Hinchingbrooke Hospital Volunteer Services Team recently won the Volunteering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ‘Valuing Volunteers Award’ for 2018.
The event, hosted by Volunteering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, was held at the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel on 4 June as part of the Volunteers Week celebrations. The award was presented to Volunteer Services Manager, Barry Pridmore and Volunteer Coordinator, Debbie Cammies by High Sherriff, Dr Andrew Harter and Deputy Lieutenant, Ms Lily Bacon.
The Hinchingbrooke team were up against the Dementia Carers Support service at Cambridgeshire NHS Foundation Trust, the Coroners Court Support Services, Age UK and Citizen’s Advice Bureau Cambridgeshire and District.
What makes the Valuing Volunteers Award so special is that nominations can only be made from the organisation’s volunteers. To be eligible, organisations must demonstrate good practice and a commitment to the Five Star Focus*, which promotes excellence in volunteer management.
As part of the nomination, a Hinchingbrooke Hospital volunteer said: “You are made to feel appreciated, very welcome and volunteers are placed in positions that are best suited to their abilities.
“Volunteers are looked after and listened to in every way”.
Debbie Cammies said: “I’m very proud to be Volunteer Coordinator for Hinchingbrooke Hospital and am flattered that our volunteers feel supported enough to nominate us for the Valuing Volunteers award. It makes all of our hard work worthwhile”.
* The Five Star focus is a sign-up scheme, run by Volunteering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, for all volunteer involving organisations, community groups and sports clubs who endorse excellence in volunteer management to help them successfully recruit, retain and value volunteers. Organisations use a free checklist to ensure they have all procedures in place to support, manage and value their volunteers.
There are 5 sections: *Planning for volunteer involvement *Recruitment; and Induction *Support and Safety *Training and Personal Development. *Involving, Rewarding and Recognising Volunteers.
