Volunteering FAQ

Volunteers often want to know exactly what it will mean when they volunteer, let our FAQ below help you with those answers:

• Q: How much time would I be required for or need to give?

  A: This varies greatly between different voluntary opportunities. Some may require many hours a week, others may only require a few hours each month. Some opportunities may be time-flexible, which would mean you could work as and when you have available spare time to carry out the work. Even if you work full-time and have a busy lifestyle, you should still be able to find something that suits you. Ultimately, the organisation or group requiring your help should make it clear how much time is required from you as a volunteer.
  

• Q: How long would I have to commit for?

  A: As a volunteer you are free to leave whenever you like, however it would only be polite to give a reason or explanation to why you wish to leave. If things don't work out, or your circumstances change, it's good to talk it through with the person in charge and give them some notice if possible.

• Q: What skills/experience would I need?

  A: Again, this would depend on the opportunity. Many don't require any particular skills, while others might make use of specific training or previous experience, for example in accountancy or marketing.
  

• Q: Will expenses be paid?

  A: Many organisations and groups will pay any costs you have, such as transport or meal expenses. However there are some that do not pay expenses so it is best to check with the organisation or group first – they will let you know.
  

• Q: Will volunteering affect my benefits?

  A: No - the benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer whilst claiming benefits; however you need to be available to actively look for work if you are on Job Seekers Allowance. For more detailed information, please download our Guide to Volunteering and Claiming Benefits 84.8 KB (pdf)
  

• Q: Can I volunteer if I have a disability?

  A: Yes. There are disabled volunteers in all types of roles. If you have particular concerns, or are unable to find an opportunity please get in touch with the Volunteer Centre.
  

• Q: Can I volunteer if I am under 16?

  A: Some organisations may not be able to accept volunteers who are under 16. This could be due to issues such as insurance or safeguarding. There are other organisations who welcome this age group. Please refer to this web page from Do-it for some useful information: Volunteering for Under 16's Page (Do-It Website)
  

• Q: What is a CRB Check and will I have to have one?

  A: A CRB or Criminal Record Bureau check is an official screening, whereby an organisation or group are entitled to find out whether you have any criminal convictions. A CRB check will only be made if the volunteer is working with children, vulnerable adults or the elderly. Having a criminal conviction does not stop you from volunteering.
  

• Q: What Can I expect as a Volunteer?

  A: You should expect to be treated with the same respect and support as any paid member of staff. Once you have made contact with an organisation, you should expect to hear back from them in around 10-12 working days. If you feel you are not being treated fairly or have a problem or conflict of some sort you should try and resolve the problem, firstly with the organisation or group themselves, failing that you should contact the Volunteer Centre for assistance.
  

• Q: I am not a British national, can I volunteer in the UK?

  A: There are no restrictions on volunteering by EU nationals. The same goes for nationals of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. People with refugee status (or who have exceptional leave to remain) and family members can do any type of work including volunteering. Asylum seekers and family members may volunteer - including whilst they are appealing against a decision to refuse them asylum. You can find the latest information about volunteering by non-EU nationals, and more details about volunteering by refugees and asylum seekers from Volunteering England here (PDF Download link)
  

• Q: I have another legal-related question about volunteering...

  A: For further information and good answers to many common questions about volunteering, please look at Volunteering England's Good Practice Bank (N.B. This is a VE members-only area)