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I am starting a volunteer project. What health and safety requirements do I need to be aware of?
As a volunteer you should expect a full induction when you start – this will include basic health and safety information, including fire drill, first aid and relevant safe practice guidance. Well organised volunteering opportunities will always be supervised a staff member who will ensure that you're safe. Some volunteering activities involve special skills and training, which should always be provided.
As a volunteer you should expect a full induction when you start – this will include basic health and safety information, including fire drill, first aid and relevant safe practice guidance. Well organised volunteering opportunities will always be supervised a staff member who will ensure that you're safe. Some volunteering activities involve special skills and training, which should always be provided.
Will I be entitled to an allowance if I'm living away from home to volunteer?
Living allowances vary – it's best to check with your opportunity provider before you start.
Broadly speaking you can expect to receive between £40 and £60 pounds per week. If you volunteer away from home, the organisation will usually help you find accommodation.
Find out more about residential volunteering opportunities - and allowances - through Volunteering England.
Living allowances vary – it's best to check with your opportunity provider before you start.
Broadly speaking you can expect to receive between £40 and £60 pounds per week. If you volunteer away from home, the organisation will usually help you find accommodation.
Find out more about residential volunteering opportunities - and allowances - through Volunteering England.
Can I volunteer full-time and get living expenses?
You can, but only under certain circumstances. 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. View Volunteering England's residential volunteering opportunities page for more information. [Link will open in a new window.]
You can, but only under certain circumstances. 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. View Volunteering England's residential volunteering opportunities page for more information. [Link will open in a new window.]
Can I use my volunteer work as a reference?
If you volunteer for a long period – e.g. 3 months, most organisations will give you a reference outlining your activities and the skills you have gained.
There are also a number of different schemes where accreditation could be quoted e.g. Millennium Volunteers, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Youth Achievement Award.
Many organisations provide certificates for volunteering work.
If you volunteer for a long period – e.g. 3 months, most organisations will give you a reference outlining your activities and the skills you have gained.
There are also a number of different schemes where accreditation could be quoted e.g. Millennium Volunteers, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Youth Achievement Award.
Many organisations provide certificates for volunteering work.
Can I get qualifications while volunteering?
It's becoming more common for organisations to offer volunteer qualifications such as an NVQ, although these usually apply only to full-time volunteering opportunities. Either way, you are likely to learn a lot and gain valuable experience, skills and a reference though.
If you do need a formal qualification, ask at the interview, or contact your local volunteer bureau as they may know if any other local organisations offer qualifications.
It's becoming more common for organisations to offer volunteer qualifications such as an NVQ, although these usually apply only to full-time volunteering opportunities. Either way, you are likely to learn a lot and gain valuable experience, skills and a reference though.
If you do need a formal qualification, ask at the interview, or contact your local volunteer bureau as they may know if any other local organisations offer qualifications.
