The first ever global volunteering for development standard has been created by the International Forum for Volunteering in Development. The Global Standard for Volunteering for Development will ensure more responsible and impactful volunteering, and will help organisations positively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The Standard is not simply a set of rules, but a resource that can be taken up by any organisation working in the volunteering and development sectors.
It sets out standards that will strengthen outcomes and provide care and protection for volunteers and the people and communities they work with.
The Standard is designed to ensure that:
- All development programmes are designed in partnership with local communities so they respond to community needs • All community members and volunteers are kept safe and free from harm
- The intended impact of the programme is identified beforehand and tracked throughout
- Volunteers are fully prepared, trained and supported
As the standards evolve, it is also planned to introduce a recognition feature or brand to show that an organisation using the standards supports them.
