Step three

STEP 3: Apply to become a volunteer.

Once you have decided on a volunteering opportunity, these are some of the things that you might be asked to do.

  • An application form

Most organisations will ask you to complete an application form. It will ask you for information such as your contact details, what you want to do, how long for etc.

  • An Interview

For some organisations this involves going to visit them for an informal chat. This is for them to find out about you and for you to find out about them – to ask any questions you may have.

Some organisations will ask you to attend a more in-depth interview, so they can place you where your skills, experience or knowledge can be put to best use.

If it turns out there is nothing suitable for you, don’t worry, but do ask for the reasons to be made clear. Check back with Volunteer Centre Camden who will help you search for other volunteering opportunities in your chosen area.

  • Training

Some organisations use training as part of the selection process. You may be required to attend one or two sessions or even a series of sessions. Volunteers need to be trained to make sure that they understand their role and that services are kept to a high standard.

Don’t be put off by the word ‘training’ – it is usually fun, you’ll meet other volunteers and hopefully learn a lot. Remember, nobody should be made to look foolish. Depending on what you want to do, you may also be asked to: 

  • Provide references – usually the name(s) of people who can comment about your suitability for voluntary work. 
  • Get a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. This usually only occurs if you will be working with children or vulnerable people and even then only under certain circumstances.

Having a police record will not necessarily prevent you from working with children or other vulnerable groups and it is always advisable to be honest about any criminal convictions or cautions that you may have.

The organisation will apply for the CRB check on your behalf, and you will not have to pay for it. You will need to provide basic details about yourself and they will do the rest. A CRB check can take anywhere from weeks to months to obtain, but the organisation may be able to involve you in a different role while you wait for your check to be completed.

 

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