Volunteer FAQs

Do I need references?

Some organisations require references or referee contact details these vary depending on the volunteer role.

Will volunteering cost me anything?

It does not cost anything for individuals to volunteer. Out of pocket expenses must be agreed by the organisation and might include: travel, meals purchased while volunteering, special clothing etc. It is a good idea to enquire about expenses you may incur before committing to a volunteer role. Organisations providing volunteer opportunities may be able to reimburse minor expenses, such as travel.

I’ve been referred to an organisation. What happens next?

Most organisations will want to conduct a further interview. This gives you and the organisation the chance to assess each other. In addition, it gives you the chance to get a feel for the organisation, and sometimes the opportunity to meet the people you’ll be working with.

Are there age restrictions?

When volunteering for a not-for-profit organisation the usual minimum age is 18 and a few have upper age limits (this depends on the not-for-profit organisation’s insurance policy). However, school groups often participate in voluntary activities too. Organisations must have appropriate volunteer insurance to accommodate the age of their volunteers.

How much time do I need to give?

You can volunteer any time of the week, day or night. While most volunteering takes place during office hours, you can volunteer at evenings and weekends too, depending on what you want to do. Typical volunteer opportunities, outside office hours include: mentoring and tutoring, environmental work, door knock appeals and sports.

How can I change the size of the text when viewing these WEB pages?

From the Tools menu Bar, or the Page flip down menu, select View Text Size. The default setting is “Medium” so you can select either “Larger” or “Largest” to increase the size. Or you can utilize the accessibility widget (wheelchair icon) on the top right of the website.