Deirdre Fox, Manager of Offaly Volunteer Centre, with the coveted Q Mark award at the centre's offices this week.

Offaly Volunteer Centre achieves prestigious Q Mark certification

Offaly Volunteer Centre has been awarded the prestigious Q Mark certification, a widely recognised symbol of excellence awarded by EIQA (Excellence Ireland Quality Association).

The centre expressed its pride in the accomplishment, which it said reflects its commitment to providing high-quality services and achieving operational excellence in support of the community in Offaly.

Deirdre Fox, Manager of Offaly Volunteer Centre, spoke about her delight at achieving this significant milestone.

"Since our establishment almost four years ago, it has been my objective, along with the board's, to secure this mark of approval," she said.

"Achieving the Q Mark demonstrates our dedication to quality and excellence, and I am immensely proud of our team. This accomplishment would not have been possible without their hard work and commitment, as well as the unwavering support of our board."

The Q Mark is awarded to organisations that demonstrate excellence by meeting stringent criteria, verified through an independent and rigorous annual assessment process.

This certification highlights Offaly Volunteer Centre’s dedication to operating at the highest standards, ensuring that its management systems, 'customer' satisfaction, and overall operations meet best practices.

EIQA, established in 1969, has been a leader in promoting and supporting quality in Irish businesses across various sectors.

Achieving Q Mark certification provides organisations with tangible benefits, such as improved organisational efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, and strengthened trust among service users and stakeholders.

Dymphna Bracken, Chairperson of Offaly Volunteer Centre, on congratulating Deirdre and her team, highlighted the significance of this achievement.

"I know how complex and arduous the process is to achieve the Q Mark. It is a testament to the hard work, determination, and focus of Deirdre and the staff. The pursuit of excellence is crucial for ensuring that the people of Offaly receive the best possible service," she said.

The certification also holds immense value for service users, who can trust that the organisation is continuously striving to provide excellent and reliable services.

Molly Buckley, Board Member of Offaly Volunteer Centre, also shared her congratulations, stating, "This is a tremendous achievement for Offaly Volunteer Centre. The Q Mark is not just a symbol of excellence; it is a reflection of the dedication and passion of everyone involved in the Centre.

"Congratulations to Deirdre, Nina, Claire, Cormac, and Ernest, on this well-deserved accolade," she added.