Hi Ruth

Apologies for late reply. It took me a bit of time to scroll down all the other forum posts to see yours, so you may not be interested now.

We have delivered the VSA levels 3-5 initially to offer our adult learning volunteers some sort of recognition for completing their informal, non-accredited training. The rationale was to try and bring the Adult Team into line with the Literacies and Youth Work Teams that have relevant qualifications attached to their training programmes.

I found it a bit messy in that there seemed to be a lot of duplication and tasks that seemed the same across the units. Without putting a damper on it, it really isn't suited to volunteer tutoring. I ended up bolting on the training to the VSA to try and make it relevant. It encourages volunteers to explore volunteering opportunities, which could lead to a higher drop-out of new volunteers.

Saying all that, the volunteers found it rewarding. They enjoyed staying together as a group for that bit longer to complete the award. I have mapped evidence across units to minimise duplication and cross referenced evidence.

Our Youth Team have made a success of it in their Senior Phase programme. They have developed resources for young people to work through it to achieve their VSA with embedded Personal Development Awards at SCQF Level 3. They've continued to develop this with adding a number of other units hopefully without requiring the young people to do any additional work.

Happy to share resources and put you in touch with youth.

Regards

Mark