What is VCQA?
Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation is a quality framework for Volunteer Centres, specifically addressessing the delivery of six core functions of volunteering infrastructure at a local level:
- Brokerage
- Marketing volunteering
- Good practice development
- Developing volunteering opportunities
- Policy response and campaigning
- Strategic development of volunteering
The assessment process for Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation examines the activity of a volunteer centre in delivering these six core functions.
For each of these, a volunteer centre is asked to demonstrate that it has processes in place to deliver that function and to monitor the outcome of its delivery.
Benefits of VCQA
Better services for users
The process of identifying and tackling weaknesses; of looking at ways of increasing user involvement; and of better monitoring and evaluation will undoubtedly improve volunteer centre services.
Strengthening the organisation
The volunteer centre has to assess its practices, address any weaknesses and build on the strengths that are identified.
Increased credibility of the organsiation
If the organisation is seen to be taking a proactive approach to quality, and to be working with a recognised quality accreditation system, this will raise the credibility of the volunteer centre.
Increased funding
A volunteer centre that is taking quality seriously is likely to have more success in arguing its case for funding, and demonstrating their positive impact. Funders may feel that the money given will be spent efficiently and effectively and there is more direct evidence of this.
Better networking
Other organisations (voluntary or otherwise) may feel more inclined to network and work with volunteer centres that have a clearly stated commitment to quality.
Prevents standards being imposed by other bodies
If a volunteer centre is able to show that it is taking a considered approach to quality accreditation, funders will be less likely to impose an approach to quality that is not related to the delivery of the six core functions of volunteering infrastructure.
A stronger network - more consistency
Where a network-wide approach is being taken, the volunteer centre membership can grow and improve together. Sharing the process can bring about closer involvement with other network members. It will also provide a chance to tackle some of the areas where there may be too great a divergence in levels of quality.
Increased credibility of the network
The volunteer centre network is likely to be taken more seriously if it is seen to be taking a proactive approach to quality.
Support for Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation
Support is made available through a rolling programme of support meetings, and resources including:
Free workshops
These will be offered to volunteer centres six months prior to the submission deadline. Workshops will be held in Leeds, Birmingham and London.
Email support
This is available from the strategic development team.
Examples of “good” evidence
Examples will be provided on request.
Dedicated section of the website
The password protected members area contains a wealth of further information and resources to help with VCQA, including sample forms, information sheets, guidance and the latest versions of the submission form, checklists and pro-formas needed to complete a portfolio.
To register for access, or to discuss any other aspect of VCQA, please contact the team.
