Seashell Trust praised for work with volunteers

Seashell Trust has been reaccredited as an Investor In Volunteers.

The Cheadle Hulme charity was first given the accolade in 2011.

It promotes a high professional management standard for those working with volunteers.

Achieving it demonstrates a commitment to good practice and confirms volunteers’ experience is a good.

Denese Paver, Seashell Trust volunteer co-ordinator, said: “Achieving the standard embeds volunteering at the very heart of Seashell Trust and gives our volunteers a sense of pride and self worth. It helps us attract and retain volunteers and donors.”

Seashell Trust runs a residential and day school and college for children and young people with some of the most complex disabilities in the country.

It takes around 7,800 volunteer hours to keep the trust and its inclusive sports clubs running every year and there are currently around 200 active volunteers on the books.

Every three years organisations are required to renew the award, which is based on four areas of volunteer management – planning for volunteer involvement; recruiting volunteers; selecting and matching volunteers; and supporting and retaining volunteers.

After a rigorous vetting process including a site visit and staff interviews by an external assessor, the national Quality Assurance Panel decides whether the standard has been met and makes the award.

Denese added: “We are very proud of our Investors in Volunteering status. We are always keen to attract volunteers from all age groups.

“No experience is necessary but any special skills, such as IT or gardening, are very welcome. Lunchtime support for staff and students is always needed.”

To join Seashell Trust’s volunteer team, please contact Denese on 0161 610 0100 or denese.paver@seashelltrust.org.uk.