What's involved in being a volunteer
There’s all sort of different stuff that volunteering can involve. What you end up doing is really up to you. There are so many organisations that need volunteers that there are many different things that you can give.
You can do something you know you like doing or you can take on a new challenge and learn from that. Where you start completely depends on what you would like to do! Volunteering is as personal as you and we aim to find you an opportunity which will suit you best. You could be doing admin work, helping with deliveries, working in retail, catering; the list really is endless.
Volunteering is a deal – it’s a win-win way of giving. You give your time, your skills and efforts, the cause gains from that. The most important thing is wanting to make a contribution to the cause you choose. In return you gain in all sorts of ways.
OK, so what do I get?
There are lots of benefits to volunteering – especially when it comes to improving employment prospects.
Do I have the time to be a volunteer?
Definitely. Most local organisations can use an hour or two a week whenever you can fit it in.
You can volunteer at any time of the week, day or night, weekdays or weekends. A lot of volunteering happens during office hours, these days you can even volunteer from, again depending on what you want to do. Some organisations need a particular commitment from their volunteers, others can be more flexible. For example, being a companion involves building up trust with the individual. Obviously that takes time and needs a degree of commitment. You need to think through the time commitment you can give before you choose your volunteer role.
Every organisation will welcome more of your time if you can give it but there is not problem in putting limits on what you do, especially when you are getting started. Better to start small and grow your contribution than overdo it and then have to cut back. So it’s best for both you are the cause that you are clear about the time you can give – win-win, remember.
Just think about how much an hour a week is worth. It could be much more but even if you just value it at minimum wage, for 50 weeks of the year that’s worth about £500 to the cause you are helping. Some might say you shouldn’t think about it that way, but you really should – you’re worth it!
What if I can’t do a regular volunteering slot?
Some people can’t – you might have unpredictable commitments, your work might mean you are ‘on call’, your family might need your time unexpectedly.
For those who can’t give regular time there are one-off volunteering opportunities, such as festivals or volunteer fundraising opportunities such as mass events.
Can I leave if I don’t like it?
Of course you can.
Sometimes things don’t work out and organisations understand that. You are under no obligation to keep volunteering for an organisation if you don’t like it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But it is always worth talking to somebody before stopping. That could be your volunteer co-ordinator (if there is one), the supervisor or whoever the organisation is responsible for you.
It is also something you may want to talk about with other volunteers in the organisation. You could either do that informally or, if your organisation has a regular meeting for volunteers, you could bring up any issues there.
If you feel that something is seriously wrong, or someone is treating you badly, it is also worth checking whether your organisation has a complaints procedure.
Some organisations have ‘volunteer agreements’ that explain expectations on both sides.
Do I get paid expenses for volunteering?
That depends on the organisation and the role.
Some organisation have the funds to cover your expenses and some don’t. It is always a good idea to find out what the situation is before you start. For example you might be using your own vehicle for delivering goods or bringing people to drop in sessions. It may be you are comfortable with the cost of that being part of your contribution – but it may be you can’t really afford that and you must not feel obliged to do so. So it is important to find out before you start whether and what expenses are covered. If in doubt ask!
Can I claim benefits while volunteering?
Yes. Claimants of welfare benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance are allowed to volunteer without losing their benefits – not least because it improves employment prospects. However, you must make sure that you are available to meet the conditions of receiving those benefits – such as being available for employment. Tell your volunteer coordinator or the person responsible that you are claiming benefits, especially if there is a chance your situation could change at short notice, for example if you are seeking paid work.
Do I need qualifications to volunteer?
Not usually. Some volunteering roles involve skills; counselling for example. When new volunteers aren’t already experienced or qualified organisations often provide training. If formal qualifications are needed this should be clearly stated when the volunteering role is publicised.
Organisations are more likely to look for personal skills than formal qualifications, such as being able to get on with people, being reliable, enthusiastic and willing to have a go than formal or academic qualifications.
Do I need a criminal records check to volunteer?
Any volunteering role involving children, vulnerable adults as well as a number of other situations will require a criminal records (DBS) check. Organisations will tend to do the check as a failsafe (because how do you know the adults you are dealing with are not vulnerable?) so don’t be surprised or offended if you are asked. The organisation should be responsible for the cost – though the time it takes can be more of a problem.
If you DO have a criminal record that doesn’t mean you can’t be a volunteer. We can arrange to discuss your situation in confidence if you wish.
Want to know the benefits?
Ready to get started?
There’s a lot more information about volunteering
There are many more questions about volunteering. It’s impossible to cover all of them, but the most common questions are covered in our volunteering factsheet.