Enjoy helping others and looking to improve your skills? You should try volunteering…
Volunteering is a broad field, with a range of opportunities to suit all skillsets, schedules, and situations. Whether you're looking to add value to your CV, you're interested in working abroad, or you just want to give back to your community, there's a voluntary programme out there for you.
To make sure your help is headed in the right direction, here's our guide on how to find volunteer work.
Key takeaways from this article
- Choose a cause you're passionate about and match your skills to the right volunteering role
- Tailor your search to your availability – from short-term local opportunities to long-term placements abroad
- Treat volunteering like a job search: use filters, keywords, and apply with a strong CV highlighting relevant skills
- Volunteers aren't paid, but you're entitled to reasonable expenses like travel, meals, and equipment
- Anyone aged 14 and above can volunteer, with specific roles available for teens and restrictions for certain positions
Why volunteer?
There are plenty of reasons to volunteer. Here's what makes volunteering worth your time:
- Build valuable skills - Volunteering helps you develop transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills look great on your CV and can help you stand out to employers.
- Gain work experience - If you're new to the job market or looking to switch careers, volunteering gives you hands-on experience in a new field without the commitment of a paid role.
- Expand your network - You'll meet like-minded people, potential mentors, and professionals who could open doors to future job opportunities.
- Boost your CV - Volunteering shows employers you're proactive, dedicated, and willing to go the extra mile. It's particularly valuable if you're a school leaver, graduate, or career changer.
- Make a real difference - Beyond career benefits, volunteering lets you contribute to causes you care about and make a positive impact in your community or beyond.
What the experts say about the benefits of volunteering
“We view the inclusion of any volunteering commitment on a CV as an extremely positive aspect as a character reference. As a leading charity, we naturally find this attractive, but feel it would be equally important for a commercial organisation.”
Peter Skeggs, Age UK Runnymede and Spelthorne
Age UK helps over five million people every year improve their living conditions in later life through advice, products, training and research.
“Volunteering can enable you to learn new skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience that you can take into your future career. It also gives you the opportunity to explore an area of work that is of interest to you or try something completely different! All positive factors that we look for as employers when we are recruiting new staff.”
Jo Johnson, Marketing & Communications Manager, Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK is a national charity providing support services to, and campaigning on behalf of, deafblind adults and their carers.
“It’s an amazing experience. Not only do you get to see and take part in things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to, but you also get to work for a cause that you can truly be passionate about. And, aside from improving your career prospects, it can be a genuinely life-changing experience.”
Carolyn Barwick, Ethiopiaid volunteer
Ethiopiad is one of the UK’s leading fundraising charities, working with local people in Ethiopia for over 35 years to end poverty, protect health and help promote self-sufficiency.
What volunteering jobs are available?
Volunteering opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most popular options:
Voluntary work abroad
If you're looking for adventure, volunteering abroad offers the chance to explore new cultures whilst making a difference. Popular programmes include teaching English, conservation work, and community development projects. You'll need to consider visa requirements, expenses, and programme fees before committing.
Working abroad: How to get started
Volunteering on Christmas Day
Many charities and community organisations need extra support during the festive period. You could volunteer at homeless shelters, food banks, or hospitals to help those who need it most. It's a rewarding way to give back during the festive season.
Voluntary work with animals
Animal lovers can volunteer at rescue centres, wildlife sanctuaries, or veterinary clinics. Roles might include walking dogs, cleaning enclosures, or assisting with rehabilitation programmes.
View all volunteer jobs with animals
Volunteer work at hospitals and NHS voluntary work
Hospitals and NHS trusts rely on volunteers to support patients and staff. You could help with patient transport, provide companionship, or assist with fundraising events. Most NHS volunteer roles require you to be 16 or over, commit to a regular schedule, and complete a DBS check.
Age requirements and opportunities vary by NHS trust. For example, some hospitals accept volunteers from age 16, whilst others may require you to be 18 or older. Check with your local NHS trust for specific requirements.
Volunteer management jobs
If you've got experience in coordination or project management, you could volunteer to oversee other volunteers, plan events, or support charity operations. These roles are ideal for building leadership skills.
Volunteer work in charity shops
Charity shops are always looking for volunteers to help with sorting donations, serving customers, and merchandising. It's a great way to develop retail skills whilst supporting a good cause.
Online volunteering
Online volunteering lets you contribute from home. You could offer skills like graphic design, writing, social media management, or tutoring. Platforms like Do-it.org and Reach Volunteering connect remote volunteers with organisations in need.
