How volunteering works at the council
Volunteer roles are important
A volunteer’s role is important for you and the organisation. You will gain experience, skills and utilise your own knowledge. You will gain a sense of self worth, build confidence and show commitment which will assist you in securing a new job.
Apply to be a volunteer
Contact the named co-ordinators on the service pages of the volunteering site to discuss opportunities. You will be asked to complete an application form and normally an appointment will be made for you to visit the Council to discuss the opportunities further before you make the final commitment.
What you will be asked to do
Every volunteer role will have a specific role description and we will ensure that, with the help of a supervisor and training, you will understand what is expected of you.
Each volunteer will be assigned to a supervisor who will be responsible for training, safety, welfare and support.
Your skills and experience should be applicable to the role that is available.
Suitable training will be organised in order to reduce the risks to yourself and the Council and to ensure that you gain the necessary skills to be able to carry out the role,. You will be given clear instructions and training on safe practice when using specialised equipment.
Hours of work
A volunteer isn’t a member of staff and therefore not legally obliged to volunteer at designated times. You will agree at the outset what time you are willing to give to the Council but in order to run a project/service ideally you would be expected to attend at the agreed times for your volunteering role.
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.
Ending the volunteering agreement
You or the Council can end the agreement at any time and without any notice. The Council will give you at least two weeks’ notice to end an agreement, unless there is an emergency or misconduct, and we hope that you would offer the same to us. In all cases the Council will provide you with details of the reasons why your involvement is no longer needed.
Volunteer now
Page last reviewed: 05 May 2022
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