Dundee Volunteer Friendly

This award was initially designed by Volunteer Centre Dundee and redeveloped in 2021 by the TSI Scotland Network and Volunteer Scotland, who managed the delivery and monitoring of the Award until 2024. Currently, Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action (DVVA) delivers this volunteer management framework, which is aimed at small to medium size organisations and groups in Dundee to be volunteer-ready and offer high quality volunteering experiences.  

Dundee Volunteer Friendly (DVF) is a user-friendly quality standard to support, recognise and reward groups who are good at involving volunteers, equipping you to offer the best possible, meaningful and safe experience to your volunteers. 

Requirements are set at an achievable level for each organisation, allowing more groups to engage and be recognised for the work they do. 

DVF is portfolio-based and is divided into five strands (below) and comprises 15 practices. Organisations/groups complete an initial self-assessment to help them identify where they are in relation to the standard. This self-assessment outlines what they are doing well and highlights what needs to be developed. Subsequently, the organisation/group submits their portfolio, along with (up to) 15 pieces of evidence. However, the requirements will vary from group to group, depending on their size and structure. DVF is valid for three years. 

The five strands are: 

  1. Involving Volunteers (understanding why the group involves volunteers) 
  2. Making Volunteering Happen (money, management, resources and keeping volunteers safe) 
  3. Volunteer Inclusion (equal access to opportunities and fair recruitment) 
  4. Welcoming Volunteers (developing roles, induction, training and support the needs of volunteers) 
  5. Celebrating Volunteers’ Contributions (recognition, feedback and creating positive endings) 

 Groups will follow this step-by-step process:

How do you get involved?

To sign up for the Dundee Volunteer Friendly or to find out more information contact DVVA on communities@dvva.scot or 01382 305705.