volunteer - faq's

FAQ's for Volunteers

Am I the sort of volunteer Reach is looking for?
If you have managerial, professional or technical expertise or career experience, are willing to work without pay and are based in the UK, the answer is yes. You do not need to be in a senior post.

Do I need to be retired?
No. Reach finds places for people who are working full time and part time, too. Some voluntary work takes place during evenings or at weekends. It also helps with short placements during career breaks or between paid positions. Volunteering can be a good way to keep a CV up to date.

Do I have to work in my main field of expertise?
Not necessarily. Many skills are transferable and can be used in a number of ways. You may choose a volunteer position that allows you to use your skills in exciting new applications.

How quickly will I find a place?
Reach usually sends a tailored list of opportunities within 7 working days of receiving a completed registration form. It’s up to a prospective volunteer to let us know when he or she is interested in a position — or to get back to us for more suggestions. Placement time varies depending on how quickly organisations contact you (we ask them to get back to you within 7 days) and how quickly you make a commitment.

I’ve seen a role I like: what now?
If you want to pursue any of the opportunities on the shortlist or on our online database, let us know. We will forward your details to the voluntary organisation and they will get in touch with you. If for any reason they have not contacted you within 2/3 weeks feel free to contact them directly to discuss your interest.

I don’t fancy any of the roles you suggest: what now?
Come back to us for more suggestions or simply log on to the online database and browse potential positions by role, region and skill. Keep looking: our pool of organisations grows every week and the site is updated regularly.

Am I guaranteed a place?
Reach has a good success rate, but not all prospective volunteers find a place through us. Sometimes they don’t choose to follow up on our shortlisted suggestions. Sometimes, after they speak to the organisation, they feel they aren’t right for the place or vice versa. Some regions just have fewer opportunities than others. Volunteers may have to wait or try more than once before they find the right match.

Do I have to accept the places I’m offered?
No.If you don’t like any of the possibilities we shortlist, you can come back to Reach and look for more.

Why haven’t I heard from a voluntary organisation?
Voluntary organisations have limited resources. Even when they really want you, it may take time for them to move the recruitment process along. If you have not heard within a reasonable time of say 2/3 weeks feel free to contact them directly to discuss your interest.

If I’m not happy with my role, can I get out?
Yes. If you aren’t happy, or if your circumstances change, you are free to leave your voluntary position. Most organisations have a probationary period for volunteers and this can provide a get-out. You are always welcome to come back to Reach and look for other opportunities.