A national charity based in Milton Keynes has officially been awarded the prestigious Investing in Volunteers kitemark.

Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers. It aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and demonstrates that organisations value the enormous contribution made by their volunteers. The accreditation was successfully completed by the PSP Association (PSPA) in July 2026, following an intensive year-long process.

PSPA houses its head office in Margaret Powell House on Midsummer Boulevard and provides support and information to individuals and families living with rare, neurological conditions: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).

The charity applied for the kitemark because of the investment it delivers to volunteers who support the delivery of services, including Regional Support Groups, Befriending, a confidential Helpline, as well as helping at fundraising events and with awareness raising initiatives.

PSPA was assessed against six quality areas (vision for volunteering, planning for volunteers, volunteer inclusion, recruiting and welcoming volunteers, supporting volunteers, and valuing and developing volunteers) and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers.

The Chair of UKVF (the Awarding Body) said

“UKVF is delighted to announce PSPA ‘s successful achievement of this Award, they have demonstrated a real commitment to volunteering, proven that their volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards.”

As part of the Investing in Volunteers process an assessor interviewed 28 volunteers representing a diverse range of roles, lengths of service, and regions across the UK. In addition, key leadership and staff members, including Chief Executive Officer, the Chair to the Board of Trustees, and staff members who work closely with volunteers, participated in discussions to evaluate how volunteering is embedded within PSPA’s culture and strategy.

“Achieving the Investing in Volunteers accreditation is an important milestone for us.” said Lavonne McCormack, Volunteer Coordinator at PSPA. “It recognises the work we do to support our volunteers and our commitment to continually improving their experience. It also provides reassurance to current and prospective volunteers, as well as our funders and partners, that volunteering with us is well supported, well managed and valued.”

Following this milestone, PSPA is inviting members of the local community to join their award-winning volunteer network.

Whether you can offer a few hours a month to help out at a Support Group near to you, assist with our awareness raising initiatives, or assist with fundraising, your time directly impacts families navigating PSP & CBD.

To learn more about current volunteering opportunities or to get involved, please visit www.pspassociation.org.uk/volunteering Alternatively you can contact Lavonne on 01327 362461.

Further information about Investing in Volunteering can be found on www.investinginvolunteers.co.uk

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) are two rare neuro-degenerative diseases.

They are caused by the loss of neurons in certain parts of the brain. Over time, this leads to difficulties with balance, mobility, speech, vision, swallowing and cognition.

Both conditions are life limiting. There is no treatment and no cure.

Currently, around 60% of people living with either disease, are initially misdiagnosed with other conditions including Parkinson’s, stroke and depression.

PSPA is the only UK charity dedicated to creating a better future for every affected by PSP & CBD.

We will do this by:

• Providing information and support to enable families living with PSP & CBD to live their best possible lives

• Improving the quality of life for people living with the condition via research and awareness raising

• Putting the voice of the PSP & CBD community at the heart of what we do.

For more information please visit www.pspassociation.org.uk

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