What are the National Volunteer Certificate Standards?

The National Volunteer standards were developed by a working group of Volunteer Service Managers, Volunteers and the Third sector as a framework for induction education for volunteers. The aim is to improve consistency and standardisation in volunteer induction and enable volunteers to develop within their volunteering role. Completion of induction supports the process for ensuring that volunteers are safe in the environment in which they will be volunteering.

• There are 6 core standards which all volunteers are encouraged to achieve as they start their volunteer journey. Successful completion of these 6 core standards through the completion of core e-learning sessions and 60 hours of volunteering will enable the volunteer to register for the National Volunteer Certificate awarded by Health Education England and SFJ Awards, obtaining a national badge and digital certificate.
• Some organisations may also choose to offer an in-house Volunteer Certificate for those unable to complete 60 hours of volunteering. Successful completion of the 6 core standards through the completion of core e-learning sessions and 30 hours of volunteering, means that the organisation can provide an in-house award and volunteers will obtain the national badge.
• The standards have been mapped to the outcomes of the Care Certificate used in the preparation of support workers in health and care settings and also to the Core Skills Training Framework. They will provide some of the underpinning knowledge for those volunteers who choose to move into a health or care based career.
• There are additional optional sessions available which may not be needed by all volunteers but can support specific volunteering roles. Optional standards will be added to over time to enhance the preparation of more volunteering roles.

Guidance on how to achieve the 6 core standards can be found in the info section or by clicking here.