I haven’t applied to any opportunities yet, but have some questions before I start

Can I volunteer or work at NSPCC if I am a student?

Yes, you can volunteer if you are student. However, it depends on the opportunity, some accept volunteers aged 16 and over, while for other volunteers have to be aged over 18.

Can someone under 18 be a volunteer at NSPCC?

Yes, people under 18 can volunteer with us. But they would need their parent/guardian consent and we would ask the parent/guardian to confirm this.

Do I need any previous experience or qualifications to volunteer?

Candidates do not need any experience or qualification to volunteer.

How much time do I have to give when I volunteer?

This would depend on the opportunity you choose. For Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe volunteers, for example, we ask for a weekly/monthly commitment. But for other opportunities, such as in Community Fundraising, volunteering your time is very flexible.

What are volunteer information meetings?

Volunteer Information Meetings are a way for potential Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe volunteers to find out more about the NSPCC, our values and how your chosen volunteer opportunity works. They are very useful to understand whether the commitment is suitable for you. We do not use information meetings for all our opportunities.

Why do I need to go to a volunteer information meeting?

To access the application form to progress, you need to attend a volunteer information meeting. Also, the meeting is an opportunity to understand better your opportunity. This includes information about the training and support we give our volunteers and is a chance to ask any questions you may have.

What happens after I have been to a volunteer information meeting?

After the Volunteer Information Meeting you will be sent a copy of the presentation, FAQs about the opportunity, and the link to access the application form. If you want to move ahead, you will need to complete and submit the application form.

How do I apply?

If you want to apply for a volunteer opportunity, hover over and then click "Open opportunities" along the top of this page. It will take you to the next page, which will show you the latest opportunities and you can select from among them. In the next page there will be the volunteer opportunity description and all the relevant documents attached. To apply, you would click “Apply now” at the bottom of the advert.

Can I work remotely from another country?

As the NSPCC is a UK-based charity that works with children and young people who are resident in the UK, our volunteers need to be as well. So, our volunteers need to live in the UK, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Do you sponsor Visa applications for candidates coming from outside the UK?

We do not currently offer visa sponsorships.

How do I set NSPCC email alerts for volunteer opportunities?

You need to either sign into your existing NSPCC account or create one to set email alerts. Once in your account you will have the option to set up email alerts by subscribing to receive emails for when something suitable does come up. If you want to be alerted only for volunteer opportunities around your area, please include your postcode when you register for alerts.

I have a disability, what support can I get throughout my application?

As an organisation, we are committed to diversity and equality and as part of that commitment it is our aim to ensure that neither volunteers nor employees receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of disability. We are committed to interviewing all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the job criteria of the vacancy they are applying for. When requested, we will always ensure reasonable adjustments are made for all disabled applicants to support them through the recruitment process.

Can I apply for more than one volunteer opportunity?

Yes, you can apply for as many opportunities as you like.

When (and how) will I hear from you after my interview?

You will receive your outcome within 24 - 48 (or longer if there is a weekend or bank holidays in between), depending on the opportunity. You will be notified if you are successful or not by email, but you might also receive a call. For Childline and Speak Out Stay Safe expect to be notified by call.

I have some technical questions about the application system

How do I set NSPCC email alerts for volunteer opportunities?

You need to either sign into your existing NSPCC account or create one to set email alerts. Once in your account you will have the option to set up email alerts by subscribing to receive emails for when something suitable does come up. If you want to be alerted only for volunteer opportunities around your area, please include your postcode when you register for alerts.

I have difficulty logging into my account. How do I solve this?

If you are facing problems logging into your account, please reach out to volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

I cannot book my interview via the system. Why?

Please contact volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

How do I delete my account?

Once signed into your account, on your homepage go to ‘My Profile’, at the top of the screen underneath your name and address, select ‘Delete Profile’.

What is the email address email address for any volunteer-related query?

Please email Volunteer Recruitment Team on volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

I’ve started my application and have some questions about the process moving forward

How much do I need to write in the application form?

This would depend on the opportunity you have chosen. For our Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe volunteer opportunities, there are several statements you would need to provide examples and information to. Whereas with other opportunities there is less information asked for.

I applied a few months ago but did not finish my application, do I need to apply again?

If your application is under 12 months old you are able to complete it, but beyond that you will have to reapply. If you have any questions, please email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

Who reviews my application?

For Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe volunteers, the applications are reviewed by the Volunteer Recruitment team. With Community Fundraising and other applications, these are reviewed by the hiring manager.

What is the email address email address for a volunteer-related query?

Please email the Volunteer Recruitment Team on volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

When (and how) will I hear from you after I submitted my application?

Whenever there are any updates with your applications, you will be notified by email about what the next steps are. For Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe, Community Fundraising and other applications expect to hear within 1 week to find out if you have been invited to an interview or not. We advise you to keep an eye on your emails (and spam inbox as well).

I have some questions about the interview process

What is the interview like?

It depends on the opportunity you are applying for, especially with opportunities in Community Fundraising and Events.
For Childline there are two opportunities; for the Childline Volunteer Counsellor opportunity there is group face-to-face or virtual interview; while for the Homebased Email Volunteer Counsellor opportunity, you are sent a short IT test to check your IT equipment is suitable, then once you send this back you are invited to a group virtual interview.
For With the Speak out, Stay Safe opportunity there would be a group virtual interview.

