The Charter for Volunteering Mark has been set up by York CVS as a way of helping to raise the standard of volunteering programmes across the city. The council is only the second organisation to be awarded the Mark, following the National Railway Museum’s success earlier this year.

The council supports a network of around 1,700 volunteers who lend their time and expertise in a wide range of opportunities linked to the organisation. These include snow wardens, school governors, mentors for looked after children, walking and cycling leaders and volunteers who support adult learning and projects in parks and open spaces.

The Mark has been awarded for the quality of the volunteering programmes which are assessed against eight different charter principles. These standards include offering opportunities which are safe, enjoyable and of a high quality. All council volunteers have a voice and benefit from a supportive network of around 40 dedicated volunteer leaders. Most importantly the programmes make a real and positive contribution to improving the lives of others in the city, as well as offering personal development opportunities to the volunteers themselves.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism with responsibility for Volunteering said: “We’re proud to accept this Charter Mark which recognises the professionalism of our volunteering programmes. The award confirms that volunteers who can give even a little in any of our programmes can expect to get a lot out of it and we’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be able to volunteer to get in touch with us.”

For more information on volunteering with City of York Council contact Michal Czekajlo, Volunteer Co-ordinator on michal.czekajlo@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551841