Volunteer work for teens
Volunteering is a brilliant way for teenagers to gain experience and build their CV. Many organisations offer roles specifically for under-18s, from assisting at local events to helping with environmental projects.
Humanitarian volunteer work
Humanitarian volunteering focuses on helping communities affected by poverty, disaster, or conflict. Organisations like the Red Cross and Oxfam offer both UK-based and international opportunities.
Volunteer social work
If you're considering a career in social work, volunteering can give you valuable insight. Roles might include supporting vulnerable families, mentoring young people, or assisting with community outreach programmes.
View all volunteer opportunities
How to find volunteer work
Ready to get started? Here's how to find the right volunteering role for you:
1. Choose a cause you're passionate about
First things first: pick the type of organisation you want to work for.
You could help protect the environment, work with animals, or support disadvantaged groups like the homeless, disabled, elderly, or children in need.
Alternatively, get involved with your community and assist with local initiatives and cultural events, such as arts, music, or sports.
There might even be a range of causes you didn't know existed, so always do your research and see what's out there before you settle on one idea. Choosing a cause you care about will go a long way in making your volunteer work a success.
2. Highlight your key skills
Making a list of your skills is a great way to decide what volunteering route you should take. Not only will it help you figure out what you'd be good at, it'll also give you a comprehensive list of your key strengths to reference in an application.
For example, if you're great at working with people, consider a mentoring or companionship role. If you're an excellent organiser, think about a position in charity fundraising and events.
Whatever it is you excel in, it's vital to pick an opportunity that allows you to help in a way that suits your own individual assets and attributes.
But remember: no matter what you specialise in, all voluntary roles will require commitment, determination and hard work – so make sure these skills are also foregrounded in any application you make.
3. Work around your availability
The type of volunteering you'll be able to do will be based on the amount of time you've got to spare.
For example, if you're only free for a few weeks, you might be better off pursuing a short-term local opportunity. But, if you're looking to work throughout an entire summer, you could organise longer (or multiple) volunteering placements – which may also include volunteering abroad.
And even if your time is limited, it doesn't mean you can't get involved.
Most local organisations will offer flexible volunteer work and will allow you to take on part-time, evening or night volunteering opportunities. It all comes down to tailoring your search to your personal schedule and looking for the projects that fit in with it.
4. Start reaching out
Some organisations might not advertise voluntary programmes, but this doesn't mean you can't get involved. Proactive tactics (like getting in touch with a business directly) could actually persuade an organisation to give you a chance to volunteer – even if it's not offering a formal position.
If the positions you're interested in are being advertised, you should still get in touch to find out more. That way, you'll know exactly what the role entails and there should be no surprises if your application is eventually successful.
Good questions to find out more about voluntary roles include:
- How long does your programme last?
- What will my working hours be?
- Will my expenses be paid?
- What support and training will be provided?
Bottom line: if you have any doubts, always ask.
5. Upload your CV
Uploading your CV to a job board that offers voluntary programmes could actually help you widen your search.
Although you should combine this method with active job hunting techniques, making yourself openly available to employers could mean you're pursued for roles that aren't formally advertised.
Providing you make what you're looking for clear in your CV, select the right sector and make your CV visible to recruiters, you could be offered your perfect voluntary programme without even applying for it.
6. Treat it like a job search
Although volunteering is slightly different to a paid position, it's still a highly competitive field. So it's important to put an equal amount of effort in when searching and applying for roles.
To ensure you're getting the most suited results, make use of the job search filters, use the right keywords and be sector specific. Additionally, there'll usually be an option to narrow your results within the charity sector (e.g. choose to find jobs in events, fundraising etc.), which will allow you to tailor your search.
And when applying for voluntary work, always make an effort to quantify your relevant skills and experience – and, most importantly, emphasise your eagerness to help your chosen cause and ultimately make a positive difference.
Suitability is key, but it won't be an automatic yes. If you put the right amount of effort in, you'll find a voluntary position that suits all parties.
Volunteers' rights
Understanding your rights as a volunteer is important. Here's what you need to know:
You're not an employee
Volunteers aren't paid for their time. However, if you receive any payment, reward, or promise of future work beyond reasonable expenses, you might be classed as an employee or worker instead. This would entitle you to employment rights like the minimum wage.
You're entitled to reasonable expenses
Whilst you won't receive payment, you should be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred whilst volunteering. This typically includes:
- Travel costs (including to and from your volunteering location)
- Meals and refreshments
- Care of dependants (including children)
- Equipment, such as protective clothing
- Support worker expenses (for example, for disabled volunteers)
According to guidance from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), organisations should review what other local organisations offer and consider local costs when determining what's reasonable.
