ALL the hard work undertaken by the Okehampton Volunteer Bureau has paid off. It has just been awarded accredited status by Volunteer Development England.
This award enables the Volunteer Bureau to use the national quality mark and shows that it is offering a professionally recognised standard of service.
?We are very proud of ourselves,? said Karen Nolan, chief officer of the Council of Voluntary Service in Okehampton, which is based in the Ockment Centre.
?The staff and trustees are particularly pleased with the award as all volunteer bureaux must meet the same criteria, regardless of size, in order to retain membership of their national association.?
She said the Okehampton office had only three part-time members of staff who ran the CVS as well as the volunteer bureau.
?They are one of the smallest such organisations in the country and are justifiably proud of their achievement.?
The CVS has also achieved full member status of the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service.
Ms Nolan said the CVS had to submit evidence which complied with the national association?s code of practice to prove that it is eligible for membership.
?Okehampton and Tavistock CVSs jointly produced a business plan and supporting documents which illustrate how closely the two offices work together to support and develop the voluntary and community sector across West Devon,? she said.
?The staff and trustees are pleased to have made the smooth transition from associate to full members. As a result of this we get a chance to make our opinions known to the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service.?