.

Accounts show budgets for clothing and equipment. Interviews with volunteers and staff.

6. Provide diverse activities for voluntary action

6.3 We have a process that enables us to listen and support young people to identify their needs, aspirations and interests.

Time and money are used to develop learning in various situations. Resources should be in place to aid with the training requirements.

6.10 We provide support if young people have any difficulties in their placement.

Job descriptions, handbooks, records of visits made to placements, training provided to support staff, management reports of situations where young people may be having difficulty in their placement.

7. Support for personal development

7.1 All young people have a specific person who has regular contact with them and is known (by both parties) to be that young person’s main link and support.

Records and Interviews to show young people are aware of their contact person. Also, contact diaries.

7.7 We provide training or other support that enables young people to learn social skills such as teamwork, peer support, dealing with difficult situations etc.

Record of training sessions, certificates of attendance, annual report.

7.8 We provide training or other support that enables young people to learn practical skills such as planning fundraising, organising events, first aid etc.

Record of training sessions, certificates of attendance, annual report.

8. Supporting young people to participate and take decisions

8.2 We support young people to participate in ways that are appropriate to their ambitions, abilities and interests.

Reports (verbal or written) from the young people confirming that they receive support. Records of all support staff and who they support.

8.3 We offer ongoing training to enable young people to participate.

Record of training sessions, certificates of attendance, annual report.

8.4 We are able to support young people and adults to work together and to ensure that both points of view are equally valued.

Induction Pack, handbooks, annual report, interviews with adults and young people.

9. Reflecting on learning

9.5 We provide opportunities and support to develop social skills.

Interviews with young people, records of support sessions, reports from placement organisations.

9.6 We provide ongoing skills training.

Record of training sessions, certificates of attendance.

9.7 Young people can receive a certificate or formal accreditation for their learning.

Certificates.

2. Networking

12.4 We support young people to participate in Youth Action Network activities.

Reports on activities undertaken.

IiV Indicator 3

The organisation is open to involving volunteers who reflect the diversity of the local community, in accordance with the organisation’s stated aims, and operates procedures.

2. Being open and accessible to all

2.1 The organisation has an equal opportunities policy, which is a working document and is used as a tool to develop practice.

The equal opportunities policy, codes of conduct.

2.2 All our policies are developed in line with the following legislation:
a. Disability Discrimination Act
b. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
c. Race Relation Act
d. Sex Discrimination Act.

The constitution or rules of the organisation, the business plan, records of all policies.

2.3 We monitor the demographic profile of young people in our community.

Records of demographic monitoring.

2.4 We identify and act upon the needs of young people who are not currently taking part and assess if all sections of the community are represented.

Action plans that show how the organisation will target different sections of the community. Also, annual reports, business plan, and records of campaigns to encourage a wide range of participants.

2.5 We try to ensure that all partner agencies follow guidelines or procedures to ensure all young people have equality of opportunity.

The diversity of the local community’s young people is represented through the relevant channels of recruitment.

IiV Indicator 4

The organisation develops appropriate roles for volunteers in line with its aims and objectives, and which are of value to the volunteers and create an environment where they can develop.

3. Providing a framework for induction and progression of young people

3.1 The organisation has an induction pack/programme for young people/volunteers.

Induction Pack(s).

3.5 Our organisation supports young people to develop their volunteering, by swapping activities, or taking on more responsibility.

Personal training plans, regular mentoring sessions in place, interviews with young people.

4. Recognising and informing volunteers of their rights and responsibilities

4.4.b Have a clear role – either with our agency or their placement.

Job or task descriptions.

4.4.d Have access to training

Records on training, certificates of attendance, literature advertising training opportunities.

6. Provide diverse activities for voluntary action

6.1.a Our organisation offer choice in: Placements and/or other roles within our organisation.

Literature with placement information, website, newsletters, reports to committees.

6.4 We have an up to date directory of volunteering opportunities suitable for young volunteers.

Work experience with partners is established. The organisation provides literature on the volunteer’s first day containing a clearly established itinerary.

7. Support for personal development

7.7 We provide training or other support that enables young people to learn social skills such as teamwork, peer support, dealing with difficult situations etc.

Record of training sessions, certificates of attendance, annual report.

7.8 We provide training or other support that enables young people to learn practical skills such as planning fundraising, organising events, first aid etc.

Record of training sessions, certificates of attendance, annual report.

9. Reflecting on learning

9.5 We provide opportunities and support to develop social skills.

Interviews with young people, records of support sessions, reports from placement organisations.

