University of Bath’s Students’ Union (BUSU) has achieved the Investing in Volunteers (IIV) Award, the UK Quality Standard for volunteer management.

In order to get the Investing in Volunteers award, BUSU had to demonstrate that it met the required standard in ten indicators measuring the way it recruits, supports and values volunteers and have the written policies and procedures in place.

For example, organisations have to demonstrate they are using good practice in  areas such as fair recruitment procedures, properly resourced programmes and adequate induction and support.

BUSU has approximately 2000 student volunteers, these include volunteer drivers, student trainers, academic reps, union councillors, club and society committee members, as well as a large proportion of students volunteering in the community.

Dave Austin, BUSU President 2007/8 said ‘We are very pleased to have achieved this award. It has been a real team effort and the volunteers have been outstanding in their support with the whole process. We are now confident in the way we 'manage' all of our volunteer roles so that volunteers can experience an efficient and safe environment.’

Anna Boneham, the Volunteer Coordinator stated that ‘achieving this award has confirmed that we are following good working practices. It has enabled us to look at any gaps in volunteer policy and develop these areas with confidence. We are delighted that this award recognises the high quality of volunteer procedures within the Students’ Union, especially when managing such a diverse range of volunteer roles’.

A big thankyou goes out to everyone who was involved with the Investing in Volunteers assessment. The assessor said that the students enthusiasm and knowledge was really impressive.
If you would like more information about Investing in Volunteers please go to www.investinginvolunteers.org.uk

Please click here to see all of our Volunteer Policies

Please click here for a list of the ten indicators that BUSU had to follow in order to achieve IIV status

Please click here for the full assessment report