VOLUNTEER CENTRES HERTFORDSHIRE

Volunteer Centres provide a unique service in communities. They provide a source of independent information on volunteering for local people and for voluntary and community organisations.

A network of Volunteering England accredited Volunteer Centres in Hertfordshire work with around 5,000 organisations that involve volunteers in delivering their services. Annually the Volunteer Centres recruit a total of over 9,500 new volunteers

The Centres maintain details of over 2,500 current voluntary opportunities, with each Centre holding a database of opportunities relevent to its geographical area.

 

Volunteer Centre Managers with Tony Edwards, Deputy Chief Executive of Volunteering England, at the presentation of their Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation in July 2011.

What do Volunteer Centres do? - Centres have 6 core functions which are Quality Accredited by Volunteering England:-

1. Brokerage - matching people interested in volunteering with local voluntary opportunities
2. Marketing - encouraging interest in volunteering using a variety of initiatives
3. Promoting good practice in volunteer management - information, advice and training
4. Developing local volunteering opportunities - for people of all abilities and from all walks of life
5. Policy response & campaigning - identifying and responding to proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering
6. Strategic development - networking at a local, regional and national level in the strategic development of volunteering

Whilst word of mouth is an excellent way of recruiting volunteers, Volunteer Centres can often introduce "new blood", or find people to fill particular skills gaps. This is important in ensuring a thriving Voluntary and Community Sector.

Hundreds of volunteer-involving organisations seek information and guidance on volunteer management issues from Volunteer Centres each year.

 

It's easy to find your local Volunteer Centre. Just click on the links below and find out about where they are and how they can help.

• Broxbourne and East Herts
• Dacorum
• Hertsmere
• North Herts
• Royston
• St Albans
• Stevenage
• Welwyn Hatfield
• Three Rivers / Watford - currently no accredited Volunteer Centre in these districts but click for further information.