Become a volunteer
Our guide to volunteering offers information and advice to anyone interested in supporting our work.
It covers all the essentials around issues such as insurance, expenses and health and safety.
People volunteer for many different reasons, to gain work experience, meet new people, make a difference, gain confidence, or develop new skills. Whatever the reason, volunteering is beneficial to all involved.
Volunteering in Richmondshire
We work closely with our partners to promote opportunities to volunteer in our district including:
- Community First Yorkshire
- Homestart Richmondshire
- SASH
- Richmondshire Community and Voluntary Action
- SSAFA
- Royal British Legion
- MIND
- Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire
- Do IT
Our aims
We aim to make sure you:
- Feel welcomed as a volunteer and have a good understanding of what the council is and does
- Know what you're expected to do and who you're answerable to
- Are a real part of the team
- Have access to appropriate training
- Know who to talk to if there are problems and have your concerns listened to
- Are properly valued and thanked
- Receive regular and constructive feedback
- Are trusted
- Have safe working conditions and adequate insurance cover
- Are taken seriously by paid colleagues
- Are not out of pocket
We ask you to:
- Be reliable, and tell us if you're unavailable or running late
- Respect confidentiality
- Carry out the agreed project or role to the best of your ability
- Give us honest feedback and ideas for improvement
- Be accountable and accept constructive comment
- Take part in relevant training
- Ask for support if you need it
- Treat staff and fellow volunteers with courtesy
- Comply with our policies, procedures and standards
- Undertake your work safely and report any concerns immediately
Getting started
Recruitment
Our volunteers are normally recruited through a third party organisation working on our behalf. They organise the recruitment process for us, including any Disclosure and Barring Service checks required for volunteers who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
Induction
You'll have an induction with your supervisor when you first join us as a volunteer. There will also be opportunities to take part in a council induction session, which will provide a much broader introduction to us and our services. You'll also be given a volunteer agreement.
Trial period
Just like in employment, there may be a settling in or probationary period. This is for the benefit of both sides. You'll have a named supervisor to support you and answer any queries, so make the most of this in your first few weeks. If you have any issues about your volunteering, don’t be afraid to raise them.
Training
You may need some training to undertake your tasks effectively. Often, this will be delivered in-house. Volunteering can also provide the practical elements required for formal vocational training and assessment