How volunteering works at the council
Volunteer roles are important
Volunteers helping in our communities is important to us all. You might be volunteering to meet people and give service to your community, or you might be looking to improve your skills to improve your education or career prospects.
Lots of people volunteer including refugees and asylum seekers, we’re very happy to have you whatever the reason. We’ll always do our best to make sure you enjoy your role, and if you don’t we’ll help you to find another.
Apply to be a volunteer
Contact the co-ordinators for the services welcoming volunteers to discuss opportunities. You’ll asked to apply online or complete an application form, then someone will be in touch to discuss the role and the next stages of your application.
What you will be asked to do
Every volunteer role has a specific role description and we’ll ensure that, with the help of a supervisor and training, you understand what is expected of you.
Each volunteer will be assigned to a supervisor who will be responsible for training, safety, welfare and support.
Training will be organised in order to enhance the service you deliver, your confidence in that role and to reduce the risks to yourself and the Council. You’ll always be given clear instructions and training on safe practice when using specialised equipment.
How many hours can you give
A volunteer isn’t a member of staff and is not legally obliged to volunteer at designated times. You’ll agree at the outset what time you are able to give to the service you’ll help out with. You should never feel pressurised into doing more hours than you’re happy with, as volunteering should enhance your life, not be a chore.
Volunteering while claiming benefits
You will have to inform the Job Centre of your volunteering activities and confirm that you are still available for an interview or work, but you can still volunteer. All volunteering opportunities, skills and experience that you learn can be inserted within your CV and potentially help you to secure a paid position. If there are any expenses to be claimed they must be to the exact penny as stated on the receipt. If the job centre advisor is in disagreement or confused by volunteering, they should contact the Volunteer Supervisor for further information.
Insurance cover
The Council, its employees and volunteers are all covered by public liability insurance.
The Council does not insure privately owned vehicles - the responsibility for insurance rests solely with the owner or driver concerned.
If you are planning to use your car on the Council’s business in connection with your volunteering role, you must inform your motor insurance company and check that your policy permits business use.
Criminal Records checks
You may be required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service, DBS check (formally CRB check) if you will be volunteering in a specific place, such as a school, children’s or adult’s centre etc, and as a result of your role you have frequent contact with children or vulnerable adults.
If you do have offences that would appear on a DBS check, it doesn’t mean that you can’t volunteer, we would make sure you’re in the right role for you - just ask us and we’ll talk it through.
Volunteer now
Page last reviewed: 10 July 2024
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