Thursday 12-06-2025 - 12:20

We have maintained our Investing in Volunteers Award.

We would like to thank our volunteers for taking part in the interviews, and for all the hard work and contributions they make to the Students' Association.

What is Investing In Volunteers accreditation?

Investing in Volunteers (IiV) accreditation is a UK wide quality standard that aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience and ensure organisations acknowledge the contributions of their volunteers. The Students’ Association first achieved the IiV accreditation in January 2017 and this was successfully renewed in October 2021. At the beginning of 2025 we started the process of renewal of the accreditation.

What was involved?

The first stage was to complete a self-assessment in February 2025 against the IiV criteria and provide an update on actions since the last renewal, inluding the findings from our Volunteer Survey. The second stage was the assessment, where 49 telephone interviews were held, involving volunteers, staff, and an external trustee.

What were the findings from the assessment report?

The assessor highlighted the very high standards of volunteer management and support observed during the assessment.

The report said GCU Students’ Association is committed to providing students with “an outstanding experience that will live for them for ever”.  The contribution made by volunteers plays an important part in this and is recognised by relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Students’ Association Strategic Plan, and in the twice yearly report on volunteer work and achievements which is submitted to the University Court and the Trustee Board. A biennial survey of volunteers confirms that a very high proportion of respondents “would wholeheartedly recommend this organisation as a good place to volunteer".

The report highlights that the organisation’s commitment to volunteer involvement is demonstrated by its Volunteer Policy, its regular volunteer survey, and the systems and processes for the recruitment or election of volunteers. Volunteers were aware of the Policy, having been introduced to it during their initial training. 

Inclusivity is one of the values of the Students' Association, which seeks to “champion diversity and help students to be proud of who they are”. These values are set out in the organisation’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

Volunteers confirmed that information was available to them from the start, through a range of mechanisms, such as official Students’ Association communications, freshers’ events, and the volunteers’ webpage.

Volunteers were unanimously positive about the quality and quantity of the support they received from Students’ Association staff.  Comments included “The staff here are amazing. They will bend over backwards to help us. They’re fantastic!”, “We were told at the start to contact staff if we had any problems, and they’re always there for us”, “They’ve been a massive help to me. They can’t do enough for us!”, “He must be the most messaged person on the campus!” and “She always knows what to do”. The report said it was generally acknowledged that their volunteer activities had significantly improved their career prospects. “I’m already using my experience here on my CV,” was a typical comment. Specific reference was made to the development of leadership skills, confidence, public speaking skills, resilience, team working, sensitivity to other cultures, financial affairs, problem solving.  “You learn to take responsibility,” said one.  “Sometimes you just know that if you don’t do something it won’t be done, so you get on and do it!”.  Another commented, “Communications used to be a problem for me, but not anymore!”

Volunteers felt that their contribution was appreciated by the Students’ Association, citing the praise, encouragement, and support they received from staff.  In addition, there were reward and recognition events. Volunteers reported favourably on the sense of community they had experienced within and across committees.  “I’ve made so many friends through the club!” said one.  Another confirmed this, saying, “I feel that the friendships and contacts I’m making through volunteering will continue long after my graduation.”