ASDAN Certificate in Community Volunteering (CCV)

Places available on free and accredited training course for volunteers

Are you a volunteer, or do you help out on a regular basis at a local community group? Would you like your skills and contribution accredited with a nationally recognised qualification?

If so, the ASDAN Certificate in Community Volunteering (CCV) could be perfect for you – a new course starts in January 2009 and it’s free to individuals.

The CCV is designed to develop and endorse the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively as a volunteer, whatever the role. Created specifically for volunteers, it is recognised as a Level 2 Qualification in the National Standards Framework and can be a useful springboard to vocational qualifications and paid employment.

Individuals completing the course also benefit by enhancing their CV, boosting existing skills, learning new ones, personal development, and by receiving official recognition of their contribution as a volunteer. Previous attendees say they have especially enjoyed meeting other volunteers and found the course helpful in thinking about how they fit in to an organisation and the role they play, as well as providing new ideas and encouraging better working practices.  

The CCV is divided into five units, which can also be completed and accredited individually, making it ideal for volunteers who need flexibility. The units are:

• Preparing to volunteer;
• Skills for self-management;
• Dealing with meetings;
• Working to good practice standards;
• Understanding needs, issues and responses.

You don’t even have to go through the possible nerve-racking agony of an exam to gain the CCV. It is based on putting together a portfolio (folder) of evidence that demonstrates your volunteer activities, which the course tutor helps with and advises on.

The CCV runs at Kingsland Campus, Houghton Regis, over 13 weeks on Thursdays, 10am-12.30pm. The first Thursday, 15th January 2009, is a no-obligation introductory session where more detail about the units and what the certificate involves will be given.

The CCV course open to all but places are limited and priority will be given to applicants living in Tithe Farm, Parkside and Downside areas (due to funding criteria). Travel costs are also available to participants from these areas.

If you’re not volunteering at the moment but are interested in gaining the qualification, please contact Voluntary and Community Action as soon as possible in order that a volunteer placement can be organised by a Volunteering Adviser.

To find out more, book a place on the introductory session or on the CCV course, contact Jenny Allthorpe, Training and Development Officer at Voluntary and Community Action, tel. 01525 850559 or email training@action-southbeds.org.uk