Use this guide if you want to give time to a cause, meet people, build skills or fill a gap on your CV. Have a rough idea of the hours you could spare each week or month.
Step by step
Decide what you want from it
Think about what matters to you, such as helping people, animals, the environment or your local area. Consider whether you want to meet people, use existing skills or learn new ones. Being clear helps you choose a role you will stick with.
Be realistic about time
Work out how many hours you can offer and when, including any caring or work commitments. Some roles need a regular weekly slot, while others are one-off events or flexible tasks online. It is better to start small and add more later.
Search for roles
Look on your local volunteer centre or council volunteer pages, charity websites and national volunteering websites. Libraries, hospitals, food banks, parkruns and community groups often need helpers. Ask friends where they volunteer too.
Ask questions before you commit
Contact the organisation and ask what the role involves, what training and support you will get, and whether expenses such as travel are reimbursed. Check who you will report to and what happens if you need a break. A good organisation will be happy to answer.
Complete checks and training
Some roles, such as working with children or vulnerable adults, need a DBS check, which the organisation arranges. You may need references and an induction session. Keep copies of any training certificates you receive.
Review after a few weeks
After a month or so, ask yourself whether you enjoy it and whether the time works. Talk to your coordinator if anything is not right, as roles can often be adjusted. It is fine to move on politely if it does not suit you.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Causes you care about listed
- Available hours worked out
- Local volunteer centre checked
- Two or three roles shortlisted
- Questions asked about support and expenses
- Checks or references completed
- Induction or training attended
- Review date set
Practical tips
- If you receive benefits, tell the benefits office before you start, as volunteering is usually allowed but must be reported in some cases.
- Record the skills you use and the hours you give so you can describe them in job applications.
- Try a one-off event, such as a litter pick or charity run marshal, if you are unsure about committing regularly.
Common problems
I applied but never heard back.
Busy volunteer coordinators can be slow, so follow up with a polite email or phone call after a week or two. If there is still no response, try another organisation.
The role is taking far more time than agreed.
Say clearly what hours you can give and ask your coordinator to adjust the role. Volunteering should not feel like unpaid full-time work.
I feel out of my depth.
Ask for more training or to shadow an experienced volunteer. Organisations should support you, and it is fine to step back from tasks you are not comfortable with.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
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