City Hospice, Cardiff’s local hospice, has been awarded the prestigious Investing in Volunteers quality mark. This recognition highlights the charity’s dedication to valuing its volunteers and fostering a strong commitment to volunteering within the organisation.
Investing in Volunteers is the UK’s gold standard for volunteer management, designed to enhance the volunteering experience and promote best practices. The standard is delivered by the UK Volunteering Forum (UKVF) development agencies, with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) overseeing the scheme in Wales.
City Hospice achieved this accolade following a rigorous assessment process spanning 18 months. The evaluation examined six key quality areas: the organisation’s vision for volunteering, volunteer planning, inclusion, recruitment and onboarding, support, and development. Nearly 50 individuals, including volunteers, trustees, and staff, participated in interviews during the comprehensive assessment.
This award underscores City Hospice’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its volunteers, enhancing their overall experience and impact.
Samantha Davies, Volunteer Development Manager at City Hospice, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to see our dedication to supporting and valuing volunteers officially recognised with the Investing in Volunteers Award. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of every volunteer, trustee, and staff member at City Hospice. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this award only motivates us to continue growing and improving our volunteering programme for the future!”
The Chair of UKVF (the awarding body) said: “UK Volunteering Forum is delighted to announce City Hospice’s successful achievement of this award. The charity has demonstrated a real commitment to volunteering, and proven that their volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards.”
A volunteer at City Hospice said: “Of all the charities I’ve volunteered with over the years City Hospice has been the best at taking care of and valuing every small contribution volunteers make.”
City Hospice is the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in Cardiff. The charity has been providing care to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses in the capital for 40 years, in addition to bereavement counselling and support services for the families of its patients.
The charity’s work is supported by over 250 volunteers who help with a range of roles at the hospice itself in Whitchurch and in the community, including gardening, transport for patients, retail, and event and administration support.
