Five Times IiV Award Achiever!
YLF are proud achievers of the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) Accreditation - for the fifth time!
The Young Lives Foundation is proud to announce that it has achieved the prestigious Investing in Volunteers (IiV) accreditation.
This national quality mark recognises our outstanding commitment to supporting, developing and valuing its volunteers.
As a five times achiever of this accreditation, it demonstrates our dedication to creating a positive, inclusive and impactful volunteering experience. Volunteers are at the heart of our work, supporting children and young people across Kent through mentoring, activity programmes, and youth services.
Neil Vickery, Volunteer Engagement Manager of the charity said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have achieved the Investing in Volunteers award. Our volunteers play a vital role in transforming the lives of the young people we support. This accreditation recognises the care, structure and support we provide to ensure every volunteer feels valued, equipped and inspired to make a difference.”
The Investing in Volunteers standard is the UK’s benchmark for excellence in volunteer management. It aims to improve the quality of volunteering experiences and highlights organisations that demonstrate best practice and a genuine commitment to their volunteers.
YLF was assessed against six quality areas and excelled in all aspects of working with its volunteers. These areas include:
- Vision for Volunteering
- Planning for Volunteers
- Volunteer Inclusion
- Recruiting and Welcoming Volunteers
- Supporting Volunteers
- Valuing and Developing Volunteers
Through our structured volunteer programmes, we ensure that volunteers are carefully recruited, thoroughly trained, and continuously supported. Volunteers contribute to a wide range of services, including mentoring vulnerable young people, supporting youth activities, and helping deliver positive outcomes for those facing challenges such as disadvantage, isolation, or lack of opportunity.
The Chair of UKVF (the Awarding Body) said:
“UKVF is delighted to announce The Young Lives Foundation‘s successful achievement of this Award, they have demonstrated a real commitment to volunteering, proven that their volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards.”
Volunteers' Week Celebrations!
To celebrate this significant achievement, we will be hosting a special event for our volunteers on 5th June as part of National Volunteers’ Week. It will bring volunteers together for an evening of music, food, and appreciation, recognising their invaluable contribution and dedication.
The event will provide an opportunity for our staff and trustees to personally thank our volunteers and supporters, reflect on the difference they make, and celebrate the collective impact they have on the lives of young people across Kent.
