Volunteering FAQs

Keeping you safe as you volunteer

How are we making volunteering safe? 

We’ve reviewed all of our practices through a risk assessment process, in line with Government Guidance. This helps ensure we  protect our teams, customers, contractors and visitors.

Getting started

What happens after I sign up to volunteer?

Once you’ve signed up with us and provided your contact details, we'll be in touch to discuss next steps to start your role and plan in a welcome session.

I’ve missed a phone call from you. What can I do?

If there’s no response, we’ll leave a voicemail and then follow up with an email.

If you’ve not received contact from us within 10 days (please check your junk/spam folders) then please call us back on 0300 330 3322. 

I've changed my mind about volunteering, but I've signed up on the form. What should I do? 

You can cancel your application to volunteer at any time through MyVolunteer.

Log in to your MyVolunteer account

To cancel your offer to volunteer, go to Opportunity History

> Choose the opportunity you want to cancel click “Cancel Application”

There are many ways that you can support the BHF and there is sure to be something for everyone. 

What documents do I need before starting my role?

All volunteers need to provide :

• A form of ID
  Accepted forms of ID:
  Passport
  Biometric resident permit (BRP)
  Driving licence
  Travel document
  NHS medical card
  Application registration card (ARC)
  Proof of National insurance number
  Home Office Standard Acknowledgment Letter (SAL)
  Utility bill (last 3 months)
  Birth certificate
  DWP letter (last 3 months)
  UK Citizen Card
  Electoral identity card
  UK residence card
  
• contact details of two character referees. 

We’ll let you know when we contact you whether you need you to provide any further details depending on your role.  

What will happen on my first appointment?

Amongst other things, you will:

• Meet the team, have a chat about the volunteering role that interests you and find out what volunteering with us is like

• Find out about our  safety measures 

I'm not sure how much time I can spare each week

You’ll be able to discuss your availability with us on starting your role. 
Sometimes, we may not have your preferred time available so being able to be flexible will mean you get the most out of volunteering with us.

Can I volunteer as part of a group or as part of my employer's corporate volunteering days?

Yes, if your employer gives you time away from your job to volunteer we would love to hear from you to discuss this further.

Can I apply in my local BHF shop?

Yes, you can. Local shops contacts can be found on our store locator. For fundraising opportunities in your community, please contact your local Fundraising Manager.

What qualifications can I earn?

Volunteers in our shops in England and Scotland may be eligible for a funded National Vocational Qualification in Retail. Please discuss this with your shop.

Do you reimburse expenses?

Yes. Please see our volunteer expense policy for details. You will also have an opportunity to discuss this with your shop manager if you are volunteering in one of our shops.

I've submitted my query and haven't heard back, what should I do?

You should have heard back from your initial enquiry within 10 days. If you are still waiting to hear back, email us as we value all our volunteers and want to discuss your enquiry with you. 

Eligibility 

What if I have a criminal conviction?

Volunteers must not:

• have unspent criminal convictions 
• be subject to any criminal registers or orders.

You must tell us of any convictions that arise while volunteering for us. 

I live outside the UK and want to volunteer while on holiday

If would like to volunteer during your stay you can volunteer with us for a maximum of 30 days. When applying, please provide the UK address you’ll be staying at.

I’m an international student and want to volunteer while studying in the UK

If you’re an international student studying in the UK, you are able to volunteer with us during the period you are enrolled at a UK university. Please provide the UK address you’ll be staying at.

You must always ensure that you do not have restrictions on your visa preventing you from volunteering whilst in the UK.

If your circumstances are otherwise, unfortunately we cannot offer you a volunteering opportunity. Please note we’re unable to sponsor visa applications but are grateful for your interest in wishing to support us. Should you wish to support us in another capacity, please see our how you can help pages.

I used to be a volunteer but left, can I come back?

Yes. If you wish to return to us after taking a break please contact your manager to discuss.

Finding the right role for you 

Can I choose what event or area I volunteer in?

Yes. It will depend on your location and what role you’re interested in.

We’ve got lots of other ways you can support the BHF if we don't have an event or role available in your area. 

If I start in a role and don't like it, can I change roles?

Yes. If you want to try something different, let us know and we can discuss other suitable roles.

Can I apply for multiple roles?

Yes. We’d love you to get involved with us in different roles and will appreciate all the time you can give. It may mean that you’ll be contacted by us more than once to discuss these different opportunities.

Can I volunteer with a friend?

Yes, so long as

1. There are suitable roles for you both. 
2. You can both volunteer at the relevant times.
3. It's possible to volunteer together while maintaining social distancing.

What's the difference between volunteering, work experience and an apprenticeship?

Volunteering is giving your time freely to help and support us, during which you will gain many experiences, including in the workplace environment.

Work experience is unpaid and is often arranged for a fixed length of time. It will provide you with a glimpse into the world of work and the opportunity to try something new. Voluntary work experience is available in our shops. 

An apprenticeship is a paid job combined with a qualification. It’s a chance to earn and learn! Retail apprenticeships at the BHF are advertised on our BHF careers website. 

I'm nervous about volunteering

That's understandable as it can be daunting to try something new. We have a range of opportunities to suit everyone’s needs. When we call you to discuss your opportunity we can chat through any concerns you may have. You will not be expected to do anything without training or support. 

If we haven't covered what you'd like to know, please email [email protected].