Volunteer sector welcomes professional development boost

Volunteer sector welcomes professional development boost

Joint Media Release: Careerforce and Volunteering New Zealand

30 October 2017

New Zealand’s volunteer sector is getting a professional development boost with the introduction of a new certificate aimed at experienced and aspiring managers.

Careerforce, the industry training organisation for the health and wellbeing sectors, has teamed up with the volunteer sector’s peak body, Volunteering New Zealand, to provide a clear qualification pathway for volunteer managers and support workers engaged in supporting the country’s social and community wellbeing.

“Contributing 157 million hours or the equivalent of approximately $3.5 billion to the country’s GDP, volunteers are vital to the social development, economy and environment of New Zealanders,” says Volunteering New Zealand Chief Executive Scott Miller.

“Volunteering New Zealand’s role is to promote, support and represent the important role volunteers and volunteer organisations play in supporting our communities.

“Supporting development of managers of volunteers and the organisations they work within, has been a key VNZ focus since 2010. Providing a qualification pathway is the next step in this journey. It promotes volunteering as a recognised and respected profession with core competencies that also advances the common good. “

Careerforce Chief Executive Ray Lind says the New Zealand Certificate in First Line Management (Level 4) is a perfect fit for anyone who is an experienced or aspiring team leader, supervisor or coordinator.

“If you are in one of these roles, this business programme allows your existing skills and experience to be recognised, while enabling you to expand your knowledge and leadership skills within your role,” Mr Lind says.

“It’s a great way to match your passion for supporting others and making a difference in our communities with a nationally-recognised professional framework, allowing you to better manage, engage and inspire your teams,” he says.

The announcement was made today at PIVOT, Volunteering New Zealand’s annual national conference in Auckland.

Mr Miller says that “With the support of Careerforce, we are encouraging organisations with volunteer staff in managerial positions to take up the opportunity to study the New Zealand Certificate in First Line Management (Level 4).”

“This qualification is not just an avenue to recognise and reward the amazing work volunteers do in our community, but also a way to demonstrate the high level of professionalism in which our volunteer organisations operate.”

For more information on the qualification, please see here. Contact Careerforce today to discuss your training needs on 0800 277 486 or info@careerforce.org.nz

ENDS

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