CSV > FAQs > Full Time Volunteering > Full Time Volunteering FAQs Page

What does a CSV full-time volunteer actually do?

A.		CSV offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities throughout the UK mainly in the social care sector. Most of our volunteers support people with physical or learning disabilities, but we also have placements with young people or people who are homeless. Depending on the nature of the placement a volunteer’s tasks may vary from helping someone access leisure facilities, cook a meal, or use public transport to befriending a young person or serving meals to people who are homeless. We are also planning to develop more opportunities that are either environmental or community action based.

Can I take my pet cat?

A.		It is very unlikely that you will be able to take your cat (or any other pet) with you. Please mention this at your interview. CSV will try to take your wishes into account when looking for a suitable volunteering placement, but it may reduce considerably the opportunities available to you. Our advice is to make alternative arrangements for your pet.

I’m living in the UK on a visa. Can I volunteer full time with CSV?

A.		If you are in the UK on a visa you wouldn't be able to apply to volunteer directly to CSV as we are only able to accept applications in the UK from UK or EU nationals, resident in the UK. However applications can be made through one of our international partners. Click here for further details.

Can I go on the same volunteering project as my partner?

A.		CSV treats everyone as an individual when finding the most suitable volunteering project for them.

Can I take a part-time paid job whilst I’m volunteering full-time?

A.		We strongly suggest that you do not take on part-time work during your period with CSV. Full time volunteering involves a commitment of 35-40 hours per week and although you will have time off, your timetable may include evenings and weekends. Full time volunteering can be very demanding often with irregular hours so it would be difficult to include a part time job and you are likely to need your time off to rest.

Do I need qualifications or experience?

A.		You do not need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer full time with CSV – just commitment. Whatever your level of experience we will place you where your skills, energy and enthusiasm will be best used to support others.

Do I have to volunteer over the weekend?

A.		As mentioned previously, full time volunteering is around 35- 40 hours per week. You may be asked to volunteer over weekends and evenings but you will normally get two days, or the equivalent, off per week. However your timetable will depend entirely on the type of volunteering activity you are involved in. For example, the timetable for a volunteer in a school for children with special needs may differ from that of a volunteer supporting a person with a physical disability in their own home.

Can I volunteer just during the summer?

A.		The minimum period for full time volunteering is 4 months. Occasionally CSV reduces this time to three months during the summer if appropriate volunteering opportunities become available. Please contact us on 0800 374 991 to check out the latest situation.

What kind of support and training will I get?

A.		When you arrive at your volunteering placement you will receive practical help, advice and any training and induction that you may need in order to fulfil your volunteering role appropriately and safely. You will have a supervisor who you will meet with regularly to look and how you are doing and discuss any issues or problems. You will also have a named Volunteer Manager at your local CSV office who will contact you regularly, and who you can call if you have questions your supervisor is not able to help with. Of course, we’ll also help you to contact any other CSV volunteers living nearby.

Can I take a break during my full-time volunteering?

A.		After every four months you complete as a volunteer you will be entitled to a week’s break, during which you will continue to receive your weekly allowances(s). You will also receive a return fare home or the equivalent distance. International volunteers may take the cheapest form of transport to a mainland destination in the UK. You are not entitled to a break if you are volunteering for less than four months.

What will I get out of volunteering?

A.		Our volunteers often tell us how much they gain, such as valuable experience, the chance to develop skills, to live independently, to build up their confidence, to explore a different way of living, meet new people and have a lot of fun.

I’m homeless. Can I volunteer with CSV?

A.		Yes. However we will need an address for correspondence, such as a hostel and a way of contacting you.

Why do I have to stay away from home to volunteer full-time?

A.		CSV believes that, by staying away from home, the full-time volunteer benefits by experiencing life in another community. For many volunteers this is the first time that they will have lived in a different environment and our volunteers tell us that the experience has helped develop their independence, allowed them to meet new people and increased their understanding of other communities.

Where will I live when I’m volunteering?

A.		You will live at or near to the project where you will be volunteering and the type of accommodation varies from one volunteering project to another. You could live in a house with the person or people you support or live independently or with other volunteers. In most of our projects you will have your own bedroom but share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom and living room with others.

Isn’t volunteering just slave labour?

No, although full-time volunteering is certainly hard work. That’s why we ensure that, as a volunteer, you are supported by both a local supervisor and a CSV Volunteer Manager.

You are not a substitute for a paid employee. CSV will ensure that you will carry out rewarding and challenging tasks. The experience will help you to develop insight and skills that can only enhance your CV.

Can I specify which town I want to volunteer in?

A.		We try to match everyone to a project that has most need of their energy and enthusiasm, so we cannot guarantee to place you in a specific location. Similarly we cannot guarantee to place you in a particular type of volunteering.

How much will it cost me to volunteer with CSV?

A.		You pay absolutely nothing to apply to CSV or to volunteer. In fact you receive free accommodation along with food (or a food allowance) and weekly pocket money. Click here for details of our current allowances.

How long can I volunteer for?

A.		You can volunteer for any time between four months and a year. However many of our projects look for volunteers who are able to commit to at least six months, so the longer you can commit to the better.

I’m vegetarian. Will I be provided with vegetarian food?

A.		Please mention your dietary requirements during your interview with CSV. This will be taken into account when you are offered a volunteering placement. Usually volunteers are provided food free of charge if meals are available at the volunteering project. Otherwise they are given a weekly food allowance or a combination of food and part payment.

Can I change my project if I find I don’t like it?

A.		If you would like another project because you fancy a change or simply don’t like the area then the answer is likely to be no. However if there is a genuine reason that cannot be resolved by your supervisor or your CSV Volunteer Manager then we will consider looking for another project for you.

Can I volunteer for longer at my project if I really enjoy it?

A.		As a general rule, yes. However, you would need to let us know as early as possible into the placement so that we do not arrange a replacement volunteer. In some cases it may not be possible to extend, for example if a project closes.

How long does the process take from applying to starting a placement?

A.		This will vary and will be affected by things such as when you are available to come for an interview, how long it takes to receive your references, the availability of suitable projects and the time of year that you apply or wish to start. However we need the help of volunteers all year round so we will find a placement for you as quickly as possible.

Can I choose the type of project or location where I volunteer?

A.		We try to match everyone to a project that has the most need of their energy and enthusiasm and is most suited to the volunteer. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee to place you in a specific project or location. However we do appreciate that many people volunteer to gain skills and experience in a certain area and we do try to take these things into consideration when finding you a placement.

I’m claiming benefits. How will this be affected by volunteering?

A.		You would not be able to claim job seekers allowance while volunteering full time with CSV. Other benefits may also be affected and it is best to check with your benefits agency before you decide to volunteer.

I’m a refugee. Can I apply to volunteer?

A.		If you are a refugee and have leave to remain in the UK then you would be eligible to volunteer full time with CSV. Unfortunately asylum seekers are not able to apply until they have this status.