The accolade, which is awarded by Volunteer Scotland following an audit process, recognises the management and professionalism that support the 600 volunteers who give their time to NHS Tayside. Achieving the standard shows volunteers and potential volunteers how much they are valued and gives them confidence in an organisation’s ability to provide an outstanding volunteer experience.
NHS Tayside volunteers reported feeling appreciated by staff and patients with NHS Tayside’s regular volunteer award ceremonies and celebratory events highlighted as a fantastic way to show support for the work they do. Staff confirmed that volunteers make a unique contribution, particularly in providing peer support to patients on the wards.
Tracey Passway, NHS Tayside Strategic Lead for Volunteering said, “We are delighted to have been successful in our Volunteer Scotland audit which confirms that NHS Tayside is fully committed to using best practice to develop, support and manage our wonderful volunteers.
“It is rewarding to have such a positive feedback and to have achieved such a high standard in volunteer management. My thanks go to all of our staff who coordinate our volunteer programme, but also to each and every volunteer who gives up their time freely and willingly to help our patients.”
Anne Hislop, Investing in Volunteers Manager for Scotland said, “Investing in Volunteers is the UK award with a unique focus on volunteering. To become an IiV Achiever, an organisation needs to demonstrate their commitment to their volunteers and be able to evidence high quality volunteer management in practice. It needs the support of everyone from volunteers to Board members and staff.
“So far, more than 200 organisations, from all over Scotland, have achieved the award; from small local groups to large national organisations. Volunteer Scotland is delighted to be able to include NHS Tayside on the list of Achievers.”