FAQs for volunteers
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Select a question for more information:
- What sort of things can I do as a volunteer?
- What time will I need to commit?
- How can I find out about volunteering opportunities and organisations?
- What sort of experience do I need?
- Will I get reimbursed for any expenses I incur?
- I've found a volunteering role that I'd really like. How do I apply?
- How long does it take until I can start volunteering?
- Will I need to provide referees to a volunteering organisation?
What sort of things can I do as a volunteer?
Volunteers are involved with just about every sector of the community and do just about any task you can imagine. When you are thinking about what you would like to do, try and match it with your interests, passions, skills or experience. These pages have examples of volunteering roles or links to volunteering organisations and positions:
What time will I need to commit?
The time you commit is totally up to you. Some volunteering roles are project-based so will need a commitment for a block of time. Others are based around shifts which you can take on either a regular or more casual basis. Other tasks can be done from home or online so you can choose the times that suit you.
Most volunteering organisations will indicate the time commitment required when they advertise a position, but you can also discuss things like time and flexibility when you first inquire about a role.
How can I find out about volunteering opportunities and organisations?
Finding a volunteer position is not that different to finding out about a job. Some are advertised on the Web, some are listed in places like local councils, universities, training institutions or community centres, some you find out about through word of mouth or you can go through a matching service such as a volunteer resource centre. Find links to organisations and websites on these pages:
What sort of experience do I need?
The kind of experience or skills you need will depend on the position so you will need to do your research. Many roles require little or no experience. Others may require someone with more specific skills e.g. food services, handling money, computer skills – and these are typically included in the volunteer role description, wherever it is advertised. Some volunteer organisations will provide training as part of the role. Of course if you have a specific skill, or are currently acquiring that skill, you will be more suited to a volunteering role that seeks those skills.
Our Volunteer Training pages outline some of the common skills or qualifications that some volunteering organisations may be looking for and ways to get those skills.
Will I get reimbursed for any expenses I incur?
Some volunteer organisations pay volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses such as the cost of travelling to and from the place where you volunteer, meals while volunteering or postage and telephone costs. It's important to discuss what can and can't be claimed back before you start any new volunteering role.
I've found a volunteering role that I'd really like. How do I apply?
While it's usually a bit more informal than applying for a job, the volunteering application process is quite similar:
- Find a position of interest e.g. inquire directly, find a volunteer opportunity online or visit a volunteer resource centre or service
- Complete an application form or application letter
- Attend an interview or information session
See Applying for Positions for more info about the typical application process.
- Meet additional screening requirements (depending on the role)
How long does it take until I can start volunteering?
The time it takes to recruit a volunteer will depend on the type of role that interests you. For some positions it may take as little as a week to apply, attend an interview and start in your role. If the role involves working with vulnerable people, e.g. children, seniors, people with a disability, there will be some additional screening checks that will add more time to the recruitment process. Check with the volunteer organisation you apply to for more specific information about the role.
Will I need to provide referees to a volunteering organisation?
Some organisations require written references or contact details of referees as part of their volunteering screening process. This is there as a protection for volunteers and the people they are working with. In addition, some organisations may be required to undertake reference checking as part of their funding agreements with government or sponsors.
See our Identity and Reference Checks page for more information.