Q: Can I leave if the role isn’t for me? Expand A: Yes, of course. Volunteering should be fun! There’s no obligation to stay in a role that’s making you unhappy. The best advice is to speak with your supervisor and let them know how you feel.
Q: Can I volunteer if I have a disability? Expand A: Yes, many organisations can provide a variety of access and support needs. You can discuss any support needs you have with the organisation you are interested in volunteering with.
Q: Can I volunteer if I have a criminal conviction? Expand A: Many people with a criminal conviction do volunteer, however, it may limit the roles you can do depending on the nature of the conviction.
Q: Do I need a DBS check? Expand A: Whether you need a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check or not will depend on the volunteer role you will be undertaking; usually this will be when you are volunteering for an opportunity that requires working with vulnerable people such as children, the elderly, or people with mental health difficulties. This is a government-run service that checks whether you have a Criminal Record or are on the DBS Barred List. The DBS check is free for volunteers that need it. Further information can be found on the Disclosure & Barring website or look at our guide.
Q: Are there any age restrictions to volunteering? Expand A: There is no legal age limit, although organisations involving volunteers sometimes have a minimum and maximum age limit, as their insurance policy may not cover certain age groups (such as under 16s and over 80s). Volunteering, however, should be based on the ability of a person to do the role, not their age.
Q: Can I volunteer if I am from overseas? Expand A: Generally, there should be no problem with an organisation accepting someone from outside the UK as a volunteer, but the individual must ensure that immigration rules allow them to do so. Volunteer Centre Camden has some useful further information for European citizens, refugees and asylum seekers and citizens of other countries.
Q: Can I volunteer if my faith means I need to pray during my volunteering? Expand A: Yes you can. When you talk to an organisation about a potential volunteering role you can ask them what arrangements they are able to make to give you time and a space for worship.
Q: Will I get paid? Expand A: A volunteer is defined as ‘someone who willingly gives their time to a good cause’. You will not get paid for your time but usually you will be reimbursed certain expenses from the organisation you volunteer with, so that volunteering does not leave you out of pocket.
Q: How much time is involved? Expand A: The great thing about volunteering is that it’s so varied and flexible you can usually find something to fit in with your lifestyle. It needn’t be the same day or time every week, it could be for a one-off event, a short project or a regular activity. Or you may have some spare moments when you could help from home. Before you start volunteering have a think about when, how often and how long you want to volunteer for. Then search for opportunities which match up to what you want to do.
Q. What do volunteers do? Expand A: How big is your imagination? There are so many different opportunities on offer, it’s up to you to decide whether you prefer doing something you’re already familiar with, or take the plunge and try something new. Most organisations will value your time and energy above anything else, and will probably offer training to help you in your new role. Sometimes organisations do require specific skills, but if you’re not sure get in touch with them for more information. Here are some examples of recent local volunteering opportunities: Office admin Working in a charity shop Develop a marketing or business plan Become a Trustee – get involved in the running of a charity Help plan and organise fundraising events IT – show other volunteers and staff how to use computers Manage woodland and outdoor spaces Sports coaching Visit an older person Drive someone to a hospital appointment
Q: What are the benefits of Volunteering Expand A: give something back to an organisation that has impacted on a person's life, either directly or indirectly make a difference to the lives of others help the environment help others less fortunate or without a voice feel valued and part of a team spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle gain confidence and self-esteem. For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of: gaining new skills, knowledge and experience developing existing skills and knowledge enhancing a CV improving one's employment prospects gaining an accreditation using one's professional skills and knowledge to benefit others (usually described as pro bono). For others, volunteering appeals because of its social benefits. These include: meeting new people and making new friends a chance to socialise getting to know the local community.