Established in 1984, Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) is an independent membership organisation that serves as the Centre for Excellence for volunteer development in Scotland.

With more than 70 staff, the organisation works closely with the Scottish Executive, playing a pivotal role in furthering the development of volunteering in Scotland. It does this through partnership, research, policy development, consultation and dialogue. It is also responsible for running the Central Registered Body in Scotland, which provides checks on those wishing to work with children and the vulnerable.

VDS has extensive networks and uses an evidence-based approach. It influences policy and strategy whilst implementing quality standards and best practice in all aspects of volunteering in both the public and private sectors.

Shirley Bwye is the organisation’s Quality and External Communications Manager with responsibility for implementing quality improvements. Her external communications role includes responsibility for editing the new web site, producing the quarterly magazine Spectrum, managing the PR agency, attending exhibitions and recruiting new members.

Shirley was already familiar with the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model, so when senior management asked her to undertake a process audit of the organisation, she drew up her own method of working and included it in a quality strategy paper.

As a member of Quality Scotland, VDS was given access to BPIR.com as one of its membership services. Adding to her existing knowledge of the Balanced Scorecards, Shirley looked to the BPIR.com web site for practical help and guidance. She used this when presenting to senior management who wanted to apply a dashboard approach to the organisation.

By using information from the web site, Shirley was able to suggest ways in which the Balanced Scorecard methodology could be incorporated into the dashboard work. The organisation is now in the process of implementing the improvement monitoring system.

Shirley said, “I am particularly interested in practical solutions and mainly use the ‘Tools’ section of the BPIR.com web site. However, I also explore other parts of the site such as the Management Briefs, as they provide practical solutions, leading to additional support for my quality work within the organisation.”