What is a Volunteer?

Someone who gives their time freely and without payment, to benefit other people, the community or the environment.

Who can volunteer?

The short answer, anyone over 16 years of age (through the Volunteer Centre).    

Why volunteer? You want to.......

• Take an active part in your community.
• Have fun, meet new people, make friends.
• Give yourself a challenge.
• Learn new skills to help find employment.
• Access to free training.
• Improve your communication skills.
• Recent experience for your CV.
• Potentail to gain a recognised qualification.
• Improve your skills and gain an up-to-date reference.

What can you do?

You can choose from the hundreds of opportunities we have registered on the database waiting to be filled by volunteers, the list is endless....

How much time do you have to give?

You can give as much or as little time as you like, but be sure not to over commit and take on to much. Many organisations are flexible with times and dates available.

What next?

If you want help finding a voluntary placement please contact us on the details below to book an appointment to see one of our volunteer advisor

Click here to request an appointment. We will email you with the details.

Training

As a volunteer you can gain a level 2 qualification in Community Volunteering. This is accredited by ASDAN, a national provider. You undertake all the requirements of teh qualification locally within your voluntary placement.

The course covers communication skills, teamwork, improving your personal skills and passing them on to others. The award acknowledges the  contribution you are making as a volunteer and can be a valuable addition to your CV. Whatever your age or experience a qualification in Community Volunteering provides great recognion for the work you are doing.

As a volunteer with any organisation you should receive induction training.

This should cover: health & safety, confidentiality, a tour of the building, an introduction to staff and other volunteers, what to do if you have a complaint, what the aims of the organisation are, what you will be expected to do i.e a role description, what time you are expected to commit, who to go to for support.

Volunteer Registration

You can download a volunteer registration form here once completed this should be returned via email to vc@escvs.org.uk

What will we do with the information you give us?

We will hold your information confidentially, and you will be invited to an advice session, using the information you provide we will aim to match you with a volunteering opportunity that you are looking for, once a match is made we will refer you to that organisation.

Criminal Record Certificates

Some opportunities require a criminal record to be carried out on anyone who wishes to volunteer within that organisation. This is often the case if the volunteering involves working with children or vulnerable persons. No criminal record checks will be made without your consent and only if you have been accepted as a volunteer for an organisation requiring such a check to be made. (Please remember just becasue you may have a criminal record this does not stop you from volunteering). 

Do-it website

Most of the volunteering opportunites found on do-it.org come from local Volunteer Centres in England and there are also overseas opportunities to browse.

Individual Monitoring and Feedback Survey

In order to help improve the service we provide and gain feedback from indivduals, we ask if those that have accessed our service take the time to complete a very short survey. This survey is sent to individuals after 6 months of being refered through the Volunteer Centre .