Choosing a volunteering role Step 4: Evaluate Suitability

Welcome to our final installment in our series of articles to help you find the ideal volunteer role for you. See our other articles in the series for steps 1-3. You should now be in a good position to identify which roles you may want to apply to!

Now is the time to look at the role description and evaluate if the specific tasks are suitable for you.

Volunteering can provide opportunities for new challenges or become more comfortable with things that you find difficult. However, if it is not aligned with your goals, and you know you find a task stressful, this may not be the role for you.

Take note of the tasks involved in the role and consider whether you will be able to do them. If the role involves carrying and moving objects (for example, being a volunteer shopper helping disabled customers carry their shopping) and you find carrying heavy objects difficult consider whether this role is appropriate for you.

REMEMBER - Volunteering should be inclusive, and organisations should offer you reasonable adjustments where possible. If you are having trouble finding a role which is accessible for you, please contact us.

You also need to find out if you fit the requirements of the organisation. The requirements should be clear, and not be overly restrictive unless the role needs specialist skills (like a tutor). If you aren’t sure whether you meet the requirements, ask the organisation for advice.

Don’t worry too much if the role requires a DBS, or a smaller qualification, for example in Food Safety, as the organisation should usually be able to help you get one before you start.

If you still can’t find a role on the platform that suits you, contact us at [email protected] and we can help you find your role.