What can I expect when I offer to volunteer?
This will vary from organisation to organisation . Some will ask you to attend a formal interview and ask you to fill in an application form, others will ask you to come in for an informal chat. However formal or informal, this is your chance to find out more about the organisation and what they have to offer, as well as their opportunity to find out more about you. It is important that you are clear about what they are asking you to do. If you are unsure or concerned, the Volunteer Centre is there to offer you advice and support. All organisations should offer their volunteers out of pocket expenses. Further details are outlined below.

Can I be paid something to cover my expenses?
Yes, It's a good idea for organisations to cover all your extra expenses that arise from volunteering. That includes the cost of travelling to the volunteering and meals while volunteering. Unfortunately not all organisations do pay expenses. This could be because they don't have enough funds or because they don't realise that volunteers should be paid expenses. Before starting your volunteering, ask about expenses.

What about Benefits?
People in receipt of welfare benefits can volunteer and receive out-of-pocket expenses providing they comply with the relevant regulations.
If you receive the following benefits - Jobseeker's Allowance and Incapacity Benefit - you must tell the Benefits Agency before volunteering.

Jobseeker's Allowance
If you are receiving Jobseeker's Allowance there is no set limit to the amount of volunteering you can undertake, so long as it can be proved that you are actively seeking work each week. You need to be accessible for interview and be able to start a job at 48 hours notice (unless you are volunteering on camps in Great Britain ). It is advisable to read the relevant leaflet (FB26) and to talk to your local Benefits Agency since local interpretation of regulations may vary.

Incapacity Benefit
If you are receiving Incapacity Benefit, the rule restricting you to volunteering for no more than an average of 16 hours per week was abolished in October 1998. However, you are still advised to talk to your local benefits office before volunteering.

Can I leave if I don't like it?
Yes, of course. You are under no real obligation to keep volunteering for an organisation that you are unhappy in. Having said that however, it is always worth talking to somebody about this first. This could be your volunteer co-ordinator, your supervisor or someone in the organisation who is responsible for you or one who you have got on with well. You can then discuss with them why you feel unhappy and what you feel would improve your time as a volunteer in the organisation.