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If I want to do volunteer work with children will I need to have a Criminal Record check?
Yes. Everyone working with children should be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.
CRB checks can take a matter of weeks, so it's best to take this into account when considering this kind of volunteering.
Yes. Everyone working with children should be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.
CRB checks can take a matter of weeks, so it's best to take this into account when considering this kind of volunteering.
I need to travel to attend my volunteer project. Will I receive travel and other expenses? How do I apply for this?
Yes – travel and lunch expenses should be available to all volunteers. You may have to pay for this up front, but you should be reimbursed if you can show that you spent a reasonable amount and you have receipts. Check with your opportunity provider to find out how - and how much - you can claim.
If you think you might have difficulty paying for things out of your own pocket, most organisations will be flexible and cover these costs up front.
Most residential voluntary work offers board, lodging and some form of pocket money. This work can be for a week or two or a whole year.
Yes – travel and lunch expenses should be available to all volunteers. You may have to pay for this up front, but you should be reimbursed if you can show that you spent a reasonable amount and you have receipts. Check with your opportunity provider to find out how - and how much - you can claim.
If you think you might have difficulty paying for things out of your own pocket, most organisations will be flexible and cover these costs up front.
Most residential voluntary work offers board, lodging and some form of pocket money. This work can be for a week or two or a whole year.
Can I claim benefits while volunteering?
Yes, you can. The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer.
For detailed and up-to-date information on volunteering whilst you are claiming welfare benefits read Volunteering England's advice about volunteering and state benefits. The Dept of Works and Pensions has a good search facility. [Links will open in a new window]
Yes, you can. The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer.
For detailed and up-to-date information on volunteering whilst you are claiming welfare benefits read Volunteering England's advice about volunteering and state benefits. The Dept of Works and Pensions has a good search facility. [Links will open in a new window]
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.
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.
Are you over 25, and interested in volunteering?
Visit do-it.org.uk [link will open in a new window]. YouthNet manages the National Volunteering Database, hosted at do-it.org.uk, which has information about thousands of volunteering opportunities for all ages all over the country.
Visit do-it.org.uk [link will open in a new window]. YouthNet manages the National Volunteering Database, hosted at do-it.org.uk, which has information about thousands of volunteering opportunities for all ages all over the country.
