Congratulations to another local charity, Assisting Berkshire Children (ABC) to Read, who have attained a continuation of their Safe and Sound Award for Good Governance in Charities for a further three years following a review.  Read on to hear from CEO, Marcia Rowlinson about what the charity has been focussed on recently, how the review process went, and future plans.

Tell us a little about the charity and what inspired you to get involved with the charity

ABC to read is a Reading-based charity dedicated to improving children’s literacy throughout Berkshire. Our mission is to provide one-on-one reading support to children who are struggling with their reading skills and deliver workshops to students, schools and families to help raise literacy standards in Berkshire. Our approach not only improves reading skills but also fosters a positive relationship with books and learning.

When I learned about ABC to read and its impact on children’s lives, I felt compelled to contribute. Seeing a child progress from struggling with words to reading fluently is incredibly rewarding. It motivates me and our dedicated team to continue our efforts in supporting children’s literacy development.

What encouraged you to apply for Safe and Sound?

As a charity focused on children’s literacy, it is crucial for us to ensure that our operations are transparent, ethical, and effective. The Quality Award represents a benchmark of excellence in local governance, providing assurance to our stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and the communities we serve. The decision to pursue this recognition was encouraged by our desire to continually improve and validate our governance practices.

What did the process involve for the team?

Fortunately, ABC to read was one of the first charities to undergo this certification process nine years ago. Having established strong governance foundations early on, the recent re-certification process was relatively straightforward. Our initial preparation and continuous adherence to best practices meant there were minimal adjustments needed. With the help from Herjeet at RVA, this prior experience allowed us to navigate the process smoothly, reaffirming our dedication to maintaining exemplary governance standards.

What benefits can you see for your charity from having gone through Safe and Sound?

The Quality Award serves as a mark of good governance, enhancing our credibility with donors, partners, and the community. It reassures stakeholders that we adhere to good standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical practice.  The process of obtaining the Quality Award encourages us to continually review and improve our internal processes and policies. This leads to greater operational efficiency and effectiveness in delivering our literacy programmes.

What were the highlights for you this year?

First and foremost, we are proud to celebrate our 20th anniversary. For two decades, ABC to read has been dedicated to transforming the reading skills and confidence of children in our community. This milestone reflects the sustained efforts and passion of our volunteers, staff, and supporters who have made our work possible.

In addition to reaching this significant milestone, we are thrilled to have been honoured with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award. This recognition highlights our commitment to making a positive impact in the community and our effectiveness in engaging with corporate partners to support our mission. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the support of our corporate partners.

Most importantly, the impact of our work is evident in the success of the children we support. This year, an impressive 97% of the children who participated in our reading programmes demonstrated significant improvement in their reading skills. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of our tailored, one-on-one reading sessions and the dedication of our volunteers who work tirelessly to support each child’s reading journey.

These highlights reflect a year of celebration, recognition, and impactful outcomes for ABC to read. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to our mission of helping children develop the essential reading skills they need to succeed.

Thank you to the ABC to Read for taking the time to share their experience and once again a big congratulations to the whole team of staff, trustees and volunteers for achieving the award! Read more about ABC to Read and the valuable work they do here.

Further information and support:

• You can read more about Safe and Sound here.
• You can can read more about First Steps towards Safe and Sound here. The next short introduction session is on 19 September 2024, 1pm-2pm – register here.
• Information about the free and confidential RVA Advice Service here.
• Contact advice@rva.org.uk or telephone us on 0118 937 2273.