Who can volunteer?
Volunteers can be:
- People who are former service users
- Students
- Retired, old and young
- Unemployed / Employed
- Disabled
- A variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
There is no legal age limit, although organisations involving volunteers do tend to have a minimum and maximum age limit because their insurance policy does not cover certain age groups (such as under 16s and over 80s).
Can you volunteer if you are under 16yrs?
Some organisations say that they cannot insure volunteers under the age of 16.
Contact us to discuss the range of volunteering opportunities available in this area.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
Yes, many organisations are fully equipped to deal with a variety of access and support needs.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
Each organisation will have a clear policy about involving potential volunteers with a criminal record. There will be volunteering opportunities where you cannot volunteer if you have a criminal record; however, there are some where you can. Many opportunities will require you to have a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (formally Criminal Records Check or CRB.
I am not a British national can I volunteer in the UK?
There are no restrictions on volunteering by EU nationals. The same goes for nationals of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. People with refugee status (or who have exceptional leave to remain) and family members can do any type of work including volunteering.
Asylum seekers and family members may volunteer – including whilst they are appealing against a decision to refuse them asylum.
You can find the latest information about volunteering by non-EU nationals, and more details about volunteering by refugees and asylum seekers from Volunteering England.
I am an asylum seeker or in refuge can I volunteer?
People who have refugee status or have exceptional leave to remain are allowed to do any type of work, including voluntary work. You may have a letter saying that you must not engage in paid work – but this does not apply to roles that are voluntary and you are entitled to receive out-of-pocket expenses.
Do I need a disclosure barring service check?
This will depend on the volunteer role that you are looking to do. If you are working with children or vulnerable adults, you can expect to be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
How do I obtain a DBS check?
This will involve you filling in a form giving your name, current and previous addresses and giving proof of who you are and where you live. This will be sent to the Disclosure and Barring Service who will let the organisation know whether you have any previous criminal convictions. This should not cost you anything.
How do I find volunteering opportunities?
Via Wiltshire Together our community platform.
What is a volunteer centre?
Wessex Community Action is part of a national network of Volunteer Centres that works to a set of standards to provide information on volunteering opportunities and to support volunteer-involving organisations.
Where is Wessex Community Action based?
We are based in Salisbury but cover the whole of Wiltshire.
WCA
Unit 6, Paxton Business Centre
Whittle Road, Churchfields,
Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7YR
How much time commitment do I need to volunteer?
You can volunteer to do as much or as little as you wish. Some places want volunteers at regular times and for regular hours but often this can be arranged at times that suit you.
Other organisations have one off opportunities and others still would be happy to take you just as it suits you. Remember you are the volunteer; you have the right to say ”No”.
How long wil I have to commit for?
As a volunteer you are free to leave whenever you like. If things don’t work out or your circumstances change it’s good to talk it through with the person in charge and give them some notice if possible.
I cant afford to travel to the organsation to volunteer, can I claim travel expenses?
This is down to individual organisations which you would need to discuss at the time of interest. Organisations are aware if they do not pay travel expenses then some people may not be able to volunteer with them.
Will it cost me anything to volunteer?
No, however travel expenses being paid are dependent on the organisation you are volunteering for.
What skills do I need to volunteer?
This will depend on what you do. If you don’t have the skills needed, where possible, we’ll help you develop them. Often, enthusiasm, the ability to smile and encourage are the most important skills required.
What will I do when I volunteer?
Only what was discussed for the volunteer role you have shown interest in unless you have agreed to do other areas as your role develops with the organisation. The organisation will give you a contact person who is responsible for supporting volunteers within the organisation should you have any queries or questions.
Will I receive training I am not very confident?
Volunteers should receive a clear induction and support/training as necessary, as each volunteer has different needs.
Will I be insured as a volunteer?
Organisations which take volunteers should have appropriate insurance. You should be properly insured against any risks involved and should be provided with appropriate equipment/tools/materials to enable you to carry out your tasks. The organisation must make proper health and safety provision.
What will I get out of volunteering?
This is dependent on each volunteer’s circumstances and reasons for volunteering. However it could include building your self-esteem and confidence, gaining a new skill, having something to put on your CV and receive a reference, or being satisfied at giving something back.
Can I claim benefits while volunteering?
Yes. The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer. You can find all the latest information about volunteering and benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance and Incapacity Benefit from Volunteering England.
Will volunteering affect my benefits?
No. Volunteering does not affect the benefit payments you receive. Volunteers are not paid for their time but are entitled to be reimbursed for their travel and other legitimate expenses.
People claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA) can volunteer as long as they remain available for work and are actively seeking paid employment.
People claiming Income Support and/or Disability Living Allowance can volunteer.
People claiming Incapacity Benefit can volunteer for as long as they want. The rule that people receiving Incapacity Benefit could only volunteer for 16 hours a week no longer exists. Volunteering does not affect your “permitted work”.
Please note, if you are in receipt of benefits, please ensure that you declare you are doing volunteering as soon as you start.
What if I can’t find an opportunity I like?
Try increasing the range of your search on the platform (eg search for 'All Wiltshire' or with nearby towns).
View all volunteering opportunities see a full list of what is available before narrowing it down.
If you still have no luck, contact us to discuss further.
Will I get paid employment from volunteering?
Volunteering will not guarantee getting paid work from an organisation. It will, however, give you something to put on your CV, have someone to get a reference from, give you the opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence – which may help you with finding paid work.