How To Volunteer

Topics covered in this section:
» What and with whom do you want to volunteer?
» When are you available to volunteer?
» Where do you want to volunteer?
» 3 steps to volunteering
» Your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer

You may already have an idea about what volunteering you would like to do or have a completely open mind, but here are some things that you might consider when deciding:

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What and with whom do you want to volunteer?

• Would you prefer a group setting or to volunteer on a one-to-one basis?
• Do you have any particular physical/mental health conditions, allergies or phobias that need to be taken into account?
• Do you have any preference about the age of the people you volunteer with?
• Has your past given you an understanding of certain experiences which you could use to help people in similar situations or would you find that too emotional? For example, if you've experienced a recent bereavement, you might find it too traumatic to work with people with terminal illnesses.
• Are there any types of people you wouldn't consider helping or would you prepared to tackle your fears and prejudices through exposure to them or by undertaking training? Be honest about your attitudes to certain things even if you feel that they show you in an unflattering light - we all have topics, people and places we would rather avoid. You can simply choose not to volunteer for an organisation that does particular work. However, all good organisations have equal opportunities policies which volunteers must agree to comply with.

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When are you available to volunteer?

• Do you have flexibility or do you want to set regular times and days?
• How long do you initially intend to volunteer for and if this period is finite, do you need a personal project for that time?
• If you have quite a bit of time to spare, do you want to do different volunteering on different days or concentrate on just one? Don't overload yourself
• There's nothing to stop you volunteering if you're claiming Job Seekers Allowance - in fact volunteering is an excellent way to get back into employment - but your volunteering must not hinder your job seeking.

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Where do you want to volunteer?

• Do you want to be home-based, volunteer 'on the road', or have a set location to go to every time you do your volunteering?
• What sort of environment would you feel comfortable in or would be prepared to try? For example, do you need a calm atmosphere or do you find a bustling environment more motivating? Do you prefer to stay inside or do you like being outdoors?
• How far afield are you prepared to travel and how often? Are the answers dependent on you being reimbursed for the cost of your travel? Most, but not all, organisations do this.
• If you drive, are there certain locations, distances or times of day you would prefer to avoid? Are you prepared use your own car for your voluntary work?
• If you don't drive, what restrictions does public transport place on where you can get to and at certain times of day? It pays to research this before you start choosing volunteer opportunities.

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3 steps to volunteering

Step 1

Make an appointment to visit us in Epping to discuss what volunteering you would like to do. You'll be under no commitment to volunteer. Meetings are one-to-one and confidential. Volunteer placements can be made without a meeting but please pay a visit if you can. There are so many opportunities, unless you know exactly what you want to do, it's difficult to consider them at a distance. We keep information on most of the organisations registered with us. It can help you to decide if they appeal to you. You will then be able to choose one or more opportunities. So that we can ensure that you get the best from our service, please let us know in advance if you have a disability of any kind. Click here to see our contact details.

Step 2

Complete our registration form. This can be downloaded by clicking here. We will then add your details to our database so that you start to receive our quarterly newsletter for volunteers. The registration form includes a section for you to nominate two referees whom we can approach before making a placement. Each referee needs to have known you for at least two years and not be a relative. They don't have to be someone you've worked for but it's fine if they are. However, unless you apply through Volunteers Plus or wish to volunteer for the local Primary Care Trust, we will not automatically request references. We will let you know.

Step 3

If we take up references, we'll write to you once they've been received and remind you of the opportunity(ies) you've chosen. We'll send your details to the appropriate organisations, asking them to contact you directly to arrange a meeting. Unless the organisations have asked for references in advance, we'll only forward them when they are requested.* You can then start to volunteer.

The register of opportunities doesn't stay the same so it's always worth contacting us if you'd like to change or add to your volunteering.

*Additional references are occasionally needed by organisations. So too are Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks if your volunteering will bring you into one-to-one contact with vulnerable people. Responsibility for these checks lies with the organisation you volunteer for rather than the Volunteer Centre. We can usually let you know in advance if this will be a requirement.

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Your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer

Volunteers have rights and responsibilities. Some of these are particular to individual organisations and opportunities, others are universal. Click here to download a list that applies to everyone who volunteers.

The definition of 'volunteer' isn't always clear. If you're unsure of your status as a volunteer, take a look at our fact sheet on the subject.

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