Volunteer FAQs

I want to volunteer - what do I do next?

Before contacting organisations it is a good idea to think about what you would like to do in terms of the acitivity and type of organisation you would like to work for - check out the rest of the 'I want to volunteer' section of this web site for ideas and insipiration. When it comes to finding current volunteering opportunities you can either search to do-it.org.uk online database of volunteering opportunities or get in with the RVA office who can advise

Can I be paid something to cover my expenses?

Yes, you can. It’s a good idea for organisations to cover all your extra expenses that arise from volunteering. That includes the cost of travelling to the volunteering and meals while volunteering. Unfortunately not all organisations do pay expenses. This could be because they don’t have enough funds or simply because they don’t realise that volunteers should be paid expenses.

How much time do I need to volunteer ?

This is really up to you. You can find volunteering that only takes an hour a month - there’s a trend towards short-term volunteering requiring minimal commitment. Having said that, obviously the less time you have the harder it can be to find something that’s right for you. You can volunteer at any time of the week, day or night. While much volunteering takes place in office hours, you can volunteer at evenings and weekends too, again depending on what you want to do.

Will I be interviewed?

Most organisations will probably not formally interview you before they place you but they will probably want to have an informal chat. However, if the role has some responsibility, for instance, for money, or if you will be working with people or with dangerous equipment, the interview may be more formal. In either case this gives you, and the organisation, a chance to assess each other and an opportunity to ask questions. An informal chat or interview can also give you an opportunity to look at where you will be volunteering and meet some of the other staff and volunteers. In addition to some form of meeting you may also be required to complete an application or registration form and in some cases provide references.

Can I leave if I don’t like it?

Yes, of course. You are under no real obligation to keep volunteering for an organisation that you unhappy in. Having said that however it is always worth talking to somebody about this first. This could be your volunteer co-ordinator (if there is one), your supervisor or someone in the organisation who is responsible for you or someone who you have got on with well. You can then discuss with them why you feel unhappy and what you feel would improve your time as a volunteer in the organisation.

I’m working full-time. Will I still be able to volunteer?

Yes, there are many opportunities to volunteer that do not require you to be available Monday to Friday during the day. Don’t be put off volunteering because you work full-time! Many organisations would love to find volunteers that are able to volunteer evenings, nights and/or weekends. Some examples of out of office hours volunteering include: campaigning, the Samaritans or other helplines, working with homeless people, befriending, environmental and sports activities.

What do volunteers do?

Almost anything you want to do or can think of! You can volunteer to rescue people from mountains, to farm organically, build houses, write a magazine, judge criminals as a magistrate, or fix computers. There are organisations out there you can join that cater for every interest and minority group imaginable.

Will I get training?

You need to ask your organisation this, as it varies a lot. Some organisations offer substantial training and support, but others don’t and expect you to learn on the job or contribute existing skills. So if you’re spending one day clearing overgrowth from paths, expect about 15 minutes at the start being told what to do, how to use the tools and what health and safety precautions to take. But if you volunteer to give welfare benefits advice you should get much more training. You might get 10 two-hour training sessions spread over several weeks before you see a client, plus ongoing training to keep you up-to-date.

Do I need qualifications?

Usually you don’t. Some very skilled work may demand qualifications, but usually organisations offer training to enable you to do the work.

Can I get a qualification?

It’s becoming more common for organisations to offer volunteers qualifications such as an NVQ, but it is still unusual. You may well learn a lot and gain valuable experience, skills and a reference though. If you do need a formal qualification, ask at interview, or contact your local volunteer bureau as they may know if any other local organisations offer qualifications.

Can I claim benefits while volunteering?

Yes, you can. The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer.