Frequently asked questions on volunteering

We're here to help 

We understand that you might have some questions to get you started on your volunteering journey at Royal Voluntary Service.

To help you, we've pulled together examples of questions that other volunteers have wanted to know. 

What volunteer roles are available? 

All our volunteer roles support vulnerable people in communities and the NHS. Our task-based roles mean you can help in many different ways depending on your interests or skills. Activities can include carrying out admin duties;  serving patients, staff and visitors in hospitals; supporting people to get out and about; helping out at social activities and lunch clubs and much, much more. Search our volunteering roles for something to suit you.

Can I apply for multiple roles?

Yes, please do apply for any roles that you believe you can support.

Alongside in-person location-based volunteering, we also offer other volunteering opportunities that can be completed remotely such as our telephone support volunteer role at our Calls with Care service. 

Is there an age limit? 

All volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Some roles are only available to students and young adults volunteering over-16 or over-18.  There is no upper limit.

How often am I expected to volunteer? 

It depends on the role or task. Some of our volunteering opportunities at lunch clubs or social groups take place at the same time and location every week or two whereas others are often shift-based, such as those in our hospital shops, cafés and trolleys. Other roles such as telephone support at our Calls with Care service can fit around your schedule and be as little as an hour a week.

Take a look at our volunteering opportunities for more information. We can be flexible to suit what ever time you can give. 

Will I need to do any training? 

All of our roles require some level of training as part of your induction. This could be in the format of a Getting You Started Guide through to our award wining e-learning modules or practical training with our systems. 

Do I get reimbursed for expenses? 

Yes - we aim to make sure you are not out-of-pocket because of your volunteering.

How do I apply?

Once you've chosen a role that you're interested in on our volunteer app, you’ll need to create and verify an account using your email address and then log in.  Each opportunity will have an  'apply now' button. Click on this button for any role that you're interested in to begin your application.

How can I manage my application before submitting?

If you need additional time to complete your application you can click the 'save form' button.  This will save your progress and add the application to your dashboard so  you can come back and complete your application at a more convenient time for you.

Do I need to complete an identity check?

As with many organisations, we require a primary proof of identity document and a proof of address document (two separate and different documents).  For some roles this may be included as part of a criminal record check known as a DBS in England and Wales and a PVG in Scotland.

Do I need to provide references for my volunteer application?

Some of our volunteering roles do require us to obtain references. Where references are required, you will be asked to provide the details of two referees as part of your application. We will require these before you can start volunteering. 

Do I need to drive for some of my volunteering? 

Some of our roles involve driving such as Community Transport, whereas others such as home library services can be carried out without the need to drive but can be carried out using public transport, walking or going by bike.

If these roles are of interest to you then please do continue to apply and we'll be in touch for further information.

What do I do if I can't find a role?

We have services in England, Scotland and Wales which vary from area to area. Please do check back regularly as we add new volunteer opportunities every day. 

We also have roles available as part of NHS and Care Volunteer Responders, a volunteering service provided by NHS England and delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM.

You can find volunteering opportunities in other organsiations by visiting: 

• England - National Council for Voluntary Organsiations (NCVO)
• Scotland - Volunteer Scotland
• Wales - Volunteering Wales

What communications will I receive about my application?

We’ll keep in touch with you via weekly emails once you've started an application – please keep an eye out on your spam/junk folders in case your emails go there and add the email address to your safe list. 

We may also get in touch with you via telephone. 

How will I know when my application is completed?

Upon completion of your first application you will receive a welcome email from us. This will include your volunteer ID number and your welcome pack which details the next steps. 

How can I download the volunteer app onto my phone?

Our volunteer app is a browser-based web application. This can be accessed via any browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge or device including mobile phones and tablets. Go to my.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk and for ease add this as a bookmark on a computer or favourite on your device.