How long will I have to commit for?

This entirely depends on the type of volunteering opportunity you are interested in. For more regular project/office related activities and long-term internships we will ask you to commit to a trial period of 30 days. This gives both you and us the chance to review and assess if the task is suited to you, and gives either party the chance to back out gracefully. We are hopeful you will find your time as a volunteer with us enjoyable and rewarding, but if you find it is not what you expected, we will support you to try different areas of volunteering.
We understand your circumstances may change at any time, affecting your ability to volunteer with us. In whatever capacity you decide to volunteer, and however long for, you can decide to break the commitment at any time. All we ask is that you give us notice so we can find a replacement.

How many hours do I volunteer for?

That is up to you, but it can range from a couple of hours a week, to 1 day a week, to regular sessions each month, to once a year. All volunteers' circumstances are different, and we try to be as flexible as we can to meet your needs.

Will I receive training and support?

Yes, all volunteers are supported to develop their full potential during their time with us. See training and support for full details.

What about my expenses?

We will reimburse your volunteer related travel expenses, as well as some other expenses like refreshments and snacks, as long as they relate to your volunteering task, are agreed with us beforehand and you have a receipt that shows the expense. Before you embark on your volunteer task the volunteer co-ordinator will explain to you which expenses will be reimbursed, and provide you with an expenses claim form.
If you would like to volunteer with us, but are concerned about being reimbursed in arrears, please talk with the volunteer co-ordinator, as we may be able make advance payments on your volunteer related expenses.

What happens after I complete my registration form?

Each volunteer application goes through the same recruitment process.

What about insurance?

Under the River Ocean Foundation's Public Liability Insurance, all our volunteers are insured against injury, accident, illness, loss or death that results from their volunteering tasks. This policy also protects for loss or damage to property caused through negligence on the part of the volunteers, and covers the volunteer against loss or injury caused by negligence on the part of the River Ocean Foundation.

I currently receive Job Seekers Allowance, would volunteering affect this?

No, volunteering does in no way affect your JAS, as the government recognises that volunteering can help individuals to develop new skills, and in some cases can lead to employment. There are no maximum hours that someone claiming JAS can volunteer for, however, it is your duty to inform your benefits office that you are volunteering, and you must be considered to be actively seeking work and to be available for work. For this reason, it is not adviseable to volunteer for 5 days a week. To be available for work means you must be available to attend a job interview, or start a job, at 48 hours notice.
If you experience any problems with the benefits office, the volunteer coordinator would be happy to talk with them.