Accrediting volunteer learning

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Accreditation is the formal recognition of the achievements of an individual, linked up to some internal or external standard. In other words, it is a process of confirming that someone's performance conforms to standards that are agreed or approved. For some volunteers getting formal recognition of their performance is important.

The accreditation process may be widened to include the provision of references which will be helpful for people seeking employment.

External and internal volunteer accreditation

Not all organisations will be in a position to offer externally accredited opportunities. Advice and support may be available through national, regional and local infrastructure organisations e.g. Volunteering England, Learning and Skills Consortia, Volunteer Centres, Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Development Agency Northern Ireland, Wales Council for Voluntary Action etc.

Most of these courses will be linked to National Occupational Standards. Information and standards developed specifically for managers of volunteers are available from Skills Third Sector. The Learning and Skills Council is committed to ensuring that the workforce development of the Third Sector is considered alongside other employment sectors. It is working with other partners to ensure that the Train to Gain service is as accessible to Third Sector organisations as it is to other sectors.

How to recognise and reward volunteer's learning

Volunteers appreciate getting a certificate that recognises their attendance on training and their ability to learn new skills. For some volunteers it is important that achievements are recognised formally and by external awarding bodies. Depending on the reasons for volunteering, a certificate from the organisation or the training provider is enough. Many organisations recognise training by awarding inhouse certificates and saying thank you! SSAFA provides an opportunity for their service volunteers to be nominated for an award that recognises the care and commitment of their service volunteers.

Some volunteer involving organisation have established highly regarded in house training for their volunteers e.g. Citizens advice, SSAFA. Both organisatons have their training accredited through the Open College Network. The Red Cross offers certificates in retail skills and encourages young volunteers to develop these skills while making a difference in their communities.

Volunteers' Week is the UK's annual celebration of volunteers and volunteering. This year Volunteers’ Week reaches a special milestone as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. During the week events are held across the country to recognise, reward and recruit volunteers.

Who pays for volunteer training?

This can vary depending on the organisation, the opportunities they are providing and what potential volunteers are seeking. Worldwide Helpers is a non-profit internet portal connecting those who want to volunteer to only low/no cost projects worldwide.

Girlguiding UK charge their volunteer leaders for the cost of attending some weekend training courses and offer training grants to support them to take up these opportunities.  Other organisations may require volunteers to pay for their training and run a waiting list for people who want to join them.  A question of supply and demand perhaps?

Useful links

• Skills Third Sector
• ASDAN
• Suffolk Association of Voluntary Organisations

Have your say

What is your experience of training and accreditation for volunteers? Is it worth the effort? What is your experience as a volunteer? Do you want opportunities to have your learning accredited? Why? Would you be prepared to pay for training and accreditation?

Have your say on the volunteers forum.