Becoming a Volunteer
Get started with volunteering including how to apply and what to expect. Articles cover funding options, rights, responsibilities, interview tips and required background checks.
Becoming a Voluntary Worker: Frequent Questions
Most volunteering roles don't require special skills, and organisations will often train you on the job if needed.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Volunteer?
Figure out if volunteering is right for you by matching your personality and strengths to the right volunteer role.
Essential Checks Before Volunteering: Police and DBS
A DBS check is often required before volunteering with children or vulnerable adults, but it shouldn't put you off applying.
Funding Yourself While Volunteering
How to cover the costs of volunteering, from local roles to international placements that require upfront funding.
Guide to Volunteering While Claiming Benefits
You can volunteer while on benefits in most cases, but check with your adviser first and declare any expenses you receive.
How Do I Get Into Volunteering?
Get practical advice on starting a volunteer role, from assessing your time and skills to understanding the real costs involved.
How to Look for Voluntary Work
Contact local organisations directly or search volunteer databases to find work that matches your interests and location.
How Voluntary Work Can Lead to a New Career
Volunteering can open doors to new career opportunities while building valuable experience and making a real difference.
Qualifications to Gain from Volunteering
Gain work-based qualifications like NVQs while volunteering and boost your career prospects or personal development.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Volunteering
Think through whether volunteering is right for you by asking yourself key questions about your skills, time and commitment.
Voluntary Work with Local Museums
Get involved with your local museum through volunteering, from joining a Friends group to helping with day-to-day operations.
Volunteering as a Disabled Person
Disabled people can volunteer in many roles, find opportunities that match your skills and interests while building new experience.
Volunteering: Interview Techniques
Get ready for a volunteer interview by reviewing your application form and preparing answers to common questions about your experience.
Volunteering: Is Part or Full Time Right for You?
Decide whether part-time or full-time volunteering fits your life by considering your past experiences and what you want to gain.
What Organisations Look for in a Good Volunteer
Organisations won't accept just any volunteer, here's what they actually look for in candidates who can do the job well.
When Voluntary Work Goes Wrong
Volunteers often face poor working conditions, unclear roles, and lack of support that can turn their good intentions into burnout.
Why Become a Volunteer?
Volunteering builds confidence, helps you find your career direction, and connects you with others, all without needing a paycheck.
Working with Animals
Animal volunteering can be deeply rewarding, but it requires emotional resilience when facing sick, injured or neglected animals.
Your Employment Rights as a Volunteer
Volunteers aren't employees, but you still have legal protections covering health and safety, expenses, and fair treatment.
Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer
What you need to know about meeting your volunteer responsibilities and following your organisation's policies.