Volunteering Award
A nationally recognised award at SCQF Levels 3, 4, and 5 providing formal recognition of volunteering activity, developing a wide range of skills and personal development experiences to prepare learners for responsibility, further education, and employment.
Cost
£200
ITA funding may cover full cost
Units
3 Units
All mandatory
Delivery
E-Portfolio
Learn Assistant platform
Level
SCQF 3, 4 or 5
Recognised across Scotland
About this award
The Award in Volunteering Skills provides formal recognition of volunteering activity across three SCQF levels. Candidates learn about the context of volunteering, review and reflect on their own skills and experience, and complete an investigative project. The level undertaken 3, 4, or 5 is determined by the amount of support needed, prior experience, and the placement opportunities available.
Who is this award for
The award is open to all learners regardless of age, academic experience, or ability — whether they are brand new to volunteering or already active in a role.
- S3 – S6 pupils
- Adult returners
- Anyone preparing to volunteer for the first time
- College students
- Current volunteers seeking formal recognition
- Social committee members, class reps and student mentors
Award level and units
Each award consists of the same three mandatory units, available at three SCQF levels. The appropriate level is determined based on each candidate’s experience, support needs, and placement opportunities.
SCQF Level 3
Preparing to volunteer – SCQF26 09
Volunteering experience – FR27 09
Volunteering investigative – FR28 09
SCQF Level 4
Preparing to volunteer – FR26 10
Volunteering experience – FR27 10
Volunteering investigative – FR28 10
SCQF Level 5
Preparing to volunteer – FR26 11
Volunteering experience – FR27 11
Volunteering investigative – FR28 11
ITA Funding
An SDS Individual Training Account (ITA) can provide up to £200 towards the cost of this award, potentially covering the full fee. You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria.
✓ Aged 16 or over
✓ Not in education or involved in any other SDS funded programme
✓ Unemployed and looking to get back into work, OR employed earning less than £22,000 per year and looking to progress or change your job
✓ Resident in Scotland
Assessment
A wide range of methods can be used to assess the Volunteering Skills Award. Evidence is compiled into a portfolio that demonstrates the candidate’s learning and experience.
How you’ll be assessed
Evidence
Performance evidence and assessor observation, recorded using a checklist
Demonstrations
Written and recorded oral evidence demonstrating volunteering knowledge and experience
Logbook
Candidate notes and logbook entries tracking the volunteering placement and experience
Portfolio
Portfolio compilation bringing together all evidence across the three mandatory units
Progression pathways
Successful candidates can progress through the levels of the award and beyond, into further study, higher volunteering qualifications, or employment in the voluntary sector.
SCQF level 4 from level 3
SCQF level 5 from level 4
SCQF level 6 – NC working with communities
SCQF level 6 – Co-coordinating volunteers
SCQF level 7 – HNC working with communities
SCQF level 7 – managing volunteers
SCQF level 8 – PDA volunteering management
Employment in the voluntary sector or volunteer management
