Local Hospital Best in UK for Volunteering

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) Volunteers service has become the first organisation in the UK to achieve re-accreditation of the prestigious Investing in Volunteers quality standard for the fourth time.

The award is in recognition of the excellent work they do supporting and offering work-based training to 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 as well as a professional recruitment process and investment.

Sally Knights, NNUH Volunteers Service Manager commented: “The IIV award offers a strong discipline around volunteering and we are delighted to have achieved reaccreditation for a fourth 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 Investing in Volunteers (IIV) Quality Standard is made up of nine 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.”

John Fry, NNUH Chairman said: “We owe a huge debt to all our volunteers as they provide a valuable service for both patients and staff. We have more than 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. “

Deirdre Cubitt, NNUH Volunteer said: “I find volunteering at the hospital so very rewarding and I feel it benefits both me and the hospital. The staff on the ward are wonderfully friendly and make me feel invaluable. I hope my contribution helps them and I hope I am able to enhance the experience for our patients while they are in our care, it’s my way of giving something back.”