Volunteers may be the glue that hold society together but Volunteers Managers are the people who know where and how to apply that glue!

The Scottish Association for Volunteer Management (SAVM), in partnership with Standard Life have launched a new Award for Outstanding Management of Volunteers. The first award ceremony, held in the Macdonald - Holyrood Hotel, was attended by over 100 nominees and representatives from their organisations. The awards were presented by George Reid, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and Marcia Campbell, Group Operations Director, Standard Life.

Marcia Campbell commented that much of the work that managers of volunteers do is unseen, but is crucial to the effective involvement of volunteers.

Violet Dalton, SAVM Chairperson commented: “Volunteering rarely just happens. To be effective and enjoyable, it needs to be organised. Therefore, I truly believe that behind every good volunteer programme there is an innovative, dynamic individual whose job it is to effect change and to provide a service by motivating and mobilising people and resources. Volunteers’ managers prefer to put volunteers and volunteers’ achievements in the spotlight; this is part of their job. I see it as part of my job to highlight the volunteers’ managers’ contribution to the development of individuals, organisations and communities.

“The work being carried out by SAVM, is helping shape the way the profession is developing. The recognition of core standards, training, appropriate salary levels and conditions of service, is providing the framework and a career structure which is helping to make volunteer management a positive career choice for increasing numbers.”

Winners were announced in three categories:

Winner of the Private Sector Category - Jillian Baillie, HBOS Foundation - Jillian dramatically improved the communication and promotion of volunteering within the HBOS group and identified volunteering opportunities for HBOS including team challenges which can be accessed by all 67,000 colleagues across HBOS.

Winner of the Statutory/Public Sector Category - Beth Thomson, Voluntary Services manager, Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Beth attracted and placed a wide range of volunteers, giving many their first experience of volunteering in mental health or with older people and maximised opportunities for those who may be socially excluded. s In addition she supports a wide range of activities balancing the need to protect her vulnerable client group with opening up new opportunities.

Winner of the Voluntary Sector Category - Pauline Gibb, Post Natal Depression Project, Church of Scotland - Pauline is a consummate professional but it is the personal touches which make her exceptional and provides the added value that our volunteers appreciate so much.

In addition, seven Highly Commended winners were recognised.

Robert Cooper – a manager within Beeslack Community High School
Roy Douglas – Pilton Elderly Project
Freda Hamilton – Interest Link Borders
Sarah Jarvis – Stirling Council Countryside Service
Katrina Purcell - NHS Lanarkshire
Najima Quereshi - Barnados Family Support Team
Ros Scott - Children’s Hospice Association Scotland

The Highly commended awards winners received a framed certificate and a bottle of ‘bubbly’ and the three award winners received a crystal trophy and a bag of ‘goodies’ donated by Debenhams, Boots, and gift vouchers. Jenners donated a hamper and the hotel donated a nights stay in their hotel and a visit to their spa as 3 ‘lucky number’ prizes.

Standard Life provided a reception and luncheon for the nominees and winners.

For further information please contact Ann Bain – Ann@savm.org.uk