In a previous blog, we discussed some of the benefits of volunteering and why you should consider volunteering in 2024. If you missed this, click here and find out why volunteering is amazing for you and your community. In this edition, we discuss five things you need to consider before you sign up to volunteer.

• Why are you volunteering?

Considering the reason you are looking to volunteer is likely the most important reason and why we have put it first on the list of considerations. This is because the why will ensure you get the most out of your volunteering experience.

For example, maybe you are volunteering to meet new people and be less socially isolated. Therefore, picking a role where you will work from home or by yourself will not give you the fulfilment or satisfaction you are looking for. Alternatively, if you want to volunteer to use or develop a certain skillset but you choose a role where you have no option to use or develop them will see you become unsatisfied with the role and in all likelihood, you choose not to volunteer. So remember, choose the why carefully!

• What do you like doing?

This is the best thing about volunteering, you get to choose what you want to do. For example, you may love gardening, so choose a volunteering role where you will get to garden. Like talking to people and driving, consider a driving role taking individuals to and from appointment.

Yes, there may be times when you are asked to help out with tasks that might not be your thing. This is most likely because the charity needs an extra pair of hands but on the whole, as a volunteer you can pick and choose the tasks you want to do so have a think about what you enjoy and find a role that allows you to do so!

• When are you available to volunteer?

The great thing about volunteering is its flexibility. Whilst charities may have certain times when they need volunteers, are part of finding our more about the role, you can see what opportunities are available at times that suit you.

For example, maybe you have Monday mornings and Friday afternoons free, look for roles that need volunteers at those times. Alternatively, some roles are flexible and don’t require a regular commitment. For example, some roles will be adhoc where charities will contact you if they need a volunteer, so if this flexible would suit you, find a role that offers this.  

• What skills and experience do you have?

Perhaps you are looking to volunteer to use a specific skill set such as a treasurer or as a social media manager. Perhaps you are looking to develop and gain a certain skillset to help develop your career or help you back into employment. If so, volunteering is a great way to use the skills you have or to develop new ones. Therefore, when you are looking at possible volunteering roles, ask for a copy of the role description for that particular role and find out if a particular role will allow you to use or develop your skills.

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills they need, as long as you are willing to learn, many charities will give you the experience or training may not already have.

• Where can you get to for your volunteering?

This one is more practical; will you be able to get to the location where you will be volunteering? Some organisations can provide travel expenses, but you may find that some small organisations can’t. There may be limits on the expenses organisations provide, if you are local and the bus fare is £3 this might be something the charity can afford, if you are travelling quite a distance and the train fare is £30, this is something a charity might not be able to cover.

As part of any interview or phone call you may have with the organisation, ask them about expenses. Alternatively and if possible, see if you could work remotely which would reduce the number of times you may need to travel, making it more likely you could volunteer for them.

I’m keen to get involved, how do I find a volunteering role?

Having considered everything, if you think volunteering would be ideal for you, we recommend you use online platforms such as Golden Volunteer or Go Vol Herts. Both platforms are designed to allow you to find volunteer roles whether they be in Watford, Three Rivers or across the wider county and we are working with local organisations to add volunteering roles onto the platforms when they have vacancies. This way, you can ensure the roles are suitable for you, that you have the right experience and are at a time that suit you.

Alternatively, you may already know a charity who you want to volunteer for. If so, have a chat with them and see if you would be a good fit for them.