Durham Community Action awarded Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation

We are delighted to share that Durham Community Action (DCA) has once again been officially awarded the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) by NAVCA, the national body for local infrastructure organisations.

VCQA is a nationally recognised quality mark, awarded following independent assessment against the Five Functions of Volunteer Centres. Accreditation provides assurance to communities, volunteers, voluntary and community organisations, funders and commissioners that volunteering support is delivered to a consistently high standard.

The independent assessor’s report highlighted DCA’s 90-year history of enabling volunteering, our strong strategic partnerships, and our role as a trusted connector across County Durham. Particular strengths were identified in:

• Strategic development of volunteering, with volunteering embedded as a core organisational priority
• Good practice development, including high-quality training, resources and the County Durham Volunteer Kitemark
• Developing inclusive volunteering opportunities, especially for people with lived experience of poverty, the criminal justice system and mental ill health
• Voice of volunteering, linking national policy and initiatives with local experience and community insight

The assessment also recognised the impact of our work through initiatives such as the Employer Supported Volunteering Network, UK Shared Prosperity Fund volunteering programmes, Poverty Truth Commission, and our leadership role within health, wellbeing and community partnerships across the county.

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment shown by Durham Community Action’s staff team and the many partners we work alongside to support volunteering across the county. It’s really positive to see that collective effort recognised through this best practice accreditation. VCQA not only recognises what we do well but also supports continuous improvement. We look forward to building on this accreditation over the next three years, continuing to strengthen volunteering infrastructure, champion inclusive volunteering, and support communities across County Durham to thrive”

Kate Burrows, Executive Director, Durham Community Action

If you’d like to find out more about our volunteering work, or how we can support your organisation or community, please get in touch  volunteering@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk