Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is delighted to announce its first Investing in Volunteers quality mark/standard. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice received the accolade in September’s round of awards, being one of only two children’s hospices and one of only three ever to hold the distinction. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice currently manages a roster of 163 volunteers, all of whom are extremely highly valued as volunteering has always been central to its operation. Volunteering itself is a hugely rewarding experience and one that enables volunteers to develop their knowledge and skills, whether it’s just a few hours or a couple of days a week – volunteering really does makes a difference.

This prestigious Investing in Volunteers accreditation shows recognition for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s effective involvement of volunteers and is the 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 and is delivered by the national volunteering infrastructure bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Together they enable organisations across the UK to achieve the award. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice was assessed against six quality areas and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers. 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: 1. Vision for Volunteering 2. Planning for Volunteers 3. Volunteer inclusion 4. Recruiting and welcoming volunteers 5. Supporting volunteers 6. Valuing and developing volunteers.

Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice said: ‘We are incredibly proud of our volunteering offering and that its excellence has now been recognised by Investing in Volunteers. Our volunteer service is vital to the children and families we support and hopefully this new achievement will encourage more people to consider this fulfilling and rewarding activity.’