What You Need To Know About Volunteering
How much time do I need to give?
We have a range of opportunities offering flexibility in terms of time commitment. Some services need people to commit to a half or full day per week, others need just an hour or so each week. So you can choose a role which suits the amount of time you have to give.
I work during the day. Does this mean I can’t volunteer with you?
No! We do have some roles which are flexible and enable people to fit their volunteering around work and other commitments. Please contact us and we will be happy to help
How long will I have to commit for?
As a volunteer you are free to leave whenever you like. However if you feel things are not working out we would appreciate it if you talk it through with someone rather than just leave — as there may be alternatives available.
Can I try it and see if I like it?
When a new volunteer joins us the first month (longer for some services) are on a trial basis so you can see if the role suits you and the service manager can work with you.
What can I expect when I apply to be a Volunteer?
The Volunteer Co-ordinator will contact you to arrange an initial meeting. At this meeting they will discuss the various opportunities with you and will send off for your two references.
Once it has been agreed which role you wish to undertake, they will ask you to complete the relevant form regarding a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
Why do you undertake Criminal Record Bureau Checks?
As an organisation working with vulnerable people, we are legally obliged to carry our CRB checks for some of our volunteering roles. In addition, as good practice we ask all volunteers to disclose some information.
However a criminal record will not automatically mean you cannot volunteer for us — each situation is dealt with on an individual basis.
Who can I give as a Referee?
We ask for two references from people who have known you for a reasonable length of time. You cannot use relatives as referees, and prefer one to be from most recent employer. However we will discuss alternatives with you if this is a problem.
Will it cost me anything to Volunteer?
We do not want our volunteers to be out of pocket and will reimburse actual travel expenses related to your volunteering.
Will I receive any Training?
We ask all our volunteers to undertake certain mandatory health and safety training (the actual training varies according to the role).
In addition the Volunteer Co-ordinator works with the volunteers to assess and arrange other training needs relevant to the role. You will also receive a full induction when you join Care Network.
Can I claim Benefits while Volunteering?
Yes. The benefit regulations are clear that you can volunteer. The Volunteer Bureau can provide up to date information about volunteering and different benefits.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
Yes. We have volunteers with a range of disabilities. Where possible we will make reasonable adjustments to enable someone with a disability to volunteer in the role of their choice.
Are there any age limits to volunteering with you?
There is no upper age limit. We cannot usually take volunteers under the age of 16 for insurance and child protection reasons.
What can I expect as a Volunteer?
You can expect a clear defined role for your volunteering and a nominated line manager to support you in that role. In addition to ongoing support and training, we also provide all volunteers with an annual opportunity to meet formally with their line manager — a review.
Where appropriate we will provide volunteers with the necessary equipment and protective clothing, as relevant to the role.
