Frequently asked questions

How do I find out about volunteering opportunities at YouthNet?

Check out our current opportunities from the volunteering opportunities page. YouthNet often has new volunteering roles – so it's worth checking.

Of course, the place to check for volunteering opportunities is our volunteering website www.do-it.org.uk. Once you register on do-it.org.uk, you can sign up to receive opportunity alerts. Simply choose to receive information about opportunities to work with young people, and you'll get YouthNet's latest volunteering roles.

How do I become a volunteer?

You'll need to apply for the opportunity or opportunities that most interest you by registering on do-it.org.uk and submitting an application. All prospective volunteers will be assessed on their suitability for the role – so that we can match volunteers into opportunities where they'll make a positive impact and gain something from the experience.

How much time do I need to give?

Some of our opportunities involve many hours a week, and others just a few each month. For many of our virtual opportunities, you can decide the hours you volunteer – perfect for people who are working or studying, or who have busy lives.

Each of our opportunity descriptions will include the time commitment we request for the role. As a volunteer you agree how much time you are prepared to give. If your circumstances change, all we ask is that you talk to your volunteer manager.

Do I need lots of experience?

The skills and experience you'll need depend on the opportunity. While some of our roles might make use of volunteers' special skills, many are perfect for people who want to get some work experience or try something completely new. This information is always described in our announcements and role descriptions.

What can I expect if I volunteer?

As a YouthNet volunteer, you can expect a clearly defined role within our organisation. You'll have a dedicated volunteer manager to provide you induction, training and ongoing support so that you are given feedback and opportunities to develop your skills. And, we'll respect the knowledge and experience you bring to the role, make sure you have a voice within the organisation, and appreciate your contribution.

As appropriate we can provide a written reference after you have been volunteering with us for a while. In many cases volunteering experience can give job applications an important added dimension.

Will I get my expenses paid?

YouthNet will reimburse all reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you in relation to your volunteering. These will need to be agreed in advance by your volunteer manager. If you do not wish to claim your expenses, you are welcome to donate them back to the organisation.

Will I be insured?

Volunteers are covered by YouthNet's insurance policy while in our office or engaged in any work on YouthNet's behalf.

Can I claim benefits while volunteering?

Yes! The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer.

If you are receiving certain state benefits, such as Jobseekers' Allowance or Income Support, you may have a responsibility to inform the relevant agency before you start volunteering. You will need to demonstrate that you are taking reasonable steps to find a job.

If you volunteer for us, we can provide a letter to the benefits agency confirming that you are not paid, can be contacted about available job opportunities, and can be available within a certain notice period to start work or attend an interview.

If you receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or Invalid Care Allowance (ICA), you should notify the relevant agency before you start volunteering.

See Volunteering England's information sheet on benefits for further details.

I am not a British national. Can I volunteer with YouthNet?

Our opportunities are open to people of all backgrounds and nationalities, though most of them require that you are resident in the UK.

There are no restrictions on volunteering by nationals from the European Union (EA) or European Economic Area (EA, including Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland).

If you are from outside the European Union or European Economic Area (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland), you must check your visa or entry clearance conditions and demonstrate to YouthNet that you are allowed to volunteer.

If you have refugee status (or have exceptional leave to remain) or are an asylum seeker, you and your family members may volunteer.

See Volunteering England's information sheet on volunteers from overseas for further details.

You've mentioned virtual volunteering. What do you mean by that?

Virtual volunteering refers to volunteering that takes place from a location outside of YouthNet's office. Normally these are tasks completed, in whole or in part, via the internet.

Volunteering from a home computer is different from working on-site with an organisation for many reasons: more flexibility in your time; a greater degree of independence; less face-to-face interaction with others. These differences make virtual volunteering ideal for some, and difficult for others.

Setting your own schedule is one of the joys of virtual volunteering. However, there's nothing virtual about the commitment you are making.

What if I can't find an opportunity that I like?

You may also browse through our volunteering website, do-it.org.uk, where you'll find thousands of volunteering opportunities in other charities and non-profit organisations.

Okay, you've convinced me. I'm going to submit an online application through do-it.org.uk for a YouthNet volunteering opportunity. What happens next?

Someone from YouthNet's volunteering team will respond within one work week with more information about the opportunity, including the next steps in the recruitment process. Depending on the role you apply for, the recruitment may include writing a letter explaining your interests, completing an exercise, or having an informal interview with one of us by telephone or in person. We hope to hear from you!