Battersea scoops prestigious volunteering award
More than 900 people are currently signed up to Battersea's Volunteering, Fostering and Communities programme.
Staff and volunteers at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are celebrating after winning a prestigious volunteer management award for the second time.
The charity scooped the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) Award – the gold standard for good practice in volunteer management - for its Volunteering, Fostering and Communities Programme.
Charlotte Fielder, head of Volunteering, Fostering and Communities at Battersea, said: “We are thrilled to be reaccredited as it represents the hard work of the Volunteering, Fostering and Communities teams in creating and maintaining a programme that enables Battersea to be here for every dog and cat.
“It also honours the contribution made by our volunteers, foster carers and community rehoming volunteers, who have shown such support during the reaccreditation process – and it’s particularly important to us that their hard work is recognised following the challenges 2020 placed on volunteering across the charity sector.”
Currently, more than 900 people are signed up to Battersea's Volunteering, Fostering and Communities Programme in roles including administration, fundraising support and animal care.
After first receiving volunteer accreditation status in 2018, Battersea was keen to participate in the assessment process again to ensure that it is still offering a high-quality scheme. A key part of the assessment process is feedback from volunteers.
Peter Laurie, Battersea’s interim chief executive, was interviewed by the external assessor. He says: “I was pleased to be invited to speak with the assessor and share my observations on how our volunteer programme is led, managed and delivered.
“I take pride in the way in which Battersea recruits and supports all volunteers on their volunteering journey and I see the IiV quality standard as a real badge of honour. Our volunteers give so much to Battersea and this accreditation reflects our commitment to giving volunteers a quality experience, too.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
