The first question everyone asks “Where on earth is Dacorum?” It’s the name given to the local authority district which includes the towns of Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring and Kings Langley in Hertfordshire. The Volunteer Centre has provided a focus for volunteering in the Borough of Dacorum since 1971. It offers information and guidance to volunteers and to volunteer-involving organisations, and works with other agencies in the overall development of the local voluntary sector. Our vision is to build communities and transform lives through volunteering and our mission is to engage with individuals, organisations and communities in Dacorum to ensure that volunteering is promoted, supported and valued. The Objects of the charity are based on the core functions of a Volunteer Centre as defined by our national umbrella organisation the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) These core functions are: 1.To offer a brokerage service, matching both individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate opportunities. 2.To promote good practice in working with volunteers to all volunteer-involving organisations. 3. To develop local volunteering opportunities in close partnership with voluntary, statutory and private sectors, ensuring that those who face barriers to volunteering are able to contribute. 4.To identify and respond to proposals or legislation that may impact on volunteering. 5.To network at a local, regional and national level in the strategic development of volunteering. NCVO accredit and award the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) which is the quality mark for Volunteer Centres. In 2015 the Volunteer Centre achieved VCQA (Wave 4) and is therefore accredited for the next 3 years. One thing is for sure, nothing stands still at Volunteer Centre Dacorum. With 1,500 volunteers recruited in a year and a lively local and Hertfordshire-wide volunteering culture we’ll never be bored!