Volunteer Services - What's Involved

Volunteer Services - What's Involved

What to expect when you contact us......

When you visit one of our Centres or telephone, the following are some of the things that will be discussed, because we want to help make your volunteering experience as meaningful as possible for you and your host organisation.We do our best to be as efficient and effective as possible, whilst being friendly and informal.

Maybe you have a hobby or interest that you would like to share with somone else. Past work experience can be useful, but it doesn't necessarily have to determine what you do as a volunteer.

How far you are prepared to travel is important and whether you have to rely on public transport.

How much time have you got to give? Please don't think that you have to commit yourself to hours and hours every week. Starting off in a small way is much more sensible.

Would you feel more comfortable working with a group of people or with individuals?

Are you looking for something practical or would you prefer to help in a more one-to-one supportive capacity?

If you contact us on-line, you will be invited to visit one of our Centres or telephone. Please tell us where you live in your email, as this makes a great deal of difference to what you might consider a 'local' opportunity. We post all our opportunities on http://DO-IT.org.uk so we suggest that you might look on the site and see if you can find what you want.

If you telephone 01372 383456 your enquiry will receive immediate attention and we will discuss all the topics that are listed above. If you are not sure which is your nearest Centre in Surrey outside Epsom & Ewell and the Mole Valley, please call 0845 03 44 111.

Please pay us a visit, call us or contact us on line, we'll be pleased to help

On your behalf, Central Surrey CVS has worked tirelessly with local charities and projects to ensure that volunteers are respected and appreciated.

We promote equal opportunities and the understanding of equality and diversity in the work place.

Insurance for volunteers is a must. Opportunities will not be registered with us if this is not in place.

Reimbursement of appropriate out of pocket expenses (Bus & train and driving costs, stationery etc.)is encouraged by the CVS. Volunteers should not be out of pocket if they are involved with an organisation or project. Do check before you agree to a placement, if this is important to you.

The CVS encourages organisations to involve volunteers in all appropriate training, team meetings and communications.

Volunteers Week always takes place on the 1st - 7th June. It is an opportunity for charities to show how much they value the input of volunteers. We hope that they will show this appreciation in many other ways.

Please note. References will be taken up by most organisations. Referees must not be family members, but past or present managers or work colleagues, long term friends or neighbours, ministers of religion or other professionals would be OK. (But please ask them before you give anyone their contact details)

If you chose to work with vulnerable adults or children, with finance or sensitive information, checks will be made with the CRB (Criminal Record Bureau).