Frequently asked questions about Volunteering

There’s an opportunity for almost everyone. Volunteers can be:

  • People who are former service users
  • Students
  • Retired
  • Unemployed
  • Employed
  • Disabled
  • Old and young
  • A variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds

There is no legal minimum and maximum age limit for volunteering, although organisations involving volunteers may have a minimum and maximum age limit because of their insurance policy (such as under 16s, 18s and over 80s).

There are still opportunities out there for all ages and abilities,

Yes, many organisations are fully equipped to deal with a variety of access and support needs.

Yes you can, there are lots of volunteering opportunities where you can volunteer if you have a criminal record; however there are some where you cannot and it may depend on what’s on your criminal record. Each organisation will have a clear policy about involving potential volunteers with a criminal record.

Some opportunities, particularly those working with vulnerable people, will require you to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formally Criminal Records Check or CRB.) Its important to be up front and honest about any criminal record you have with the organisation.

You may be able to volunteer but you need to check the most up-to-date guidance.

EU Nationals can volunteer in the UK if they have settled or pre-settled status, or a visa which allows them to volunteer.

Non-EU Nationals need to check if their visa allows volunteering.

Both groups need to ensure they do not become a ‘Voluntary Worker’ for most up-to-date information, please check out NCVOs  website and discuss any immigration or visa concerns you have with the organisation you wish to volunteer for.

Citizens Advice can provide further information on immigration and volunteering.

If you have refugee status or humanitarian protection, you can volunteer and may be able to do paid work.

If you have applied for refugee status or humanitarian protection, you can volunteer in the public or voluntary sectors.

As of August 2025, the latest UK legislation and policy guidance confirms that asylum seekers are allowed to volunteer at any stage of the asylum process, and this is actively encouraged by the Home Office.

Citizens Advice can provide further information on immigration and volunteering.

This will depend on the volunteer role that you are looking to do. If you are working with children or vulnerable adults, you can expect to be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The organisation you want to volunteer for will organise this. You will need to fill in a form giving your name, current and previous addresses and proof of who you are and where you live. (ie passport and letter from the bank with your address on it.)

This will be sent to the Disclosure and Barring Service, who will let the organisation know whether you have any previous criminal convictions. Its always best to let the organisation know beforehand if anything will come back.

This should not cost you anything.

Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire is part of a national network of Volunteer Centres that are recognised by the Government to provide information on volunteering opportunities and to support volunteer-involving organisations.

Located at 15 St Giles Street in Northampton, NN1 1JA, next door to the Guildhall.

Contact us here.

This is down to individual organisations, you would need to ask this while applying for a role.

You may have to pay for the travel and then claim the money back.

Organisations may have an expenses policy explaining how you are able to claim back bus, taxi, fuel and parking costs.

Organisations are aware if they do not pay travel expenses then some people may not be able to volunteer with them.

Yes, you can volunteer, but you may need to tell the DWP that you are volunteering and how many hours.

Volunteers are not paid for their time, but are entitled to be reimbursed for their travel and other legitimate expenses. You need to tell the DWP if you are expecting to receive expenses so it does not get counted as income.

Universal Credit (UC) – Volunteering can count for up to 50% of your work search hours, if it is approved by your work coach.

For the most up-to-date information look at the Gov.UK and Citizens Advice website.

Volunteering can benefit you in many ways including:

  • Learning new skills
  • Building your confidence
  • Make friends – reducing isolation or loneliness
  • Gain skills to put on your CV for a job
  • Gain an awareness of career opportunities
  • Gain transferable skills
  • Create a routine and structure to your week
  • Have fun!

To start looking for volunteering opportunities in Northamptonshire, look on the Community Action Northants (CAN) website.

You will find lots of roles, see what you like the look of and apply. You are not agreeing at this point, just expressing an interest.

The organisation will then be in touch about their recruitment processes, some organisations may ask you to come in for a taster session, others an interview or fill in an application form. All organisations are slightly different.

Depending on the role, you may need to provide references and complete a DBS check.

Some volunteering roles you can start straight away, others may take longer and include training.

A good way to start is to list down the sort of cause/ organisation you would like to help or tasks you would like to do.

For example, do you want to volunteer with animals, people, in person, remotely?

Would you like to do admin, fundraising, sorting library books, using your creativity?

These are just a few questions to get you thinking.

Everyone has skills they can bring to a role, these skills may help you decide on what role you would like to apply for.

Your skills could include: IT, housekeeping, driving, teaching, being creative, caring, fundraising, organising, good at making friends…

All volunteer roles require different time commitments, look at the role you are applying for and be clear about how much time you want/ are able to volunteer from the outset.

Also, be clear about other roles and responsibilities you have so that, from the outset, expectations are set appropriately.

Don’t forget to think about the travel time involved.

Identify organisations that operate in your area or for the cause you are interested in and check out their websites to see if they are looking for volunteers or reach out and offer your time and skills.

Look on Community Action Northants (CAN) website for local roles.

Visit the Community Action Northants website, visit our volunteering page, call us on 01604 637522 or email info@voluntaryimpact.org.uk.

No, volunteering will not guarantee getting paid work from an organisation.

It will, however, give you something to put on your CV, have someone to get a reference from, give you the opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence, which may help you with finding paid work. 

Do get in touch with us and see if we can help – 01604 637522 or info@voluntaryimpact.org.uk

We can not offer legal advice, but maybe able to help with you question or signpost you on.

Also check out NCVOs Volunteer and Employment Rights information.

If you have not heard back from the organisation within 2 weeks, please contact the Volunteer Centre who will be able to follow up for you or get in touch with the organisation directly.

However, please be aware that a number of these groups are small or their Volunteer Managers/Co-ordinators only work part-time. 

Only what was discussed for the volunteer role you have shown interest in unless you have agreed to do other areas as your role develops with the organisation. The organisation will give you a contact person who is responsible for supporting volunteers within the organisation should you have any queries or questions. 

Yes! Volunteers should receive a clear induction and support/training as necessary. 

Ask questions, you are here to give you time for free, you should not be expected to know everything immediately.

Lots of people volunteer to build their confidence.