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Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions which aren’t answered here, get in contact with volunteering@communitysouthwark.org or 020 3848 6540
What is Volunteering?
Volunteering is the act of offering your time, skills, and energy to benefit a cause or community without receiving financial compensation.
Do I need to have qualifications to volunteer?
Most volunteering roles don’t require specific qualifications or experience. Organizations usually provide training to help you volunteer, although some specialist roles (e.g., healthcare or legal advice) may require specific skills or qualifications.
How do I apply to volunteer and what happens next?
Each volunteer role will have a different application process. Usually, they go something like this:
- The volunteer role advert will tell you how to apply
- You will fill in an application form or contact the organisation by email or phone
- The organisation will discuss the volunteering role with you and check it is something that is a good fit for you. They will also make sure the volunteering fits around your other commitments.
- They may offer you a trial volunteer shift
- They will take you through additional processes such as training or a DBS check
- You will be ready to volunteer!
This process can take anything from a week to a month.
Will I get training to help me volunteer?
The organisation you are volunteering with has a responsibility to offer support and training to help you feel confident in your volunteer role. This might be formal training, for example a training course, or it may just mean being shown how to complete the role.
Can I leave if I don’t like my volunteer role?
If you aren’t enjoying a volunteer role or it isn’t what you expected, then you are free to leave. It can be helpful to talk things through with the organisation before you do so to see if things can be improved, and if you feel comfortable, let them know you are leaving in advance of your final day.
Can I volunteer if I am on benefits?
You can volunteer while claiming benefits, as long as you keep to the conditions of the benefits you get. Check the rules about volunteering for the benefit you claim to make sure your benefits aren’t affected. Read more on the Citizens Advice website.
Can I volunteer if I am a refugee or asylum seeker?
Yes! Home Office guidance says “Asylum seekers are encouraged to volunteer whilst their claim is being considered”. You will need to make sure your volunteering does not interfere with any scheduled asylum process appointments and volunteering must not amount to unpaid work, or job substitution.
Can I volunteer from home?
Volunteering from home is increasingly popular and lots of volunteer roles can be completed from home. You can search for home volunteering roles in our volunteering database. Organisations may be able to provide you with IT equipment to help you complete your role.
Can I get some money to help me volunteer (expenses)?
Many organisations will pay expenses to help you pay for the cost of travelling to your volunteering location, and sometimes for things like lunch. You will agree how much this is with the volunteering organisation and this isn’t a payment. You will need to keep your receipts as evidence of your spending.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
While there is no maximum age limit for volunteering, some roles may have minimum age requirements, typically 16 or 18. Our volunteer database has a feature for you to find volunteering roles for 16 +. You can get in touch with us if you can’t find a suitable volunteering role.
What is a DBS check and do I need one to volunteer?
You might see that some volunteer roles ask for a DBS check. A DBS check provides information about a volunteer’s criminal history. There are different types of DBS check but they are all designed as part of a wider application process to see if the volunteer is suitable for different positions. Not all volunteer roles require DBS checks.
The organisation you are volunteering for should organise and pay for the DBS check. You will need to provide some information about yourself such as previous addresses, and some documentation.
If you are concerned about taking a DBS check you can talk to the organisation who has asked you to take one, or contact volunteering@communitysouthwark.org
I’ve got a criminal record – can I still volunteer?
Yes! There may be some volunteer roles which would not be open to you and each volunteering role will have a different policy. You can ask the organisation you are applying to volunteer with whether having a criminal record means you can’t volunteer in certain roles. You do not need to disclose a spent conviction for most employment or volunteering opportunities and it is unlawful to refuse to recruit a volunteer because of a criminal conviction that has been spent.
Some volunteer roles will require a DBS check which checks for a criminal record.
If you have any concerns about applying to volunteer with a criminal record contact you can contact volunteering@communitysouthwark.org for confidential advice.
I need some extra support to volunteer – how can I find this?
Some people need a bit of extra support to volunteer. This might be because of things like illness, disability, mental health problems, or many other factors. These factors shouldn’t be a barrier to volunteering and volunteering can be flexible and adaptable to suit your needs. If you would like some help finding the right role you can get in contact with volunteering@communitysouthwark.org or 020 3848 6540
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Research shows that people who volunteer often feel happier and less stressed because it gives them a sense of purpose and helps them connect with others. Volunteering also improves job prospects by building important skills like teamwork and communication, and many employers see it as valuable experience. People who volunteer regularly also report feeling more satisfied with their lives. Overall, volunteering not only helps the community but also improves personal well-being.
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