Our sources
What our criteria are based on
An index is only worth something if you can check what it rests on. That is why we show here which guidelines, research and positions form the basis of our 40 criteria. So anyone can see why we are strict on certain points.
By theme
The criteria of the quality index and the transparency index did not come out of thin air. They build on guidelines, research and positions of organisations that have worked for years on child protection, animal welfare, responsible care and good volunteering. Below you can see, per theme, which sources we draw on.
Children
No orphanages, real protection
Basis for the knock-out for work in children’s homes and for the criteria on child protection and use of images (K5, K6 and K8).
Animals
Wild animals are not an attraction
Basis for the knock-out for contact with wild animals as an activity (K7).
Care
Only work you are trained for
Basis for the knock-out for medical work by volunteers without qualifications, and for the age and training requirements (K9 and K10).
Volunteering
Sending volunteers well
Basis for the criteria on local partners, preparation, support on site and evaluation.
Money and security
Knowing where you stand
Basis for the criteria on cancellation, protection of your money and financial accountability (K15, K16 and theme 3 of the transparency index).
From guideline to criterion
Every score can be checked
From these sources we created 20 quality criteria and 20 transparency criteria. Each review shows, per criterion, why an organisation does or does not score points, with a quote from its own website.
How we keep the criteria up to date
Sources
We follow developments
Guidelines and insights change. When a source publishes something new that affects our criteria, we look at whether a criterion needs to be sharpened or explained better.
Organisations
A new review is always possible
Has an organisation improved its website or way of working? Then it can request a new review. The date of the review is always shown with the score.
Volunteers
You can keep us sharp
Have you been with an organisation and does what you saw not match what we show? Let us know through the report page. We look at every report.
Good to know. These organisations are not involved in Volunteer Aware and have not reviewed or endorsed our indexes. We translated their guidelines and positions into concrete criteria, and we are responsible for how we apply them.
Is something not right?
Do you see information that is wrong or outdated, or do you know a source we should know about? Let us know.