The Leeds Volunteering Quality Marks are certifications for organisations or groups to show that they meet a high standard of best practice in volunteer management.
There are three levels of certification, including Lite, Level 1 and Level 2. Each award is valid for 3 years from the date of certification, after which you will need to re-apply to ensure standards are maintained.
The awards have been developed in partnership by Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) and the Leeds Volunteer Managers Network and are recognised by Leeds City Council.
This award is for groups or organisations who are just beginning to involve volunteers or have an informal volunteer program. The Lite award does not require any formal policies to be submitted in evidence.
This award is aimed at groups or organisations looking to show excellence in volunteer management. Assessment of the award involve submission of statements, policies and procedures.
This award is targeted at groups or organisations looking to show excellence and showcase strong examples of best practice in volunteer management. Assessment of the award involves submission of statements, policies, procedures and a visit from the assessor to meet with staff and volunteers.
The Volunteering Quality Marks are recognition for volunteer programs which show great examples of good practice in volunteer management, including the support of volunteers, inclusivity and positive volunteer experiences. The award can be used when applying for funding, to showcase that your organisation has been recognised for strong volunteer management, as well as reassuring volunteers that they will have a positive experience with your organisation.
Volunteer Centre Leeds promotes the Volunteering Quality Marks throughout the city and uses them to help volunteers make informed choices about which organisations or groups they apply to.
Each quality mark award has an application form to complete. Different evidence is required depending on which level of quality mark you are applying for.
Application forms, checklists and guidance notes can be found at the bottom of this page.
When you have compiled all the evidence required, you can email or post this to us. If you have any questions prior to applying, please feel free to get in touch, we’d be happy to help.
Email: [email protected]
Address: Volunteering Team, Voluntary Action Leeds, Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 2QW
Lite: This award is completely free of charge for all organisations.
The Level 1 and Level 2 Quality Mark awards require a fee (+ VAT) to be paid in order to receive the certification. This cost covers the time and administration resources associated with assessing the quality mark submissions. The fee is one-off, covers the award for 3 years and is dependent on your organisation’s income.
Upon successful completion you will hold a highly regarded Quality Mark that is recognised by Voluntary Action Leeds and Leeds City Council, as well as Leeds-based funders. You will also receive a digital logo representing your achievement of the Quality Mark. This can be used in all promotional materials, including email signatures and online, as well as a printed certificate that can be proudly displayed within your organisation.
For statutory organisations (e.g. Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, Regulatory Bodies, Government Agencies), the individual team who apply for the Quality Mark will be given the award, rather than the full organisation. If another team within your statutory organisation wants to apply for the award, they must go through the same process.
The fee for statutory organisations is within Tier 6.
| Tier | Income | Lite | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| 1 | Up to £20,000 | Free | £100+VAT | £300+VAT |
| 2 | £20,000-£50,000 | Free | £150+VAT | £350+VAT |
| 3 | £50,000-£250,000 | Free | £200+VAT | £400+VAT |
| 4 | £250,000-£1million | Free | £300+VAT | £500+VAT |
| 5 | Over £1million | Free | £350+VAT | £550+VAT |
| 6 | Statutory organisations | Free | £350+VAT | £550+VAT |
Each Quality Mark award has an associated guidance document, which shows what evidence needs to be provided in order to achieve the award. Within this document, there is also an application form which needs to be completed and submitted with the required evidence.
Please return completed application forms to [email protected]
DownloadPlease return completed application forms to [email protected]
DownloadPlease return completed application forms to [email protected]
Download
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