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FAQ

On this page you will find answers to our most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at Warwick Volunteers. If you don't find what you're looking for, or you've got any remaining queries, email us at volunteers@warwick.ac.uk and we'll do our very best to help!

Questions from Volunteers

Volunteering

DBS checks

Certificate of Good Conduct

Accreditation

Getting More Involved

Expenses

How can I claim back expenses?


How do I become a member of Warwick Volunteers?

Just follow these simple steps...
1. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter where we will post all the latest news and updates on volunteering opportunities
2. Search for opportunities you're interested in using our Project Search Tool
3. Sign up to volunteer on the relevant project page that you're interested in.
When you start volunteering with us you'll become an active member of Warwick Volunteers!

Does it cost anything to join Warwick Volunteers?

No! Warwick Volunteers is free to join, and we want to make sure that you are never out of pocket as a result of volunteering.
All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed by Warwick Volunteers if you volunteer on one of our projects. Expenses need to be approved in advance by a member of staff. If a project is not a Warwick Volunteers project, the information about the opportunity will say 'external opportunity'. We try to advertise only charities and community partners who pay expenses to volunteers but we sometimes advertise ones which do not, if we think students would be particularly interested in the opportunity, so if reclaiming expenses is important to you, please check the advert carefully. Details of our expenses policy and details of how to claim back expenses

I didn't join Warwick Volunteers at the beginning of term, is it too late to join now?

No, it's never too late to join Warwick Volunteers! We always welcome new members as there are volunteering opportunities on offer throughout the year. Take a look at our project search or read our weekly newsletter to see the range of opportunities available, then sign up to the opportunities you're interested in.
 
Please note, that some projects only run during terms 1 and 2 and so places may only be available towards the beginning of the academic year. If you are unsure or need any help choosing a project, e-mail volunteers@warwick.ac.uk or visit our office to speak with a member of staff.

Where is the Warwick Volunteers office? And when is it open?

The Warwick Volunteer Office is in the Students' Union HQ, just past The Green Room on level one.


Warwick Volunteers staff team divide their time between working from the office and from home. If you would like to visit the office in person please contact us by email initially to ensure a member of the team will be available.

How do I hear about new volunteering opportunities?

Details of the latest volunteering opportunities available can be found in our weekly newsletter, which is sent to members who have opted to receive it, every Thursday. If you need any help choosing a project, e-mail volunteers@warwick.ac.uk or visit our office to speak with a member of staff.

What's expected of me as a volunteer?

For a full list of your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer, have a look at our volunteer policy

How many hours do I need to volunteer per week?

Warwick Volunteers offers an extensive selection of projects ranging from weekly activities to one-off events, which means the time commitment varies between projects. You can commit as much or as little time as you want. Even if you're short of time, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved! Have a look at our project search to find out more about specific project requirements or visit the WV office to speak with a member of staff.

Can I get involved in more than one project?

Of course you can, as long as you feel you have the time (and energy!) to commit to the projects. Have a look at our project search to see the range of opportunities on offer.

I have an idea for a new project - can you help me set it up?

If you've got an idea for a project, Warwick Volunteers can provide advice and guidance to help turn your idea into a reality. Each year, members of Warwick Volunteers develop new projects that will make a difference to the community and many of our opportunities are led by student volunteers. If you are interested in setting up a new project, please come along to the WV office to discuss your idea further.

I'd like to volunteer overseas - do you have any international projects?

We do not have any international projects available as Warwick Volunteers primarily works with local community organisations. If you want to find out more information regarding international volunteering, we recommend you read the advice providedLink opens in a new window before looking for an opportunity. Warwick in AfricaLink opens in a new window and Warwick in India (LAKSH)Link opens in a new window provide volunteering overseas, have a look at their web pages for more information.

I'm staying in the area over the vacation - do you have projects that run during the holidays?

Warwick Volunteers has volunteering opportunities available throughout the year! If you're staying in the area during the holidays and would like to know which projects are available, e-mail volunteers@warwick.ac.uk or come into the WV office to chat with a member of staff.

