Here’s how volunteering works
You’ll get plenty of information when you start volunteering with us but to make it as easy as possible, here are a few things that you might need to know.
Induction and training
You’ll receive a thorough induction before you start volunteering with us. You’ll also get all the training you need to carry out your voluntary role.
Support while you volunteer
We will support you with everything you do during your volunteering time with us, this may be from an allocated volunteer buddy or your manager/volunteer coordinator. You can discuss your volunteering experience with them and share any issues or problems you might be facing.
Expenses
We aim to reimburse all reasonable travel expenses incurred whilst volunteering.
Insurance
As long as you’ve been approved or authorised by us first, you’ll be covered for all voluntary work that you do for us.
Safety
We obviously don’t want our volunteers to do anything while volunteering that might be unsafe or harmful. That’s why you’ll be informed of our safe working practices when you start.
Security
To make sure that you’re able to support vulnerable people, all volunteers go through a DBS check if your role needs one (previously known as a CRB check). Volunteers in Scotland will have a Disclosure Scotland check. We also ensure that risk assessments are carried out for your role and the environment that you will be in.
Diversity
At Royal Voluntary Service, we embrace diversity. Our volunteers have different backgrounds, cultures, skills and experiences, as do the people they support.
Reward and recognition
Royal Voluntary Service’s rewards and recognition scheme recognises the achievements of volunteers.
Confidentiality
All volunteer information is kept confidential within Royal Voluntary Service. As a volunteer, we’ll also expect you to maintain the confidentiality of any information you might handle during your time with us.
Ongoing support
The WRVS Benevolent Trust offers one-off grants to our volunteers, both past and present, who find themselves in need of financial assistance.
Friends of Royal Voluntary Service allows us to stay connected with our past volunteers and offer them support, should they ever need it.