York Volunteers, our city’s Volunteer Centre, has launched the York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark to recognise organisations that support safe, positive and well-managed volunteering experiences.
As part of our Annual General Meeting held on 27 November we launched the York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark.
During the event six local organisations who have completed the quality mark process were the first recipients to receive their certificates. These organisations also played a key role in shaping the York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark, by taking part in meetings and testing the process as it was developed.
The first York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark recipients are:
- Castle Howard
- Older Citizens Advocacy York
- St Leonard’s Hospice
- The Island
- University of York
- York Community Furniture Store
The Quality Mark has been developed as part of citywide work to strengthen volunteering in York. In 2022, organisations, volunteers and residents came together to shape the future of volunteering, resulting in the York Citywide Volunteering Strategy, a five-year plan designed to improve the quality, accessibility and experience of volunteering across the city.
A key recommendation from the strategy was the creation of a clear and consistent standard, helping volunteers recognise where they can expect a safe, inclusive and supportive volunteering experience. The York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark delivers on this ambition, celebrating organisations that embed strong volunteer practices and encouraging continuous good-quality volunteering across York.
Alison Semmence, Chief Executive, York CVS said:
“Across York, so many organisations work hard to make volunteering positive, safe and rewarding. This new Quality Mark acknowledges that commitment and brings a clear, citywide standard to volunteering in York. My thanks go to everyone involved in shaping the project, and congratulations to the first organisations to receive the award.”
Gillian Caldicott, Chair, Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY) commented:
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from York CVS. Our work simply wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers, who contribute their diverse experiences and specialist skills to support others. This award will help us attract new volunteers and strengthen the impact we can make across the community.”
York Volunteers is now inviting other organisations from across the city to apply for the Quality Mark. Applications are open, and full details, including the underpinning principles and application guidance, can be found here.
The development of the Quality Mark has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Image description: From left to right, Aileen Hall, Chloe Deyes, Amy Faulkner-Gadd, Lara McVicar, Leanne Shaw, Katy Ridsdill-Smith, Lee Probert, Sadie Harvey.
Alt text: A group of eight people stand in a row at the front of a room, smiling and holding certificates for the York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark. Behind them is a large presentation slide that reads “Congratulations!” and displays the York Citywide Volunteering Quality Mark logo along with the logos of recognised organisations. On either side of the group are York CVS and York Volunteers Centre banners. The setting is indoors at the York Priory Street Centre.