9.6 We provide ongoing skills training within our organisation.

Record of training sessions, certificates of attendance, organisation training plan.

12. Networking

12.1 We network with other voluntary, statutory and business organisations, so that we provide the best possible service for young people.

Evidence of meetings with partner organisations, satisfaction levels from the young people, annual report, records of service delivery, ongoing board reports.

IiV Indicator 5

The organisation is committed to ensuring that, as far as possible, volunteers are protected from physical, financial and emotional harm arising from volunteering.

2. Being open and accessible to all

2.6 When/if our premises are not suitable/appropriate for all young people, we meet and work with them at other venues.

Risk assessments records at new premises, health and safety checks.

3. Providing a framework for induction and progression of young people

3.1 The organisation has an induction pack/programme for young people/ volunteers, which includes information on the following: d. Policies relevant to their work e.g. Health & Safety.

Records of the content of Induction days to provide initial policies and practices.

4. Recognising and informing volunteers of their rights and responsibilities

4.3. We have the resources to enable young people to:
a. Work in a safe environment
b. Be reimbursed for any expenses, including childcare.

Health & Safety information where all can observe it. Accounts showing the necessary purchases and budget headings which support this work. Feedback from young people (interviews, written comments).

4.4. Our organisation ensures that young people: a. Know where to go if they have a problem.

Induction pack and other literature produced to support young people.

4.5 We ensure that young people are protected by: a. Adequate insurance, c. the necessary clothing and equipment and training they need.

Copy of insurance policy, accounts showing specific spend on training, clothing, equipment, etc. Also, training records, appraisals, and interviews.

5. Ensuring safety for all members of your organisation including young volunteers

5.1 All members are aware of policies, procedures and practices that are in place for their own safety.

Record of policy information being given in several different ways, e.g. Induction pack, training session, updated flyer, code of conduct, newsletter, website, one to one discussions.

5.3 Our policies and procedures ensure that young people can have a good time without being exposed to unreasonable risks and comply with the legal requirements of the following: a. Health and Safety Act, b. Food Safety Act, c. Children Act, d. Public Liability Insurance, e. Police Act

Records of all policies, interviews with young people.

5.5 We carry out risk assessments on all activities before young people take part.

Reports from site visits (placement venues). Risk Assessment reports.

5.6 We clearly identify to young people activities they are prohibited from undertaking and give the reasons why.

Induction and general handbooks, records of training and information sessions, interviews with young people.

5.7 We have clear and simple guidelines for: a. Off site activities, b. outdoor activities.

Guidelines available, induction packs, handbooks.

5.9 We show how young people, staff and volunteers can approach us about feeling safe in our organisation.

Records of interviews with staff, volunteers and young people.

5.10 All young people, staff and volunteers are aware of who they need to approach if they have a concern or worry about their safety or the safety of others.

Information in Induction packs, handbooks, on notice boards, newsletters, web site, health and safety policy and codes of conducts. Volunteers should sign a form showing they have received and understand the relevant policies.

5.11 We ensure that other organisations that we work with or who provide placements follow safe working practices.

All policies and procedures that refer to protecting volunteers from partners. Records of checks that have been made by organisations, staff, or volunteers.

IiV Indicator 6

The organisation is committed to using fair, efficient and consistent recruitment procedures for all potential volunteers.

2. Being open and accessible to all

2.1 The organisation has an equal opportunities policy, which is a working document and is used as a tool to develop practice.

Equal opportunities policy in place and adhered to while recruiting, copies of adverts, application forms.

2.2 All of our policies are developed in line with the following legislation
a. Disability Discrimination Act
b. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
c. Race Relations Act
d. Sex Discrimination Act.

All policies, business plan, minutes of management meetings.

5. Ensuring safety for all members of your organisation including young volunteers

5.4 All staff and volunteers are screened by an effective recruitment and selection process (e.g. referencing, Disclosure checks etc).

Recruitment policy, Self Declaration Forms, CRB checks, equal opportunities policy, and guidance on CRB checks (if applicable).

IiV Indicator 7

The organisation takes a considered approach to taking up references and official checks which is consistent and equitable for all volunteers, bearing in mind the nature of the work.

5. Ensuring safety for all members of your organisation including young volunteers

5.4 All staff and volunteers are screened by an effective recruitment and selection process (e.g. referencing, Disclosure checks etc)

Recruitment policy, Self Declaration Forms, CRB checks, equal opportunities policy, and guidance on CRB checks (if applicable).

