Volunteers
FVMA resources for applicants
To help organisations who wish to apply for the Fingal Managing Volunteers we have provided this online tool. For each criteria and award level you will find a link or series of links that will take you to online resources on other web sites which you may find useful when you are completing your Self Assessment form at the end of your application period.
Please note that the links enclosed are indicative of some of the ideas that we are suggesting. By listing this links and by implementing the ideas enclosed we are in not implying you have completed the criteria for the award. We are just providing these links as a stepping stone for you through the various levels of the award.
Each organisation is unique in terms of the resources that it has, which can relate to the number of people responsible for managing volunteers, the number of volunteers, the size of the organisation, the budget and therefore each organisation must prove how they reach the criteria on an individual basis. For additional support please email
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Please be aware this is not an exhaustive list of resources, the internet is full of useful resources in relation to volunteer management, this toolkit is provided just to whet your appetite for the Fingal Managing Volunteers Award. If you find a useful tool on the internet please let us know and we'll share it on this page. Email us
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| Level 1 Award | Level 2 Award | Level 3 Award | |
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01 Training |
At least one member of staff or volunteer must have attended all four modules of a volunteer management training course provided by Fingal Volunteer Centre or one of their sister volunteer centres. |
At least two members of staff or volunteers must have attended an advanced volunteer management training session. |
At least two members of staff or volunteer must has attended an advanced volunteer management training session. |
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02 Peer support |
The organisation attends at least one of the four volunteer managers forums run by Fingal Volunteer Centre. |
The organisation attends at least two of the four volunteer managers forums run by Fingal Volunteer Centre. Information on the next Volunteer Managers and Coordinators Forum can be found in the events section |
The organisation attends all four volunteer managers forums run by Fingal Volunteer Centre. Information on the next Volunteer Managers and Coordinators Forum can be found in the events section |
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03 Policy Developmen |
The organisation has a written policy on volunteer involvement that sets out the organisation’s values for volunteer involvement, based on principles of equality and diversity. |
The organisation develops has a functioning volunteer policy in place and has completed a full rotation of the volunteer management cycle. Information on Volunteer Policy Development |
The organisation’s annual plan includes objectives for volunteer involvement which are reviewed on a regular basis. Information on Volunteer Policy Development |
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04 Supporting your volunteers |
The organisation designates responsibility for volunteers, to a key person or group of people within the organisation; and these responsibilities are clearly outlined in job or role descriptions and regularly reviewed. Appointing a Volunteer Coordinator Staffing a volunteer programme |
Support and supervision is provided individually to volunteers. |
The organisation sets aside a budget to run its volunteer programme each year |
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05 Describing the volunteer roles |
A ‘description’ is drawn up for each volunteer role |
The organisation monitors equal opportunities in their volunteer roles. |
The organisation ensures diversity of the volunteer team and implements procedures to aim to increase the diversity and representation from the local community. |
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06 Describing the recruitment process |
People interested in volunteering are provided with clear information about the opportunities and any recruitment procedures. |
A variety of roles are developed to attract a wide range of new volunteers. |
A clear and unambiguous recruitment policy is developed. |
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07 Providing training |
Volunteers are provided with the necessary information and / or training to carry out their role. |
Options are provided to volunteers for further learning and training. |
Dedicated ongoing training is made available to volunteers. |
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08 Recognising and valuing volunteering |
Volunteers are recognised and valued for their contribution. |
Volunteers have the opportunity to feedback on a regular basis Motivation and thanking volunteers |
All staff and board members recognise the value of the contribution of volunteers and communicate effectively their appreciation. Motivation and thanking volunteers |
Fingal Managing Volunteers Award
Promoting Good Practice in
Community Organisations Across Fingal County
The Award Scheme is part of the Fingal Volunteer Centre and Fingal County Council’s activities to celebrate European Year of Volunteering 2011, and is intended to acknowledge groups who, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life of their communities across Fingal.
Organisations involving volunteers will have the opportunity to apply for the award by completing the eight indicators at either level 1,2 or 3, and the Fingal Volunteer Centre will provide support training and online resources for the Award Scheme.
Stuart Garland, Manager of Fingal Volunteer Centre said “This award recognises the valuable contribution that volunteers and volunteer involving organisations make to their local communities across Fingal County. We are delighted to provide volunteer management supports to encourage volunteering amongst the 240,000 residents of Fingal and also to ensure that supports are in place for volunteers in the wide range of 650 organisations and 2,600 volunteers that have engaged with Fingal Volunteer Centre over the last number of years”.
Sinead Wiley, Senior Community Officer Fingal County Council added “Fingal County Council Community Office is delighted to be involved in the design and development of the Fingal Managing Volunteer Awards. Local Voluntary Organisations are the bedrock of vibrant communities and provide invaluable social activities for people living in County Fingal. It is therefore important to acknowledge and support their efforts and the work of the Fingal Volunteer Centre”. For more information on the Fingal Managing Volunteer Award and to download an application pack please visit www.fingalcoco.ie or www.volunteerfingal.ie
Downloads and Resources (Adobe PDF files)
You may need to download an up to date edition of Adobe Reader to download the following pdf documents.
Information pack on Fingal Managing Volunteers Award
Introduction letter to the Fingal Managing Volunteers Award
Registration of Interest Form
Fingal Managing Volunteers Award Toolkit
Self Assessment application forms will be sent out to you when we receive your signed and completed Registration of Interest Form.
Toolkit
The toolkit is available for organisations who wish to apply for the award and provides a useful template and base for organisations wishing to apply at the various levels of the award.
Award Criteria
Below you can see the criteria for level 1, 2, and 3 of the award. This award criteria can also be downloaded and printed.
Resource Library
The following books are available at the Fingal Volunteer Centre office in Dublin 15. Our list of books and resources is growing all the time, please contact us directly for more information.
The good practice guide, for everyone who works with volunteers by Volunteering England, 2002
Essential Volunteer Management, 2nd Edition by Steve McCurley & Rick Lynch, 1998
Recruiting volunteers, attracting the people you need by Fraser Dyer & Ursula Jost, 2002
Keeping volunteers, a guide to retention by Steve McCurley & Rick Lynch, 2007 Managing Volunteers, 2nd Edition by Comhairle (now Citizens Information Board), June 2000
Safe and Alert, Good practice advice on working in vulnerable situations by The National Centre for Volunteering, 1997
How to produce inspiring annual reports, a guide for voluntary, arts and campaigning organisations by Ken Burnett & Karin Weatherup, 2000
The Dynamics of Disability and Social Inclusion by Brenda Gannon and Brian Nolan, July 2006
Inequality and the Stereotyping of young people by Maurice Devlin, February 2006
The little book of Disability by Inclusion Ireland, September 2005
Implementing equality for carers by The Equality Authority, December 2005
Integration of migrants : contribution of local and regional authorities by European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, 2006
Solid Foundations, a resource guide for building strong and effective organisations in the community and voluntary sector by The Wheel, January 2007
