Caraidean Uibhist SCIO has been recognised with an award to acknowledge their best practice in volunteer management and support given to volunteers.

Caraidean have been awarded a national quality standard Volunteer Friendly Award, which has been designed by Volunteer Scotland to support, recognise and reward groups which are good at involving volunteers.

Caraidean is the first organisation in the Western Isles to gain the newly revised national award. The Volunteer Friendly Award was redeveloped in 2021 by Volunteer Scotland and national volunteer organisations, including Volunteer Centre Western Isles. The standard, process and offer have been refreshed and achievable requirements set for each level of your volunteer programme. The new process allows more groups to engage with the Volunteer Friendly Award and be recognised for the work they do.

Caraidean’s Manager Jo Sinclair said, “We are immensely proud to receive this recognition and reflects the dedicated and long hours the Caraidean team put in to ensure that the organisation provides the service that it does to our community; without our Volunteers, we would not exist …. they are such an integral part of the Caraidean family, from befrienders to volunteer support workers, to the Board themselves, without them we would not be able to continue to flourish.”

Volunteer Centre Western Isles, a partner in TSI Western Isles, facilitate the Volunteer Friendly Awards locally. Katherine Macneil, Development Officer (Barra) who leads the local awards scheme, said, “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.

Here at the Volunteer Centre, we can support your group to take part, put the right systems in place and gain your award. 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