One YMCA has been officially recognised for its excellence in volunteer management and inclusion after successfully renewing the prestigious Investing in Volunteers (IiV) standard.
The assessment, carried out in November, praised the charity’s work to create an inclusive, supportive and impactful environment for volunteers across Bedfordshire and beyond.
Volunteer standard
The Investing in Volunteers assessment included interviews with volunteers from across the organisation and highlighted One YMCA’s proactive approach to inclusion, equity and diversity.
The report found that volunteering is firmly embedded in One YMCA’s vision, values and strategy. Targets in the outgoing five-year organisational strategy, Mission 25, were exceeded for volunteer hours, youth involvement and the range of volunteer roles.
Under the charity’s new “Twenty by ’30” strategy, One YMCA aims to grow volunteer hours beyond 20,000 per year and further integrate volunteering into all areas of its work.
Volunteer management processes were also found to be stronger, including the introduction of a new Salesforce database and improved training, with clearer policies on expenses, problem-solving, and safeguarding.
Inclusive culture
The assessment highlighted One YMCA’s efforts to diversify its volunteer base, including a notable increase in young volunteers.
Annual surveys and demographic data collection are being used to inform ongoing improvements, with volunteers reporting a strong sense of belonging and respect.
One volunteer said: “The interview was very good, very friendly. I was very worried as English is my fourth language, but I was assured that families at the centre come from all over the world, and my language skills are a benefit. I was expecting it to be more difficult.”
Another added, “A strength is that they work around my commitment to volunteering. The flexibility has made me feel like I want to help out. It is not an overbearing commitment. They work with my schedule.”
The accreditation process also found that volunteers feel highly supported by staff, with regular reviews, group support, access to wellbeing resources and opportunities to give feedback. Ninety per cent of volunteers said they would recommend volunteering with One YMCA.
Voices of volunteers
Many volunteers told assessors they feel at home within the organisation. “I feel so confident and good with the staff. I feel like I am in my home. They speak of inclusion and diversity; everything is perfect. I feel so happy,” said one.
Another commented on the freedom to develop new ideas, “They are very supportive of us developing ideas, and they are happy to fly with it. I started doing some cooking and developing wellbeing courses. Whatever I have brought, they help to make it happen.”
All volunteers benefit from tailored induction, ongoing training and access to wellbeing support.
One YMCA’s chief executive, Guy Foxell, said: “This amazing recognition reflects how deeply volunteering is embedded in our culture and strategy, showing our commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive opportunities for everyone who volunteers with us.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with One YMCA can find out more at oneymca.org.
