Volunteering basics
If you want your CV to stand out, learn new skills, or do something important for other people, volunteering could be for you. Check out our guide on how you go about volunteering.
Dom, Lee and James volunteer in Galloway Forest Park
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"Volunteering builds self-confidence and self-esteem."
What is volunteering?
To volunteer means choosing to give your time and energy for the benefit of others without being paid for it.
The main ways to volunteer are:
- Through a charity or a voluntary organisation, such as Oxfam
- Through a public-sector organisation, such as an NHS hospital
- Informally within your own community, such as helping to clean your local park
What types of volunteering can I do?
Almost anything! Opportunities are open to all, regardless of your skills or the amount of time you can spare. In fact, there's a good chance you can volunteer in something you love doing. You could coach a youth football team or help out at your favourite music festival.
Can volunteering help me find a job?
Absolutely. Volunteering looks great on your CV as it shows you're self-motivated and that you're a good team player. It can also teach you new skills that you can use at work.
What are the other benefits?
Volunteering builds self-confidence and self-esteem, giving you a sense of belonging and purpose. This can provide a massive boost if you're looking for a way back into work or a change of career.
What if I'm already working?
Your company may be able to offer employer-supported volunteering. If you improve on skills that will be useful to your employer, they'll probably be keen to support you.
How much time will I have to spare?
The more time you can spare, the more chance you will have of finding something that suits you. However, there are opportunities for everyone – even if you can only dedicate the odd hour here and there.
If you're stretched for time or have mobility issues, look into virtual volunteering. By becoming a virtual volunteer you can get involved in a range of activities – from fundraising to website design – from the comfort of your home.
What qualifications do I need?
Most volunteering opportunities don't require any qualifications, but you might be asked to go through a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. From next year, more organisations will be legally required to carry out these checks.
For some volunteering posts, you may need to go through some basic training. This could be more formal if you take on more responsibility.
What do I need to watch out for?
- If you're volunteering for an employer with a view to getting a job, make sure you don't end up working for free forever. Negotiate – they should be prepared to start paying if you can prove yourself worthy and if a relevant post arises.
- Find out about whether the organisation provides insurance cover.
- If you're on state benefits, contact your local benefit office to make sure these aren't affected by volunteering.
By Jack Leather
Did you know?
Nearly three-quarters of employers say they'd take on a candidate with volunteering experience over one without. They find it gives people better communication and teamwork skills.
The Government's Office of the Third Sector will spend £6.6 million over the next two years to boost volunteering. Part of the money will go towards volunteering chances for disabled people.
Jargon Buster
- Local volunteer centre:
- Also known as volunteer bureau, it offers help and advice and can put you in touch with local organisations looking for volunteers.
- Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure:
- A check that shows up details of any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings you may have. It could also show whether you're banned from working with children or vulnerable adults.
What next?
- Work out how much time you can spare and at what time of the day you're usually free.
- If you're looking for work, make a note of any requirements you lack for the jobs you want. You can then look for the same skills in volunteering opportunities.
- Search for opportunities online. We've got thousands of regularly updated volunteering opportunities in the Start volunteering section and there are featured opportunities on vinspired.com. Register with TimeBank and your interests and skills will be matched to volunteering opportunities in your area. The Community Service Volunteers website has a section dedicated to opportunities for 16-25 year-olds and Reach provides opportunities for volunteers with career skills.
- Find your local volunteer centre and find out more about volunteering in your region: If you are in England - Volunteering England; Northern Ireland - Volunteer Development Agency website; Wales - Wales Council for Voluntary Action website; or Scotland - Volunteer Development Scotland website.
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