Investing in volunteers at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has achieved the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard, recognising the excellent work they do with their volunteers.
Similar to “Investors in People”, this prestigious award is designed to show that organisations value their volunteers and provide them with appropriate training and support.
The Investing in Volunteers (IIV) Quality Standard is made up of 10 indicators and NNUH was assessed against a range of best practice standards. The hospital proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers.
We have nearly 600 volunteers who give their time, free of charge, to support patients and staff at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The volunteers range from students to others in their eighties and nineties who have been working regularly at the hospital for many years.
Chairman David Prior commented: “We owe a huge debt to all our volunteers as they provide a valuable service for both patients and staff.”
Sally Knights, Voluntary Services Manager for the NNUH Foundation Trust, commented: “The IIV award offers a strong discipline around volunteering and we are delighted to have achieved reaccreditation for a third time. Our volunteers were fully engaged in the process and are pleased to know that they have played a vital part in achieving the award.”
The IIV assessors interviewed a number of volunteers and found that many had had a relationship with the hospital, either as a patient themselves or supporting a partner. A typical comment was: “They’ve (the hospital) done so much for me it’s nice to give something back.”
Other volunteers were keen to gain work experience. One commented: “I’m learning each and every day and I hope that it will help me make a career change.”