Volunteering FAQs



What qualifications do I need ?

For most voluntary jobs there are none! Where the work is more demanding and where counselling or advice is involved, then there are training and/or preparation programmes provided.


What experience do I need ?

Often none at all. However for many jobs some experience of working with people would be useful. For other jobs experience in clerical, administrative, accounting, decorating or driving would be helpful. If you don’t have any experience, then support is readily available to you.


What hobbies and interests would be useful ?

Think carefully about skills you may have. Someone could benefit from a skill or quality that you have, which you do not think is important.


If I have problems who can I contact ?

In every voluntary job there will be someone in charge whom you can turn to for support and advice.


What will be expected of me ?

Make sure you know what the work will entail. It is important to know who you will be working with, what your duties will be, the days and hours you are needed. Also know where the work takes place, if you need transport and whether confidentiality is involved.


Are references required ?

Many voluntary now require references, particularly where you would be working with children, young people, elderly people and people with disabilities. In line with recent Government policy, police checks may be undertaken on volunteers who work with children and other vulnerable individuals.


What about insurance ?

It is important to check what insurance cover is provided for volunteers. The organisation you are working for should advise you about this. Take care looking after your personal belongings as most organisations will not be able to replace missing or broken possessions.


Will I receive out of pocket expenses ?

You should not expect to be out of pocket while you are a volunteer. Make sure you know how to claim expenses and from which relevant person.