5.8 We have professional guidelines for young people who volunteer to work with children or other vulnerable people.

Guidelines available from the organisation and distributed to potential new volunteers, child protection policy, handbook, training records.

IiV Indicator 8

Clear procedures are put into action for introducing new volunteers to the organisation, its work, policies, practices and relevant personnel.

3. Providing a framework for induction and progression of young people

3.1 The organisation has an induction pack/programme for young people/volunteers which includes information on the following:
a. Mission and aims of the organisation
b. Management structure
c. Rights and responsibilities of volunteers
d. Policies relevant to their work e.g. Health & Safety
e. Information about volunteer talks
f. Agreement on support level and identified support person.

An induction pack with relevant information included, the induction timetable, posters relating to induction, written induction programmes from partner organisations.

3.7 We ensure that all placement organisations programme for young people/volunteers.

Written induction programmes from partner organisations, records from partners on programme for young people.

IiV Indicator 9

Everybody in the organisation is aware of the need to give volunteers recognition.

2. Being open and accessible to all

2.7 Our everyday work practice recognises and respects the potential of each individual.

Evidence of supervision meetings, codes of conduct, interviews with volunteers and managers that explore this understanding.

10. Recognising Personal Development

10.1 Our agency and those we work with acknowledges the personal achievements of young people.

Recognition scheme, allowing for volunteers to be appraised with the relevant awards in place. Certificates for achievements or accreditation.

10.2 Someone always says thank you or gives feedback.

Interviews with staff, young people, volunteers.

10.3 Our evaluation process helps us know if young people feel recognised and valued on a day-to-day basis.

Evaluation process in place and records of reports.

10.5 We organise special events to celebrate achievements and to say thank you to young people.

Reports of events in newsletters, local press, notice boards, web sites.

10.6 We publicise achievements in the local community.

Newspapers, letters, local community radio.

10.7 We allow young people to decide how their image as a young person is portrayed.

Records of consultation, interviews with young people.

10.8 We have asked young people if they find accreditation and/or awards useful.

Managers feedback and appraise each individual on a regular basis through ‘acknowledgement’ cards, phone conversations or on a one to one basis.

10.9 We provide our own certificates or awards.

Copies of certificates and awards.

10.10 We provide accreditation through nationally recognised certificates.

Formal accreditation certificates.

10.11 We collect information that shows how volunteering affects the lives of young volunteers.

Archive material collected, the annual report, information on web site.

IiV Indicator 10

The organisation takes account of the varying support needs of volunteers.

3. Providing a framework for induction and progression of young people

3.5 Our organisation supports young people to develop their volunteering by swapping activities or taking on more responsibility.

Interviews with young volunteers, records showing developments of individuals.

4. Recognising and informing volunteers of their rights and responsibilities

4.4. Our organisation ensures that young people:
a. Know where to go if they have a problem
c. Have regular supervision
d. Have access to necessary information and support.

Evidence that mentors are in regular contact with young people (mentees) in order to support their development.

6. Provide diverse activities for voluntary action

6.3 We have a process that enables us to listen to and support young people to identify their needs, aspirations and interests.

One to one evaluations to determine young people’s needs and that job descriptions are set accordingly.

6.9 We ensure that young people have appropriate support at their placement.

Task Descriptions, interviews with young people, training records.

6.10 We provide support if young people have any difficulties in their placement.

Through mentoring, young people’s needs are recorded and fed back. 

7. Support for personal development

7.1 All young people have a specific person who has regular contact with them and is known (by both parties) to be that young person’s main link and support.

Record in individual file of specific mentors attached to each young person (mentee).

7.2 Support is individually negotiated to suit the young people’s needs.

Interviews with young people, records of support requested and provided.

7.3 Supporters keep in touch with young people on a regular basis.

Records of all contacts between support person and young person. Interviews with young people and support staff.

7.5 The plans and support needs of all young people are recorded and made available to them.

Interviews with young people. Young people’s records are available to them, but are stored under conditions specified in the Data Protection Act.

7.6 We offer appropriate training and support for volunteers who are involved in a peer support scheme.

Training Programme, records of appraisals and support meetings.

8. Supporting young people to participate and take decisions

8.2 We support young people to participate in ways that are appropriate to their ambitions, abilities and interests.

Interviews with young people, individual records.

8.4 We are able to support young people and adults to work together and to ensure that both points of view are equally valued.

Induction Pack, handbooks, annual report, interviews with adults and young people.

9. Reflecting on learning

9.5 We provide opportunities and support to develop social skills.

Interviews with young people, records of support sessions, reports from placement organisations.

