These are some frequently asked questions about recuiting volunteers click on the questions to see our answers.

Q: I'm an individual, can I get a volunteer to help me?

A: We only find volunteers for roles within organisations. If you are an individual and you feel need the help of a volunteer it is best to try to link in with an organisation who provides services that suit your needs (e.g. if you are elderly and need someone to walk your dog, you could contact an organisation that arrange these services such as the Cinnamon Trust). For further information click here to contact the Volunteer Centre

Q: How do I write a good volunteer opportunity advert?

A: Each volunteer who is trying to find a role to suit them will look at the role descriptions to get information about the volunteering opportunity. To ensure that your opportunity has the maximum impact and that you’re reaching the right volunteers, here are some suggestions about what to do/include in your advert:

• Be specific - tell the volunteer exactly what they will do in their role
• Time - volunteers need to know how much time will be expected of them
• Reason  - why do you need them to volunteer? What difference can they make to your organisation?
• Skills - what skills MUST they have to be able to do the role and what training will you provide them with
• Keep it short

Q: What expenses do I have to pay?

A: You are under no legal obligation to pay any expenses of volunteers. However, we would strongly encourage that you reimburse, where you are able, reasonable expenses to volunteers. This will encourage a wider diversity of people to volunteer at your organisation (not just people who can afford it). Often this will simply be paying someone's bus fare to their place of volunteering or reimbursing their lunch costs. This could be the difference of allowing someone to volunteer who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to and you could get that superstar volunteer that you've been looking for. It is important for you as an organisation to only ever pay expenses that the volunteer has paid themselves flat rates for expenses or any money over could have legal implications for yourself and the volunteer.  For further information click here to contact the Volunteer Centre

Q: Why can't I find volunteers?

A: Whatever the role there will be a volunteer out there for your organisation it's just a matter of reaching them. Advertising through Volunteer Centres are a good way of reaching thousands of potential volunteers (and it's free!). For further information click here to contact the Volunteer Centre

Q: Can I offer to pay volunteers for their time?

A: No. There are legal implications if you decide to pay your volunteers anything outside reasonable reimbursement of out of pocket expenses. For more information about these issues read Volunteers and the Law (see the downloads section at the bottom of this page ). For further information click here to contact the Volunteer Centre

Q: What insurance do I have to have to involve volunteers?

A: All volunteer-involving organisations should have an insurance policy that covers volunteers. There are several different types of policy, so it is often confusing to work out which is the most appropriate. Basically, volunteers should be covered either under employer's liability insurance or public liability insurance and, depending on the type of work involved, the organisation may need professional indemnity insurance as well. Policies should explicitly mention volunteers because they may not automatically be covered. Insurance companies should also be aware of the types of work that volunteers are doing, because if the tasks are high-risk then the insurance policies may have to be changed to accommodate these risks.

Q: What Health and Safety considerations should I take in involving volunteers?

A: The same considerations that apply to staff or committee members apply to volunteers. Risk must be assessed, induction and training provided and clear lines of responsibility must be laid down in writing. For further information click here to contact the Volunteer Centre

Q: We've never used volunteers before  how do we get started?

A: Big question, but once you've got insurance and satisfied yourself that your practices are robust, just begin. This Good Practice Guide document attached is a good source of information and staff at the Volunteer Centre. For further information click here to contact the Volunteer Centre