Accredited Learning

• An awareness of the principles and values that underpin the involvement of volunteers in an organisational setting
• An opportunity to explore practical content in relation to the role and tasks involved in coordinating volunteers
• Knowledge and understanding that can be applied in an organisational setting to take responsibility for aspects of a framework involving volunteers.

Unit topics for this award are -

Planning Strategically for Volunteer Involvement

Effective Recruitment of Volunteers

Matching Volunteers to Roles and Tasks

Increasing Volunteer Effectiveness through Training & Development

Supporting & Supervising Volunteers

Entry requirements are that  candidates are either -

1. In paid employment and working with volunteers

2.  In paid employment and coordinating volunteers

3. In a volunteer setting and coordinating volunteers

or

4. Experienced in working with volunteers in a volunteer setting.

The costs of this award for 2009 / 2010 is -

VDS members £495.00

Non memebrs £595.00

For more information on the application process and delivery of this award contact hazel.mcalpine@vds.org.uk

An Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route is also available for those who have recently completed the five VDS Intermediate Learning Opportunties (with the above unit titles) through VDS or a Volunteer Centre. Please use the application form to provide information about your previous learning and experience.

This programme will provide participants with:

• An increased understanding of specific topics in volunteering management
• Skills and knowledge to develop specific areas of volunteering
• The opportunity to explore and develop practice in specialised areas of volunteers’ management

Candidates will be required to study two units from the Advanced Programme - the choice of units are

Motivation, Retention & Development of Volunteers

Managing Youth Volunteering

Developing Volunteer Portfolios

Health & Safety and Risk Assessment in Volunteer Programmes

Developing Diversity within a Volunteer Programme

Creating Positive Volunteer Staff Relations

Entry is that candidates are either -

1. In paid employment and working with volunteers

2. In paid employment and working with volunteers

3. In a volunteer setting and managing volunteers

4. Experienced and working with volunteers in a volunteer setting and

5. Candidates will have achieved the Customised Award, Coordinating Volunteers at SCQF level 6

or

6. Candidates will submit a portfolio of evidence for Accreditation of  Prior Learning to evidence their knowledge, understanding and practice in the Coordination of Volunteeers.

Recognition of Prior Learning Route - Level 7 Award

VDS will also offer this award as an APL programme for people who have attended and completed a minimum of two advanced leanring opportunties.

This award will be offered by VDS in 2009 / 2010.