Voluntary Work

Voluntary work is not only a way to improve your career prospects, but also to put something back into society. You also have rights as a volunteer, but it might affect any benefits you claim.

Charities and community groups often need volunteers to help them to improve other people’s lives. But volunteers can also improve their own future and self-esteem by learning new skills and by having a new interest.

Many people  reach a stage in their career when they want to ‘put something back’ into their community – or share their skills. You may even discover a whole new career for yourself.

Did you know that over 70 per cent of employers would hire a candidate with volunteering experience over someone who has never volunteered? By providing a couple of hours per week, you could increase your job prospects and widen your skills.

You can also make new friends, experience new challenges and increase your confidence.

Many voluntary organisations give children volunteer work, provided they’re covered by the organisation’s insurance.

However, in order to protect children from being exploited, the law limits what children under school leaving age can do (you are under school leaving age until the last Friday in June of the school year in which you turn 16). For example, if you are under 14 then you are not allowed to work for a profit-making organisation (this is true whether or not you are paid). You should check details of child employment with your local authority for what limits there are in your area.

For more information about how and where you can volunteer in your are, visit the Voluntering Website (external link) or the Do It Website (external link)

Information about volunteering overseas is available from the Do It Website at http://www.do-it.org.uk/wanttovolunteer/volunteeringoverseas (external link)