The Parks Trust celebrates renewed Investing in Volunteers accreditation

We’re delighted to announce that The Parks Trust has once again achieved Investing in Volunteers (IiV) accreditation. Building on our achievement in 2023, this renewed recognition celebrates our commitment to making volunteering a welcoming, rewarding and meaningful experience.

Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for organisations involving volunteers. This award renewal confirms that the Trust fulfilled all six quality areas, from welcoming and supporting volunteers to recognising their contribution and helping them develop.

Our volunteers give their time, energy and knowledge to help care for Milton Keynes’ parks, wildlife and landscapes. At the time of assessment, 236 volunteers contributed across 19 roles, supporting outdoor learning, leading walks, rangering in their local park and bringing community events to life. Their experiences were central to the renewal, with the assessor hearing from 43 volunteers representing every role.

"Our amazing volunteers can be found all across our green spaces, whether a sunny summer afternoon or a wet Wednesday in January. They enable us to do so much more that we simply couldn't do without them, and they help us make Milton Keynes a better place"

David Lewis, Recreation & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for The Parks Trust

Volunteers feel valued

Feeling appreciated is an important part of volunteering with The Parks Trust. Our volunteer survey told us that 97% of volunteers feel safe and valued. From everyday thank-you’s and seasonal coffee socials to our annual awards celebration and Volunteers’ Week get-together, we recognise their contribution throughout the year.

That sense of belonging goes hand in hand with making a difference. Whether monitoring butterflies, helping people explore the parks or taking part in practical conservation, volunteers can see how their contribution supports the places they love.

Listening and learning

Since our previous assessment in 2023, we’ve introduced volunteer focus groups and Role Ambassadors to create more opportunities for volunteers to share ideas and shape their experience. Feedback has helped identify practical improvements, including additional training for volunteers.

To help keep volunteering varied and rewarding, we’ve created more opportunities to try different roles and develop skills – from first aid and wildlife identification to dry stone walling. We’ve also expanded community volunteering sessions across different days, times and locations, making it easier to get involved around other commitments.

As one volunteer told the assessor: “There are many opportunities that come our way. If you want to get involved, you can. There’s no pressure. You do what you feel comfortable with.”

Person in purple uniform passing over stepping stones

Committed to keep improving

Renewing this accreditation is an important milestone, but our work doesn’t stop here. The assessment has also helped identify opportunities to improve communication and make volunteering more accessible. Our renewed Volunteering Strategy (2026-29) will guide the next chapter, with listening to volunteers remaining central to our approach.

As we celebrate this renewed accreditation, we would like to thank everyone who volunteers with The Parks Trust. Whether you give a few hours or volunteer regularly, your time, knowledge and enthusiasm help care for Milton Keynes’ green spaces and connect more people with nature. This is a shared achievement, and a recognition of everything you contribute.