Watch out for tax on driving expenses
If you're a volunteer driver, you may need to pay tax on your driving expenses if you receive more than you actually spent. Check HMRC guidance if you're unsure.
No guarantee of a contract
Volunteering doesn't guarantee you a job or contract with the organisation. However, it's a brilliant way to build experience, skills, and connections that could lead to future opportunities.
Find out more about volunteers’ rights on gov.uk.
When you can volunteer
Most volunteering roles are open to people aged 16 and over. However, some organisations welcome younger volunteers:
- Volunteering for 14-year-olds - Many organisations accept volunteers from age 14 for activities like fundraising, litter picking, or helping at community events. Always check age requirements before applying, as some roles may require parental consent or supervision.
- Volunteering for 16-year-olds and above - From age 16, you'll have access to a much wider range of opportunities, including hospital volunteering, charity shop work, and more. Some roles (particularly those involving vulnerable groups) may require a DBS check.
Pay and expenses for volunteers
As a volunteer, you won't be paid for your time. However, you're entitled to claim back reasonable expenses.
What expenses can you claim?
Most organisations will reimburse the following:
- Travel (including to and from the place of volunteering)
- Meals and refreshments
- Care of dependants (including children)
- Equipment, such as protective clothing
- Support worker expenses (for disabled volunteers)
- Administration costs such as postage, phone calls and stationery
Some organisations set limits for expenses like meals and travel. Be flexible and discuss adjustments with your supervisor if needed. For example, food can be more expensive for people with allergies or dietary requirements, and volunteers with limited mobility may need to use more expensive travel options like taxis.
How to claim expenses
Most organisations will ask you to:
- Complete an expense claim form
- Attach receipts for your expenditure
- Get it signed by a manager or supervisor
- Submit it for reimbursement
It's good practice for organisations to pay expenses within one month. If you're unsure about the process, ask during your volunteer induction.
Reducing volunteering costs
Some organisations help reduce the cost of volunteering by:
- Providing low-cost refreshments like tea, coffee and biscuits
- Paying for pre-arranged travel (like train bookings) from a centralised account
- Offering discounts at local cafes, museums, or through schemes like the charity worker discount scheme
- Highlighting low-cost travel options, such as community transport schemes
How to find volunteer opportunities near me
OK, so you've decided volunteer work could be for you. Now it's time to see what's actually out there.
Start by searching on Reed.co.uk for available volunteer opportunities in your area. You could also try setting up job alerts for volunteer work – so you'll be notified any time a voluntary role comes up near you. And if you're looking for volunteer work abroad, we can help with that too.
Remember: there are lots of different benefits of volunteer work. The important thing is being open to opportunities, and knowing how to take the first step. Whether you're looking for volunteer work at home, or away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I volunteer if I'm under 16?
Yes. Many organisations welcome volunteers from age 14 for activities like fundraising, litter picking, and community events. Some roles may require parental consent or supervision. Always check age requirements before applying.
Do I need a DBS check to volunteer?
It depends on the role. If you're working with vulnerable groups (like children or elderly people), you'll likely need a DBS check. The organisation you're volunteering with will arrange this for you at no cost.
How many hours do I need to commit?
It varies. Some organisations ask for a few hours a week, whilst others might need a longer commitment (for example, six months for NHS volunteering). Be honest about your availability and find a role that fits your schedule.
Can I volunteer whilst claiming benefits?
Yes. You can volunteer whilst claiming benefits like Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance, as long as you're still available for work and actively seeking employment. Let your work coach know about your volunteering commitments.
Will volunteering help me get a job?
Absolutely. Volunteering shows employers you're proactive, committed, and willing to develop new skills. It's particularly valuable for school leavers, graduates, and career changers looking to build experience.
Can I volunteer remotely?
Yes. Online volunteering is a growing field. You could offer skills like graphic design, writing, social media management, or tutoring from the comfort of your home. Check platforms like Do-it.org and Reach Volunteering for remote opportunities.
What if I can't afford to volunteer?
You shouldn't be out of pocket. Most organisations reimburse reasonable expenses like travel, meals, and equipment. If cost is a concern, ask about their expenses policy before committing.
How do I know if an organisation is legitimate?
Look for registered charities or well-known organisations. Check their website for contact details, charity registration numbers, and reviews. If something feels off, trust your instincts and ask questions before committing.
Ready to become a volunteer? View all available volunteer jobs now.
