What is the 6 Point Promise?
The 6 Point Promise (also known as the Valuing Volunteer Management initiative) is a Hertfordshire-wide scheme to raise awareness of the need for good practice in volunteer management.
How does it work?
Volunteer-involving organisations may gain accreditation by:
- Self-assessing current policies, practices and procedures
- Attending a training course
- Receiving one-to-one support and direction from our Volunteer Centre team
Once all the criteria of the 6 Point Promise have been met, the organisation will be issued with a certificate and the good news shared widely with our network. You will also be sent the logo to use on your promotional materials.
How to achieve the 6 Point Promise
Self-assess your organisation
To be eligible for the 6 Point Promise / Valuing Volunteer Management accreditation, your organisation must adhere to the following topics:
Planning for volunteer involvement
A volunteer policy that covers all aspects of the relationship with volunteers, and role descriptions and opportunities that are open to everyone.
Recruitment process
Potential volunteers are contacted quickly and recruitment processes are fair, efficient and consistent.
Induction
New volunteers receive thorough preparation for their tasks and have a named person for ongoing support.
Support and safety
Volunteers are covered by insurance and included in health and safety policies. Out of pocket expenses are met wherever possible.
Training and personal development
Volunteer motivations are met with appropriate tasks and those with extra support needs are enabled to volunteer wherever possible.
Involving, rewarding and recognising volunteers
Volunteers contribute to decision making and are fully involved in the organisation's activities. Volunteers receive apporpriate recognition for their efforts and you say THANK YOU!
Click here to download the self-assessment checklist.
If you think your organisation already has the appropriate policies, practices and procedures in place, please email volunteer@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727 649950 to begin the accreditation process.
Join a training session
Upcoming session: Wednesday 17 September from 10am - 5pm in St Albans.
Click here to register your interest.
Your organisation is most welcome to join the Recruiting, Retaining and Managing Volunteers training course.
What topics are covered?
This course is run in two halves. The morning session, lasting from 10am - 1pm will cover:
- Volunteer motivation
- Writing role descriptions
- Writing recruitment adverts
- Selection process
- Induction and support
The afternoon session, lasting from 2pm - 5pm will include:
- Volunteer supervision
- Managing changing motivations
- Dealing with challenging or difficult behaviour
- Saying 'Goodbye'
- Rewarding and recognising volunteers
- The 6 Point Promise accreditation
What's the cost?
Please note, there is a charge to attend this training course. Hertfordshire-based voluntary sector organisations are eligible for the discounted rate of £70. Statutory and non-Hertfordshire based organisations will be charged £400.
Where can I find more information?
Please get in touch with our training team by emailing training@communities1st.org.uk or calling 01727 649955.
Benefits of the 6 Point Promise
Your organisation will find many benefits to signing up to the 6 Point Promise, including:
- A certificate and promotions on digital channels
- Recognition from volunteers as a good organisation to work with
- Recognition from potential funders as taking volunteer management seriously
- Eligibility for nomination for the countywide Valuing Volunteer Management Award
- Access to further support from the Volunteer Centre team
You will also be:
- More likely to recruit volunteers
- More likely to retain the volunteers you recruit
Join the best of the best
We have supported the following organisations to achieve their 6 Point Promise accreditation, and yours could be next!
Carers in Hertfordshire
Carers in Hertfordshire was one of the very first organisations accredited by the 6 Point Promise. in 2019, the organisation won the Valuing Volunteer Management Award for demonstrating exemplary commitment to caring for their volunteers.
Family Lives
in 2020, Family Lives won the Valuing Volunteer Management award. There was some tough competition, but they secured the win with their commitment to making sure their volunteers feel valued and part of the organisation.
A message from Family Lives:
"It was a real honour to win the award for Family Lives last year, it underpins the work we do and demonstrates that we are a volunteer-led organisation, following best practice. We really care for the wonderful team of volunteers we have.
"The last year has been one of huge growth! Offering opportunities for people to volunteer for us at home turned out to be a success. Volunteers have been remotely training and supporting the helpline, whilst still being very much supported by our team of supervisors.
"It has enabled us to continue to provide a quality service and still remain a strong team."
HACRO
HACRO (the Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders) was awarded the 6 Point Promise certificate and won third place in our Volunteer Management Awards for demonstrating the highest standards of volunteer management, all in one year!
Mix92.6
Mix92.6 is an almost entirely volunteer-run local radio station, always welcoming new volunteers with and without radio experience.
Youth Talk
Youth Talk began the 6 Point Promise as part of their five year strategy into investing in and developing a volunteer programme. The organisation saw it as "an endorsement of our volunteer management and represents an important step in Youth Talk’s journey for growth."
CEO David Barker wrote:
"To receive this external endorsement is fantastic. Volunteers generously give their time, energy and skills and are a fundamental part of our local charity. One of our key organisational values is that we are ‘stronger together’. Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people, learn new things and give back. Our community is at the heart of Youth Talk and we look forward to welcoming more volunteers in years yet to come to help us achieve our growth ambitions."
Start your 6 Point Promise journey
To register your interest or find further support, please email volunteer@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727 649950 to speak to our Volunteer Centre team.
Our telephone lines are open on weekdays (excluding bank holidays) from 9am - 4:30pm.