I have been offered an interview, what happens next?

You need to click into the link in the email that has been sent to you, so that you can log into your NSPCC account. Then, on your homepage click “My interviews” and the task next to “To Book”. You will then see the interview slots; you can select either “Book” (if the interview slot is suitable) or “Can’t make it” (if it is not a suitable date or time). Once you have booked your interview, you will receive an email to confirm your booking and later another email asking you to provide some additional information prior to your interview. Most interviews are done through Microsoft Teams. For volunteers, the Microsoft Teams link is sent out by email within 24 – 48 hours of the scheduled interview.

How do I book my interview?

When you are invited to an interview, you will be sent an email with a link that you need to click into to book an interview. The link will take to your account and once you have logged in, on your homepage click “My interviews” and the task next to “To Book”. You will then see the interview slots; you can select either “Book” (if the interview slot is suitable) or “Can’t make it” (if it is not a suitable date or time). Once you have booked your interview, you will receive an email to confirm your booking.

I cannot book my interview via the system. Why?

Please contact volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

I cannot attend my interview. How do I notify about this? Can I reschedule it?

If you can not attend your interview, you can either contact the Volunteer Recruitment Team at volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk or the staff member who sent you the Microsoft Teams link for your interview.

I have some questions about the referencing / safeguarding process

What are your safeguarding checks?

The level and type of check will depend on the opportunity and the amount/regularity of contact with children and young people. All applicants need to provide the following: proof of their identity, address, and National Insurance Number (only for staff opportunities); complete a safeguarding form, including a five-year address history; at least two satisfactory references which cover a period of five years. If applicable Criminal Record Checks or Overseas Check will be performed.

Will I have to have a criminal records check?

Not all opportunities require a criminal records check (CRC); it is needed where you will have direct contact with children and young people. So, with our Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe opportunities, we would complete a CRC for you but with most Community Fundraising opportunities you would not need a check.

I have completed my criminal records check email link that was sent, is there anything else I need to do?

Thank you for following the instructions. The application is now with us to verify and send off to the disclosure body. You manager will be in touch to let you know what other actions are pending besides your criminal records check.

Do I have to pay for the overseas check and what if I cannot get one?

Where an overseas check is required, we can reimburse the cost of the check up to a set limit. If you can not get an overseas check for any reason, we can follow another route to allow your application to progress. You can contact the Volunteer Recruitment Team at volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk with any questions about an overseas check.

I’ve been offered a opportunity and have some questions about what happens next

I have been offered the position. What happens next?

After being successful at your interview and before you can start, you must complete some safeguarding checks to ensure you are safe to volunteer at the NPSCC with children and young people. The level and type of check will depend on the opportunity and the amount/regularity of contact with children and young people.

When can I start?

A start date cannot be agreed until all safeguarding checks are completed. This includes ID and internal vetting checks, references (our policy requires at least 2 references covering the last 5 years), and Criminal Records Check (if required). Your hiring manager should be in touch to confirm any pending actions.

Will I receive a recognised qualification from the Childline training?

Childline volunteers who have completed the Childline Induction Training (CIT) since the new programme was launched in November 2021, will receive their certificates after they have completed 140 hours of counselling within 18 months of completing the CIT and the completion of additional training on Working with Suicidal Young People and The Mental Health Continuum.

What training and support do you offer volunteers?

We provide volunteers with specialised training courses designed to equip them with all the skills and knowledge they need for the opportunity. Volunteers will also be allocated a supervisor who is dedicated to provide them with ongoing support. If you have got questions about our volunteering opportunities or the application process, you can contact us on volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

Event Cheerers

How do we select our event volunteers?

Once you have registered to volunteer at an event through our short webform, the Event Team would contact you with more information about what would happen on the day of the event.

What training and support do you offer event volunteers?

Someone from our Events team will be in touch ahead of the event to discuss times to arrive, where to meet and what to expect. You’ll also receive a briefing document to answer all your questions, and we’ll walk you through it on the day too.

Is there an age limit/ am I too young to volunteer at an event?

As an organisation, we are committed to safeguarding all young people including our volunteers. To ensure we meet this commitment, we cannot accept event volunteers under the age of 18 for the time being.
If you are under 18, you can still apply to our other opportunities, such as with Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe. We’d love to have you join us!

How much time do I have to volunteer for at an event?

Hours vary with events; however, we typically need volunteers for 4-6 hours.
We’d love to have you on our team so if you can’t make the full-time slot just look up the event and come along! You don’t have to be an official cheerer to support team NSPCC.
If you've got questions about our volunteering opportunities, you can contact us on, cheer@nspcc.org.uk

Are expenses provided for your event volunteers?

Volunteering at our events is a great way to experience the fantastic atmosphere of event days! The atmosphere at our cheer points is amazing, and we’ll provide you with cheering materials and an NSPCC t-shirt so all you have to bring is your enthusiasm.
Refreshments will be provided at the cheer points, and travel expenses will be covered up to the value of £5.00.