FAQ's
Your volunteering queries answered
Listed below are some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about volunteering.
How do I become a volunteer?Look on the opportunities register and see if there is anything you are interested in, then follow the instructions. If there is nothing there that you are interested in please email volunteering@middlesbrough.gov.uk explaining a little about yourself and what type of volunteering you are interested in, and we will see what we can do. |
How long will it take until I can start?This varies depending on what type of volunteering you want to do, but we will aim to do this within 6 weeks. If you want to volunteer with children, young people or vulnerable adults this will take longer as you will need to have a CRB check before you can start. For other roles this will depend on how many people are interested in the role, the workload of the manager, whether the start date is dependant on something else such as the opening of a new building and your own commitments. If you have applied for a role and have had no response, or are concerned about how long it has been since you heard something, please email volunteering@middlesbrough.gov.uk |
How much time do I need to volunteer for?This is entirely up to you. Some roles may have time commitments attached to them; others will be flexible and built around volunteer availability. It is important that if you commit to a certain time that you turn up as it will cause problems if you are being relied on and don't turn up. |
Can I still volunteer if I work full-time?Of course you can. There is no reason why you can't volunteer and we have a wide variety of opportunities that are out of office hours. We also have a casual volunteer register for people that can't volunteer on a regular basis or only want to volunteer at one off events. |
I am still at school, can I volunteer?Of course you can. We have a number of opportunities available including Youth Forums or Middlesbrough myplace. |
Do I have to work the same hours every week?Not always. If you have agreed to work the same time and place every week then it is important that you keep to your commitment (if you need to change you would just discuss this with your manager). You can discuss with the role manager if you wish to volunteer on a more flexible basis. If you prefer to volunteer less often or at one off events etc, please see the casual volunteer register. |
I want to volunteer for Middlesbrough Intro, how do I do it?To do this you would need to register on the casual volunteer register. |
What do I need to become a volunteer?This depends on the role you volunteer to do. Each opportunity will have a role description, which will talk about what you need to have. For some roles this may be qualifications, for others experience and for those working with vulnerable adults, children or young people you will need a CRB check. |
What is a CRB?If you are volunteering with vulnerable adults, children or young people you will need to have a criminal records bureau check (CRB). This will be carried out as part of your recruitment as a volunteer. It will not cost you anything. You will not be able to start volunteering until your certificate arrives. It is important that you declare any criminal convictions or police cautions during your initial meeting to become a volunteer. Having either of these will not necessarily stop you from doing volunteer work, as each case will be assessed on an individual basis. |
Will I get paid if I volunteer?No, you will not get paid as a volunteer. You may get expenses depending on the type of volunteer work that you are doing. |
Will I get any training if I volunteer?This depends on the role. You will get an induction, which will include whatever training is required to carry out the role. More training may be offered if it is linked to the role you are carrying out. |
Is volunteering the same as a work placement?No. The council have a completely different policy for that. If you are interested in a work placement please contact volunteering@middlesbrough.gov.uk |
