AFTER a lot hard work on the behalf of volunteers and staff, Southend council has now achieved the UK’s quality standard for their volunteer management.

The recognition and achievement of the Investing in Volunteers standard has been gained thanks to the work of the council’s Culture team and Early Help, Family Support and Youth Offending Service.

All of those involved in achieving the benchmark – both council staff and volunteers – will be recognised at a special celebration evening on Tuesday September 27 at Porters, The Mayor’s official residence where they will receive afternoon tea and a certificate for their efforts.

John Lamb, leader of the Council, is very pleased with the news.

He said: “This is fantastic and has been achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of all our fantastic volunteers and staff.

“I would like to give a huge thank you to all of the volunteers for their support in achieving the standard but also for the huge contribution they’ve made in ensuring that our library services continue to be offered to our local communities across the borough and that children, young people, and families receive the extra support they need.

“I would also like to thank all staff involved in the Investing in volunteer’s process and for their work supporting and managing volunteers across the council.

“However we also recognise that we need to constantly adapt, grow and embrace change for volunteering to further develop.”