Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. Our volunteers at Croydon Vision helped immensely in ensuring the award was renewed this year in 2024 by going through an interviewing process. Below are the thoughts of the volunteers with regard to their experience.
Participating in the Investing in Volunteers assessment process was an enriching and positive experience. From the very start, we felt welcomed and valued, and the interview process was well-structured and thoughtfully conducted. The interviewer was kind, approachable, and genuinely interested in hearing about our experiences and perspectives. One volunteer noted, ‘The interviewer made me feel comfortable and listened to, which made sharing my experiences easy and enjoyable.’ We felt at ease to express our thoughts openly, knowing that our contributions were important to the assessment. Reflecting on our volunteering journey and sharing our stories made us feel more connected to the organisation and each other, highlighting the vital role we play in supporting the charity’s mission.
The process also gave us a chance to recognise the commitment and dedication of the team in ensuring that volunteers are supported and appreciated. It was encouraging to see how seriously the organisation takes volunteer feedback, and it reinforced our sense of belonging and purpose within the charity. As one volunteer shared, ‘It was great to see that our input really mattered and that the organisation values what we bring to the table.’ We are proud to have been part of this journey and thrilled that our collective efforts have contributed to the organisation achieving the Investing in Volunteers award. It’s a testament to the positive, inclusive, and supportive environment that has been cultivated for volunteers, and we look forward to continuing our roles with even greater enthusiasm.