Volunteer FAQs
Is there a minimum time commitment?
No. We can be very flexible with the amount of time that you commit to Soundabout.
You decide the amount of time you want to give. We will discuss your time commitment, availability in our initial meeting.
How quickly can I start?
We want to get you involved quickly, but there are some things we need to do first. To keep everyone in our community safe, we will need:
- your two references
- your Enhanced DBS check
- confirmation of your safeguarding training
- you to read all of our relevant policies.
Our Volunteer Coordinator will be available to guide you through these processes. Once these are all sorted, you can start as soon as you are ready.
Do I have to be a certain age to volunteer?
Generally, our roles would suit people over 18, but we would be happy to discuss a volunteer role if you are under 18.
I have additional support needs, can I volunteer?
Yes. Please let us know how you would like to be involved, what you would like to get out of volunteering and how we can support you.
What skills and experience do I need?
Different roles and activities will require different skills. However, many of our volunteer roles do not require specific skills or experience.
We need enthusiasm, commitment, and for you to be a great advocate for Soundabout.
What roles are available?
We will advertise specific roles on our volunteer web page and in regional volunteer forums. Our roles are varied and we encourage people to contact us if you have skills and experience that you would like to offer to help us achieve our mission. To give you some idea of the variety, you can volunteer remotely or in person. You can offer help behind the scenes or at community events. Tasks include welcoming people to our choirs and helping with refreshments, fundraising, making props for our multi-sensory sessions, video editing, photography and website support.
Will I get training?
We want to ensure that you feel happy and confident to carry out your role.
Therefore, whatever role you take on, you will meet (in person or remotely) with our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss the role and what is required of you. You will then be introduced to the people you are working with, and the Volunteer Coordinator will remain available for any questions or feedback. We run various training sessions throughout the year and volunteers are invited to join for free.
Will Soundabout cover my expenses?
Yes, we reimburse any genuine volunteering expense. Check with the Volunteer Coordinator before you incur the expense. We will cover travel, up to 40 miles from your home.
Who will I report to?
The Volunteer Coordinator is your first point of contact. You will submit a monthly record of your hours and your expenses to them. They will introduce you to the other people you will be working with and explain specific activity and role instructions.
Will I meet the other volunteers?
We want you to feel a part of the Soundabout team and particularly part of the very special volunteering team. We will invite you to Soundabout events and support communication between volunteers in a way that people feel comfortable with.
What if I change my mind about my role?
You choose how and when you want to volunteer, and if you no longer wish to volunteer. We understand that circumstances change.
However, if you change your mind because you are unhappy or dissatisfied in your role, we would like you to tell us. We may be able to find a role that works better for you and we would like to use your feedback to help improve our volunteering programme and experience.
Can I request a reference?
We will provide references to recognise the time, effort and skills our volunteers contribute. To give accurate and meaningful references, we need volunteers to have completed enough volunteering sessions to enable us to report on their skills, knowledge and personal qualities (the number of sessions will vary depending on the volunteer activities/roles).