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CVQ logoCommunity Volunteering Qualifications -
Levels 1, 2 and 3

What is the CVQ?

The CVQ provide a means to recognise and accredit voluntary and community activities and can aid the recruitment and retention of volunteers, as well as rewarding their contributions within particular organisations or projects. There is also a single-unit, 2-credit qualification at Entry 3, Levels 1 and 2: Volunteering at an Event.

The qualifications below have been accredited by the regulatory bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ofqual, DCELLS and CCEA) and appear in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF):

Entry 3

  • ASDAN Entry Level Award in Volunteering at an Event (Entry 3) (QCF) Acc No: 600/0721/7

Level 1

  • ASDAN Level 1 Certificate in Community Volunteering (QCF) Acc No: 500/5882/4
  • ASDAN Level 1 Award in Community Volunteering (QCF) Acc No: 500/6211/6
  • ASDAN Level 1 Award in Volunteering at an Event (QCF) Acc No: 500/6188/4

The Level 1 Community Volunteering Qualifications are eligible for use in Foundation Learning provision.

Level 2

  • ASDAN Level 2 Certificate in Community Volunteering (QCF) Acc No: 500/7429/5
  • ASDAN Level 2 Award in Community Volunteering (QCF) Acc No: 500/7376/X
  • ASDAN Level 2 Award in Volunteering at an Event (QCF) Acc No: 500/6602/X

Level 3

  • ASDAN Level 3 Certificate in Community Volunteering (QCF) Acc No: 500/3955/6
  • ASDAN Level 3 Award in Community Volunteering (QCF) Acc No: 500/3957/X

At Level 3, 50 UCAS points have been allocated for the Certificate in Community Volunteering and
30 UCAS points for the Award in Community Volunteering.

The CVQ qualifications have had their approval by Ofqual extended to July 2014, with certification until July 2016.

Who is the CVQ for?

CVQ is for anyone aged over 14 who chooses to give their time for the benefit of the community without payment. There are no specific candidate entry requirements. However, people may have completed or be working towards:

  • A period of volunteering community action/service or work experience
  • Community or Junior Sports Leaders Awards Level 1 or 2
  • Business employees volunteering in the community
  • Community Education programmes
  • Queen's Scout Award
  • V50 or VImpact Awards
  • Adults volunteering
  • Duke of Edinburgh's Award
  • GCSEs, A Levels or NVQs
  • Learning Champion training
  • Qualifications for Volunteer Skills for Life Assistants

What organisations could offer the CVQ?

  • Schools, colleges, universities and adult education providers
  • Councils for Voluntary Services, Volunteer Centres and Third Sector training organisations
  • Charitable or Social Enterprises
  • Youth and community groups
  • Sports centres and associations
  • Health services
  • Extended schools looking for ways to accredit extra-curricular activities
  • Secure estates and other criminal justice provision

Content and structure

The qualifications are unit based and there is a wide choice of units available at each level. Each unit is credit rated; a credit is equivalent to 10 hours notional learning time (not necessarily contact time with a tutor/supervisor). Candidates produce a portfolio of evidence which is internally assessed and externally moderated.

CVQ candidates achieve qualifications by gaining the required number of credits. Candidates need to achieve 8 credits for a full Award and 13 credits for the full Certificate, including the mandatory units. The Award in Volunteering at an Event is available at Entry 3, Level 1 and 2 and is a single unit qualification (see below for further information).

The following downloads are available:

Please note that centres registering to deliver CVQ will receive a printed copy of the Standards with Guidance, which provides key information on how to interpret and implement the standards. Download sample units from the Standards with Guidance.

Volunteering at an Event Award (Entry 3, Levels 1 and 2)

The QCF Award in Volunteering at an Event is a 2-credit (20-hour) qualification, which is appropriate for both adults and young people aged 14 and up who volunteer their time at an event (for example, a summer play scheme, community festival, sports tournament or general fundraising event). The qualification has been approved by Ofqual, CCEA and DCELLS, the regulators for qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

If you would like further information, please download the Volunteering at an Event information sheet and appropriate standards. Please click here for Entry 3 Standards, Level 1 Standards or Level 2 Standards.

Available from April: The Award in Volunteering at an Event has now been approved by Ofqual at Entry 3. The Entry level qualification allows volunteers wanting a more inclusive and accessible accreditation option to have their skills development recognised.

Resources

ASDAN provides free guidance and evidence gathering resources. These are available from the secure area of this website for centres registered to run the CVQ.

Training

Information about training, including forthcoming dates and online booking, can be found on the CVQ workshops page.

FAQ

How much does this qualification cost?

The Costs page features information about registration costs for ASDAN Qualifications. Please also take into account the annual centre registration fee, if your centre is not yet registered with ASDAN.

How can I achieve CVQ as an individual volunteer?

You must be registered as a candidate through an ASDAN-registered centre to undertake the Community Volunteering Qualifications. If you are an individual learner and would like accreditation for your voluntary activities, please ask your tutor or volunteer co-ordinator to contact ASDAN for registration and training information. Alternatively, volunteers may wish to contact V (www.vinspired.com) to find local opportunities.

What does ASDAN define as an 'event'?

For the purposes of the Volunteering at an Event unit/qualification, an event is a significant activity or occurrence that has clearly defined outcomes. The aim of the qualification is to enable volunteers (young people and adults) to develop the skills and knowledge needed to make an effective contribution at an event.

How can my centre start running CVQ?

If you are not yet registered with ASDAN, your first step is to complete an application for ASDAN Centre registration form. See the Centre Registration section for more information.

Current ASDAN centres need to ensure that CVQ is added to their centre's registration. To do this, please go to the Add to your Registration section and complete the additional programmes/qualifications form.

Following registration, you will be able to access additional resources and guidance via the secure area of the ASDAN website.

ASDAN also provides introductory training workshops and can arrange in-house training.

Secure Area for registered centres

Once your centre is registered with ASDAN for CVQ, you can access further information and resources via the website's Secure Area.

It contains all relevant updates, essential documents, meeting information and resources and enables you to:

  • Download resources, including forms, guidance and moderation checklists
  • Register your candidate numbers and names
  • View updated support/standardisation/moderation meeting dates
  • Purchase materials from the online ASDAN catalogue
  • Check the list of candidates registered from your centre

There is no limit to the number of people from a centre who can register to use the Secure Area. You can register for a password online, by using the password request form.

Additional Information

Funding for Unemployed Learners

Unit funding is available for ASDAN QCF qualifications, including CVQ, for unemployed learners on active benefits: Download the list of eligible units

Train to Gain Funding

The CVQ qualification is listed on the Learning Aims Database (LAD) for Employer Responsive funding eligibility but only at Level 3. This means that it is up to the discretion of the local LSC, prompted by requests from training providers, whether to include these awards in their approved ‘Train to Gain' provision. For examples of ASDAN CVQ centres funded by Train to Gain, please contact Tim Leaman.

Useful websites:

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