Investing in Volunteers

Suitable for any organisation that involves volunteers. Organisations should be involved in: recruiting, selecting, matching, supporting and retaining volunteers.

Reach

Designed specifically for youth action agencies (youth volunteering).

Investing in Volunteers

The standard covers the whole organisation. It can be achieved by parts of an organisation so long as they can be seen to be discreet and self managed parts of the whole.

Reach

The standard can cover the whole organisation and encourages all members of staff and participants to be involved in the process.

Investing in Volunteers

The standard is run by the national Volunteering Development Agencies in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland. Volunteering England manages the standard in England. The UK Volunteering Forum is the standards Awarding Body.

Reach

The standard is run by the Youth Action Network.

Investing in Volunteers

Contact Volunteering England
Tel: 0207 520 8982

www.investinginvolunteers.org.uk

On the home page you'll also find links for contacts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Reach

Youth Action Network, Crest House, 7 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3ED
Tel: 0121 455 9732
Email: info@youth-action.org.uk

www.youthactionnetwork.org.uk/

Investing in Volunteers

All information is supplied on-line with a password protected section for fully registered organisations. Forms and documents are downloadable word documents. A best practice library with downloadable resources is also available.

Reach

Information is accessed by contacting Youth Action Network, who in return of payment, send the pack out by post.

Investing in Volunteers

The cost will depend on the size and complexity of your organisation. To obtain a quote from the IiV Team, please "Register Interest" on the website and complete the questionnaire.
Prices start at £1,500 - £2,000 for small grassroots organisations. The IiV Package fee includes:

• An Introductory Workshop with your assigned Assessor
• Feedback on Self Assessment from your Assessor
• A Final Assessment visit - interviews with volunteers, staff and senior manager
• A full written Final Report suggesting areas for further development and highlighting areas of excellent practice
• The UK recognised Investing in Volunteers standard - use of the IiV logo on stationery, a wall plaque and certificates
• Subscription to the Investing in Volunteers e-newsletter
• Access to the password protected pages containing the easy 10-steps guide for organisations and all supporting documentation.
• The standard is valid for 3 years

Reach

One copy of 'Reach' is provided free of charge to full and associate members of Youth Action Network. For affiliate members there is a charge of £50, plus p&p, and for subscribers and external organisations, a charge of £65, plus p&p. 

Investing in Volunteers

The full standard and practices can be downloaded from the home page without payment being made. The best practice library and documents to support an organisation through to achieving the standard are all within password protected pages.

Reach

The standard is available only after payment is received.

Investing in Volunteers

1. A Self-Assessment is done by the organisation at an early stage. This is sent to an allocated assessor so that organisations are certain they are hitting the standards prior to their  final assessment. Only a small number of written documents are requested and submitted by organisations.

2. Final assessment is undertaken through site visits, the length of which will depend on the size of the organisation and range of volunteering roles. Assessors will usually spend at least a day on site using the 10 IiV Indicators as the assessment guide.

Reach

This is a self-assessment process done by the organisation. The standards are achieved solely by the organisation. There is no assessment as such, as the organisations set their own deadlines and review each standard once their deadlines have elapsed.

Investing in Volunteers

The registration fee covers: advice and guidance from a local Volunteer Centre Partner; a workshop with an allocated assessor and all assessment (visits and report); and access to the password protected area of the Investing in Volunteers website. These web-pages include things like a tool-kit and tips from other volunteer managers who have achieved the standard. Additional consultancy support and training can also be bought from Volunteering England.

Reach

Support is offered from the Youth Action Group through face-to-face, phone or email contact.

Investing in Volunteers

This will vary from organisation to organisation, but normally the process will be completed within 12 months. Organisations that achieve the standard receive a plaque and certificate on completion and membership of the Achievers Club network.

Reach

Flexible – however long the organisation wish to take to complete it.

Investing in Volunteers

Organisations can Achieve, Not Achieve or Achieve with Conditions. All organisations receive detailed feedback from their assessor. Organisations that achieve the standard with conditions are set a time within which to complete specific actions agreed with their assessor and are not entered into the quality assurance process until there are complete.

Reach

The organisation reviews where they have not reached the standard and then readdresses the issues after the initial deadlines.

Investing in Volunteers

Organisations must re-accredit every 3 years. Re-accreditation fees are the same as original registration as the assessment process requires the same amount of an assessor's time.

Reach

There is no accreditation. This is a toolkit for organisations and is about continuous organisational improvement. It does provide cross-references to PQASSO at the end of each section.