About GoldStar 
Recognising the efforts of volunteers
It is essential not just to recognise the efforts of volunteers, but also to try to find ways of doing this that will be valued by those volunteers. A wide range of methods are used and it is likely that combination of these will work best. These might range from direst feedback to individual recognition to collective recognition of a group of volunteers through a newsletter or awards.
Below are a few examples of how other organisations have accoplished this: |
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Age concern North Tyneside uses official publications to recognise volunteer achievements |
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Age Concern Gateshead ensure that their volunteers are always aware of how much they are valued |
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Age Concern North Tyneside
All the services and activities offered by Age Concern North Tyneside (ACNT) are underpinned by volunteers who play a crucial role in the work. It is vital to the success of ACNT that volunteers who give their time are freely and duly recognised. ACNT ensures this is the case in a range of ways:
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A Volunteer Handbook – containing lots of information for volunteers and the general theme underlines how valued volunteers are by ACNT;
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General recognition in official publications – ACNT’s annual review pays tribute the 26,350 hours of work provided by 277 volunteers aged from under 21 to over 75, and stated that much of its work could not be done without them or their support
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Media coverage – many of ACNT’s volunteering activities receive positive coverage in the local media;
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Keep volunteers informed – one of the ways ACNT does this is through a volunteers’ newsletter as well as notices about specific subjects such as volunteering and state benefits;
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Awards to in individuals - the use of certificates to mark individuals achievement, for example, at ACNT certificates and commemorative pins are awarded for long service;
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Social events – for volunteers recognises contributions from volunteers and provides opportunities for them to mix with staff and trustees;
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personal marks of recognition – examples of this at ASNT include remembering birthdays, and a dairy and card at Christmas;
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Routine processes – ACNT undertake evaluation exercises that are highly thought of by volunteers;
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Representation – volunteers are encouraged to get involved as representatives on the Board of Trustees. There are also regular Volunteer Consultative Group Meetings.
Age Concern Gateshead
Age Concern Gateshead attributes good retention rates for volunteers to the range of policies and actions that are designed to ensure that volunteers are always aware of how much they are valued.
It is typical of their approach that birthday and Christmas cards are always sent to each volunteer. There are social events and the involvement of local dignitaries at award ceremonies. Volunteers were included with staff when the organisation was pursuing the Investors in People Award, thus linking external and internal recognition, and demonstrating high-level commitment to training.
Different ways in which the contribution of volunteers is recognised include:
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Birthday and Christmas cards
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Thank you cards during Volunteers’ Week
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Volunteers Christmas Party (Where staff serve and look after volunteers)
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Certificates for long service
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Special event opportunities. For example, Princess Anne opened the Age Concern Gateshead Resource Centre in 2005 and met volunteers and clients
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Summer day trips for volunteers, including Scarborough, York, Edinburgh and Whitby, usually during Volunteers Week (Depending upon available funding)
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Age concern regularly communicates through the organisations internal newsletter for Volunteers (‘Connect’). This is sent out every two months.
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