Trust makes the grade

STANDARD bearers . . . Lee Pownall, v project officer, volunteers Martin Thomson, Jenny Brierley, Abby Goulden, Aria Bittley, Cliff Ellison Groundwork Executive Director, and Dale Ward, v project officer

GROUNDWORK Oldham and Rochdale has received recognition for helping local volunteers reach their potential.

The trust has gained the Reach quality standard for youth volunteering.

Reach is the Youth Action Network’s self-assessment framework for youth volunteering agencies.

The framework concentrates on the key principles of volunteering, with sessions assessing the organisations aims, safety, youth participation, community benefit, networking and partnerships.

By reaching these standards, young people involved in Groundwork-run projects, such as the v challenge, are benefiting by learning new skills.

The v challenge is a graduate scheme that gives young people their own community projects to manage over 10 weeks.

James Ferguson, Groundwork’s volunteering manager, said: “By achieving this quality standard it demonstrates that Groundwork ensure volunteers are an integral part of the trust.

“Volunteers at Groundwork benefit from receiving role descriptions, personal development plans, inductions and appraisals. This ensures that each volunteer gains a positive professional experience.”