HALTON’S volunteer centre has been commended for its ‘exceptionally high standard’ by quality assessors.

The centre in Lugsdale Road, Widnes, has won praise from the volunteer centre and quality standards watchdog.

It has achieved the newly designed volunteer centre quality accreditation after delivering top marks in five core functions.

These include strategic development of volunteering, good practice development, developing volunteering opportunities, voice of volunteering and brokerage.

John Carlin, volunteer centre and quality standards manager of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations said: “The organisation’s submission was of an exceptionally high standard.”

The panel which judged the award said the centre’s Clinical Commissioning Group commissioned work was of ‘excellent quality’.

Linda Goodier, development officer at the volunteer centre, said: “This assessment involves a considerable amount of effort, collecting evidence for the assessment, especially this time when everything has been redesigned.

“I am thrilled to hear the comments from the national council and to see they recognise the quality of work that we deliver.

“The team here offer a great service. It is good to hear other people think so too.”

The centre is based in the former St Marie’s Church which has been restored after a £1.6 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It provides advice, information and support to around 2,200 voluntary community groups and organisations.

VCQA is the quality mark for volunteer centres.

Accreditation provides assurance to commissioners and funders as well as members of the public and volunteer organisations that the centre is providing a high quality and effective service.

Anyone interested in volunteering or groups needing volunteers can drop into the centre on Thursdays from 1pm to 4pm, call 01928 593112 or e-mail volunteerhalton@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk.