Local charity recognised with best practice award
Caraidean Uibhist has been awarded a national quality standard Volunteer Friendly Award, the first organisation in the Western Isles to achieve the accreditation.
The Award acknowledges best practice in volunteer management and support.
Completing their assessment, the independent external examiners commented ‘the Volunteer Friendly Award submission from Caraidean Uibhist is of an exceptionally high standard’, concluding that the organisation was now in ‘a great position to continue to successfully build the marvellous volunteering at Caraidean Uibhist and its work in tackling loneliness and social isolation which is more important than ever.’
The Volunteer Friendly Award was redeveloped in 2021 by Volunteer Scotland in partnership with local volunteer organisations, including our own Volunteer Centre Western Isles.
Caraidean’s Manager Jo Sinclair said: “We are immensely proud to receive this recognition, which reflects the dedicated and long hours the Caraidean team puts in to provide our service. Without our Volunteers, we would not exist; they are such an integral part of the Caraidean family, from befrienders to volunteer support workers, and to the Board themselves. Without them, we would not be able to continue to flourish.”
Volunteer Centre Western Isles is a partner in TSI Western Isles, and facilitate the Volunteer Friendly Awards locally.
Development Officer Katherine MacNeil is based in Barra, and leads the local awards scheme. Katherine told Am Pàipear: “Many essential services in our communities are enhanced by volunteers. It’s never been more important for groups to be able to show how good they are at involving and managing their volunteers.
“We believe regardless of your group or organisation size or set up you should be rewarded and recognised for the difference your volunteer programme makes.
“A huge well done to Caraidean for their excellent work with volunteers – their award is very well deserved.”
For information on how your group or organisation can find out more or take part in the Awards, please visit https://volunteercentrewi.org/organisations/volunteer-friendly-award or https://volunteerfriendly.co.uk for further info, or contact Katherine MacNeil, barra@volunteercentrewi.org.
