Types of volunteering
A volunteer can get involved in many ways with an organisation, from one-off tasks (micro volunteering) to trustee roles.
If you are someone interested in volunteering – then take a look at the types of roles below, to give you an idea of what might best suit you. Give as much or as little time as you are happy to and do something that interests you.
If you are reading this as someone involved with volunteer recruitment at an organisation – then the following will give an idea of the types of volunteering roles that could be useful to you. You may also want to visit our page on getting ready for volunteers.
Administration
Including – data entry, reception, filing & phone calls
Requiring varying levels of skill. Some volunteers can be trained from scratch, while it is useful if others have used computers and various programs. Usually, it is more useful to organisations if volunteers can commit to an ongoing role. Some roles can only be undertaken in an office, but others can be completed remotely and from home.
Driving
Including – volunteer drivers, meals on wheels, escorts, minibus & van mate
As well as recruiting drivers for KCV’s own volunteer transport service, other organisations also have volunteering roles that require volunteers to drive. A DBS check is needed for some roles as well as references. Expenses are generally paid for car users. A road worthy vehicle is normally required for volunteer car users. The time commitment depends on the role undertaken and can usually be flexible.
Employer Supported Volunteering
Volunteers are employees from organisations who volunteer for a few hours or days per year. Often volunteers will group together and tackle a task such as painting, gardening or events helpers. But increasingly the flexibility of remote volunteering, to assist with skilled tasks, is appealing to this type of volunteer.
Environmental
Including – conservation, wildlife, habitat clearance/preservation, litter picks, animal welfare, wardens & rangers
Great for those who enjoy the great outdoors and have a passion for all things wild. Some of these opportunities involve working alone, others are more social. Normally volunteers can choose how much time to give and how involved to get. Many tasks are a good option for groups of volunteers.
Events
Including – fundraisers, first aid, stewards & marshals
Many volunteers cannot make a regular commitment, so they prefer to volunteer at one-off events every now and then. KCV has a database of those who like to help at events. It is often the case that an event cannot go ahead without the help and support of volunteers.
Family volunteering
Many Kent charities offer this type of volunteering. An organisation ensures that activities are in line with polices, but parents/carers remain responsible for their children. More about recruiting younger volunteers
Fundraising
Including – charity shops, collection boxes, sponsored fundraising, events & raffles
Although most organisations can apply for grants and funds from many different sources, they still need additional money to enable them to run their operations effectively. Therefore we often see people collecting for charity or working in charity shops. Most of these opportunities involve working as part of a team and are ideal for someone who likes the company of others, plus the chance to make new friends. Hours range from annual collections such as poppy day to working regular hours, for example, in a charity shop.
Governance
Including – administration, trustee, committee member, forum member & governor
Often office or home based, volunteers might be expected to represent their chosen organisation in a variety of ways and to attend meetings. Some of these positions carry an amount of responsibility but can be extremely rewarding.
One-to-one
Including – befriender, mentor, buddy, mediator, independent visitor & case worker
These roles will often involve a degree of emotional attachment. A DBS check/references are generally required. Often involving vulnerable groups such as the young and socially isolated older people. Training is usually required before you start. Hours can be varied according to the role.
See KCV’s Good Neighbour Service
Practical
Including – engineers, DIY, decorators, gardeners, electronics, metal workers, carpenters & maintenance
Most of the hands-on opportunities require a volunteer to have certain skills or be willing to undertake training. Volunteers could be working alone or as part of a small team. Some of the roles involve working with disabled groups or individuals. These roles make a real difference. Hours are varied according to the need of the organisation and can be short-term tasks, rather than ongoing.
Representation
Including – campaigners, interviewers, leaders, ambassadors, coordinators, recruiters & internet
All social and charitable organisations need volunteers to raise their profile, lead projects and of course campaign on their behalf. These opportunities require good interpersonal skills and a firm belief in the organisation being supported. Some roles can be done from home. Hours will vary but could be as little as a couple a month.
Short-term / one-off volunteering
Including – transcribing, design, editing text, research, writing letters to unwell children, monitor wildlife & social media posts
Many ‘micro’ volunteering tasks are undertaken online. A great way for volunteers to get involved who cannot commit to a more on-going role. It can also be a way for a volunteer to learn more about an organisation and perhaps commit more in the future. Suitable for employee volunteers who may only have a few hours or days a year to volunteer.
Skilled volunteering
Many roles require a volunteer to have some relevant skills, but others are more general and an organisation’s induction and training can enable an individual to volunteer. Many volunteers want to use their skills to volunteer on one-off and short-term tasks and consultancy projects, assisting in areas such as HR, IT, finance, media & marketing as well as ongoing roles, such as trustees.
Training
Including – teachers, tutors, coaches, helper, mentor & instructor
Many people wish to pass on skills and experience they have acquired over the years or to learn new ones. These can be very rewarding opportunities and might be one to one or group based. A DBS check/references are often required. Time commitments vary but these roles tend to be a longer-term commitment as consistency is an important factor. But there is also the opportunity for volunteers to run one-off training sessions for not-for-profit employees and volunteers on areas they specialise in.
Virtual / Remote volunteering
Including – social media, website design, graphic design, telephone befriending, fundraising, research, IT & trustees
An organisation may have many roles that have traditionally been undertaken face-to-face but could, with some consideration, work remotely. This way of volunteering can make volunteering much more accessible.
Youth
Including – appropriate adult, mentor, independent visitor, group/club helper, family support, reading helper, youth clubs & sports
Volunteering with younger people and children is often the most rewarding of all; really making a difference to someone’s future by volunteers offering their time and experience when it is needed most.
As you would expect a DBS check is often required for these roles, as are references. Roles generally require patience, kindness, fairness and tolerance. Roles normally require a firm commitment but time is flexible in different roles. Consistency is an important factor in these roles.
What next?
If you are looking to volunteer – then search the volunteering opportunities at the websites listed below.
If you are looking for volunteers – then look into advertising your organisation’s roles on some of these websites:
Stronger Kent Communities Resources:
Simply Connect – KCV has a free online volunteering platform for volunteers to register and search volunteering opportunities and for organisations to advertise their volunteering needs.
Please note that information on this page and linked to is to be used as a general guide, not as specific advice for your organisation.
Please email volunteering@kcv.org.uk if you have any questions.