Our sports club/society would like to volunteer as a group - what's the next step?

Warwick Volunteers offers the opportunity for members of societies and sports clubs to volunteer together and share their skills and experiences through both regular and one-off volunteering events. If your society or sports club is interested in volunteering, or has an idea for a project, please e-mail volunteers@warwick.ac.uk or come into the office for a chat.

I'm not a student at Warwick University - can I still volunteer for your projects?

Unfortunately you won't be able to volunteer with Warwick Volunteers, but you can contact your local volunteer centre who will be able to provide you with lots of volunteering opportunities. If you live in Coventry, you need to contact Voluntary Action Coventry and for Warwickshire, Warwickshire Community And Voluntary Action. Information for Warwick University staff can be found in the Contact Us section via the Staff Volunteering link.

What's a DBS check?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) carry out police and identity checks for all volunteers working in any capacity with children or vulnerable adults. We have a full and comprehensive guide to DBS checks

What kinds of ID can I use for my DBS form?

There are many different types of identification that you can use to support your DBS application. View a full list of identification documents that are accepted. We have a full and comprehensive guide to DBS checks.

Do all projects need a DBS check?

No, DBS checks are not required for all of our projects. However, they are essential for projects working with children or vulnerable adults, including all schools projects. If you're unsure whether you need to complete a DBS check, e-mail volunteers@warwick.ac.uk stating your name, university number and the project(s) you are interested in. We have a full and comprehensive guide to DBS checks.

What is a certificate of good conduct?

A ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ (CoGC) is a general term given to the check of police records in a volunteer’s home country, or the country in which they have resided. Each country has a different process for checking police records, and different countries will often refer to the checking process with a different name. For example, in some countries, this is referred to as a 'Certificate of No Criminal Conviction'.

Do I need a certificate of good conduct?

Volunteers who have not been permanently resident in the UK for the last 5 years must supply a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ issued by the country or countries in which they have lived during that time. Although a Certificate of Good Conduct is compulsory for education projects, not all volunteering projects require you to have one. Visit the Certificate of Good Conduct page for more information.

How do I get a certificate of good conduct?

The process varies depending on the country in question. If you are not sure about how to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from a specific country, the best place to start is to phone the appropriate embassy and they can advise you regarding the correct procedure. Sometimes a relative is able to request this for you and can then post this to your term-time address although where this is not possible, the easiest method may be to apply during the holiday periods in person.

Do I get official accreditation for my volunteering?

If you would like formal accreditation for your volunteering, there are a number of options including the Warwick Volunteers hours log and certificates. Read more on our Accreditation page.
You can also use your volunteering as part of the The Warwick Award. The Warwick Award is free for all undergraduate, taught postgraduate, exchange, and degree apprenticeship students, and will recognise and showcase the employability skills you’re building from everything you do here at Warwick.

I'd like to become a Project Leader - where do I start?

Lots of our projects are student-run and need Project Leaders and Session Leaders to help manage them. If you'd like to play a bigger part in a particular project, why not apply for a leadership position. Applications open in term 1 Information on the responsibilities of Project Leaders and Session Leaders.

How can I become a member of the Exec?

The executive committee is central to the ethos of Warwick Volunteers and is a great way of getting more involved. The Exec will be recruited early in term 2 every year. More information on the roles and responsibilities of the Warwick Volunteers executive committee.

I'm interested in a career in the voluntary sector - do you have any information for me?

We recommend that you contact the Student Careers and Skills who can provide you with a lot of information on working in the charity and voluntary sector and direct you to the appropriate resources.

How can I claim back expenses?

All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed by Warwick Volunteers if you volunteer on one of our projects. Expenses need to be approved in advance by a member of staff. If a project is not a Warwick Volunteers project, the information about the opportunity will say 'external opportunity'. We try to advertise only charities and community partners who pay expenses to volunteers but we sometimes advertise ones which do not, if we think students would be particularly interested in the opportunity, so if reclaiming expenses is important to you, please check the advert carefully. Details of our expenses policy and details of how to claim back expenses