Frequently asked questions

about volunteering…

Here are just a few questions that we are often asked by people interested in volunteering. If you’re question isn’t here, just get in touch with us!

Q.        I have registered as a volunteer and the Volunteer Centre has arranged some appointments for me. I can’t go now. What should I do?

A.         If you have been given the name and telephone number of the person you are supposed to be meeting, please let them know that you can’t attend. They can then make a new appointment with you. If you just don’t go, they will think you just aren’t interested. If you haven’t got the number just ring the Volunteer Centre team on 01724 845155 and they will give you the number.

Q.        I haven’t heard anything from the organisation/s I have been referred to. What should I do?

A.         It can take a few days for the organisation to receive referral we send on your behalf, and then a few days for them to get in touch with you, but if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks of registering with the Volunteer Centre, just give us a ring or drop in to the office. We will contact the organisation and ask them to contact you as soon as possible.

Q.        I really feel I don’t have the confidence to volunteer – what can I do about that?

A.         Try one of our courses to strengthen your confidence and skills by checking out the Training section of the website. Look at the Learning For Change section of the website to check out learning opportunities that suit your needs and goals and help you keep going in the direction you want to go. Volunteering can form part of a support package specifically designed to suit you!

Q.        How much time will the organisations expect me to volunteer? I have other commitments.

A.         When you go to your volunteer interview they will ask you how much time you have to volunteer. You can usually work out times and days that fit in with your commitments. Some organisations may need people on specific days/evenings, while others may be much more flexible. People volunteer anywhere from a couple of hours a week to 3 to 5 days per week – just let the organisation know your availability. If the opportunity doesn’t fit in with your plans, come back to us and we will help you to find something more suitable.

Q.        I will be volunteering with children and young people or vulnerable adults and have been told that I need a CRB? What is this, and how do I get one?

A.         Everyone who works with vulnerable people, including children, young people and adults have to provide a CRB certificate to identify if they have any criminal convictions that would make them unsuitable to work with this group of people.

Why might I be asked to apply for a CRB checks? You may have been asked to apply for a Standard or an Enhanced CRB check if:

• you will be working with children or vulnerable adults;
• you will be working in an establishment that is wholly or mainly for children;
• you will be working in healthcare;

What information is available through a CRB check? A CRB check can provide access to a range of different types of information, such as information:

• held on the Police National Computer (PNC), including Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands and Warnings in England and Wales, and most of the relevant convictions in Scotland and Northern Ireland may also be included. (The CRB reserves the right to add new data sources)

Having a criminal record may not stop you volunteering; however organisations must follow their own policies and procedures in deciding whether or not you are suitable to volunteer for them. Check out the following website for more information about CRB checks http://www.crb.gov.uk

The organisation where you volunteer is responsible for asking you to complete a CRB form and will send it off for you. You will have to provide information to confirm your identity from a list provided by the Criminal Records Bureau. CRB checks for volunteers are free of charge however organisations have to pay an administration fee to a local organisation that is registered to deal with CRB’s in this area.

Q.        What should I do if I am not enjoying my volunteer placement?

A.         If you are not enjoying your placement, first have a chat with someone in the organisation. Perhaps they didn’t realise you were unhappy and can help to resolve any problems you are having, or change something to make it more interesting for you.

If you are unable to do this, or things remain the same, then get in touch with the Volunteer Centre team by ringing us, emailing or dropping in to see us at the office. We will either help you sort out any problems with the organisation or help you find something more suitable.

Q.        Will I receive travel expenses to and from my volunteer placement?

A.         This depends on where you volunteer. Some organisations pay out of pocket expenses as long as you provide proof of payment, such as a bus ticket or receipt. Some organisations do not pay any out of pocket expenses. It is definitely worth asking about this at your volunteer interview.

Q.        Will I be safe while I am volunteering?

A.         The Volunteer Centre team check out all volunteer placements offered to make sure the organisation has a health and safety policy, a safeguarding policy (if relevant), an equal opportunities policy and adequate insurance to protect volunteers. When you first start volunteering at your organisation you should be told about their policies and procedures at your induction meeting. If not, ask to see them.

Q.        Will volunteering affect my benefits?

A.         No, but you must inform the Benefit Office if you are volunteering. You are not restricted to the number of hours you volunteer however you must ensure that you are available and actively seeking work.

If you are paid ‘out of pocket expenses’ while you volunteer, for example the cost of your travel to and from your volunteering placement, this will not affect your benefits.

Q.        Any suggestions on things to ask at a volunteer interview?

A.         What about these questions?

• Who will I go to if I have a problem while I am volunteering?
• Do you pay travel expenses to and from the placement?
• Will you offer me any training or opportunities to develop while I volunteer?
• Are there any other things I could get involved in within your organisation?

And finally, just remember to relax, smile. Blow your own trumpet and tell them about your skills and experiences and the great qualities you have!

Q.        I have been asked to provide references. Can I speed up this process to make sure it doesn’t prevent me from starting my volunteer placement?

A.         Sometimes your referee’s can take a while to return a reference. There are things you can do to help. Always make sure you ask people who you put down as referee’s whether they are happy to do so, and let them know when you are applying so they can expect a reference request. Also, if you find out that the organisation is still waiting for your references, give your referee a quick ring to remind them. It is probably still sat on their ‘to do’ pile waiting to be completed. They will probably do it there and then if you remind them!

Q.        What should I wear to a volunteer interview?

A.         Remember that most volunteer interviews are fairly informal – often just a chat so the organisation can find out a bit about you and you can find out a bit about them. Take into consideration where you have applied to volunteer and who will you be volunteering with. Wear what you feel comfortable in and be yourself. Make sure your outfit is clean, sensible and appropriate. Appropriate means not wearing clothing that could be considered to be revealing, and don’t wear t-shirts with offensive slogans.

You want to make a good impression and first impressions do count! Good personal hygiene and a tidy appearance are important, but you don’t have to buy new clothes to look presentable. Don’t worry too much about piercings or tatoo’s. Just concentrate on letting people know what you have to offer them!