Volunteering is when you give the gift of your time to support a charity or organisation. All volunteer roles with Thirtyone:eight will have a role description which provides full information about what volunteering will involve as well as the skills and attributes that will be required.

Volunteering is something everyone can do. Anyone can be a good volunteer as we all have different experiences and skills to share, and we all have something we are good at.

Here are some of the things we at Thirtyone:eight are looking for in our volunteers:

• Aged over 18
• Able to commit to a role, be available at the agreed times, and meet the requirements of the role
• Able to follow guidelines on confidentiality and safeguarding
• Communicate regularly with your Line Manager and provide feedback, as required
• Willing to do a relevant background check (i.e. DBS, PVG, Access NI) and provide two names for a reference
• Be open, friendly and honest
• Support and be sympathetic to our vision, mission, and values

Our volunteers should be able to understand and follow the boundaries, policies and procedures of the organisation.

All volunteers are expected to undertake an induction.

We welcome your application. We will work with you to discuss any specific support needs, or consider any reasonable adjustments that will make volunteering with us accessible for you. 

As a safeguarding charity we have a zero tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people, so we carry out background checks on all potential volunteers, as part of our safer recruitment processes. Having previous cautions or convictions does not automatically exclude you from volunteering with us. We will discuss these with you as part of the application process and consider each situation on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the offences and the level of risk involved with the role.

Yes, but it will be very informal. Once we receive your application we will arrange a meeting with you. This gives us a chance to get to know you better and you can ask any questions.

Yes. All training relevant to the role will be given and you’ll gain skills and experience working in a busy charity. Through regular supervision, additional learning and development opportunities are highlighted. Where possible and appropriate, we ensure that your development needs are being met and also the charity benefits from that training.

Yes. Informal supervision will happen regularly with your line manager and formal supervision will take place at least bi-annually but could be more depending on the role. These focus on you as an individual and not only help us understand how we can better help with your work and personal development, but also ensure that we are offering relevant, appropriate support.

This depends on the role. Some roles require a few hours every week, others may include a whole day on an ad-hoc basis. The role specification will make it clear.

It is dependent on the role. We will discuss with you when you are available. We understand the importance of being at those significant ‘red-letter’ days. Where volunteers have committed to set days / hours, we will, of course, be flexible so that you can be at those important events.

You can claim travel expenses for mileage, train fares and bus fares up to £15 a day. Any other expenses incurred in your role will be reimbursed, these should be agreed in advance with your Line Manager.

If you want to join our team, please download the volunteer information pack which has everything you need to know about volunteering with us.

You can check out the opportunities available and apply using the application form. 

To find out more about these roles or if you have any questions please call us on 0303 003 1111 (option 6).