National recognition for local voluntary sector bench-marking scheme
A bench-marking scheme for voluntary sector organisations working with young people in Warwickshire has been recognised nationally.
The programme, called Warwickshire Award for Involvement (WAI), was short-listed for the Young Partners Award and showcased at a ceremony organised by the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services.
WAI is a set of standards which third sector organisations and projects can use to progress their work around the involvement of children, young people and families in the design, development and evaluation of voluntary youth services.
They can work towards Bronze, Silver or Gold levels as part of the WAI programme – which is funded by Warwickshire County Council and managed by Warwickshire Children and Voluntary Youth Services (WCVYS) – by submitting a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
Young people trained by WCVYS then assess the portfolio and visit the organisation before marking it against a set of standards to decide whether it has met the criteria for bronze, silver or gold.
The project had to go through a similar process as part of the short-listing. Young people from the national youth forum ENVOY visited WCVYS and other organisations across the country to help determine the winner.
Helen Smith, Development Worker for WCVYS, said: “It is fantastic news that we have been recognised for the Warwickshire Award for Involvement. While we didn’t win, it is testament to the young people who make this project work.
“It recognises their involvement in decision making with in voluntary and community youth organisations or projects, and shows what can be achieved by working together and sharing ideas.”
To find out more about Warwickshire Children and Voluntary Youth Service, visit http://www.warkscvys.org.uk.