Volunteering FAQs

We offer a range of volunteering opportunities. You can find more information on our Volunteering Opportunities page and how to apply online.

If you’re interested in volunteering in one of our retail stores you can ask for information at the till.

Volunteers will need to be 16 years and older. For some roles, you’ll need to be 18 or older. You can find details of age requirements on the volunteer opportunity page.

For most roles, you won’t need to have previous experience. We’ll provide all the training you need. 

There may be some specialist roles which ask for previous experience or particular skills. You can find details of skills requirements on the volunteer opportunity page.

We offer flexible volunteering opportunities that you can fit around other commitments. When you apply we’ll understand what time you are able to give. 

Whether you’re willing to work a few days a week or  or support a one-off event, we’ve got volunteering opportunities for everyone. 

Newlife will cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. You can find what we do and don’t cover in our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

We need to confirm your identity before you start to volunteer with us. We’ll ask to see photographic ID like a passport or driving license.

We may need references for some of the roles. Where we do, we’ll make this clear when you apply.

Examples of suitable referees include an employment coach, teacher, manager or support worker.  Your referees shouldn’t be family or friends. 

You might need to complete a DBS check for some of our roles. This is stated clearly when you apply. If you do need to complete a DBS, we’ll work with you to complete the form and pay for it.

One of the Volunteer Managers at the location you’ve applied for will review your application and get in touch with you, within 2 weeks of your application, to organise a meet and greet session. The meet and greet will be a chance for you to come and meet the Volunteer Manager in person, get a better idea of what the role will involve and decide if volunteering with Newlife is for you. 

That’s ok! You can withdraw your application at any time, just let the Volunteering Manager know that you don’t want to proceed. 

At the end of the meet and greet session the Volunteer Manager will ask you when you are able to start volunteering with us and invite you to an induction meeting. You’ll be trained in the role and the final onboarding checks (e.g. DBS if relevant) will be completed, once this is done you are considered a fully fledged Newlife volunteer. 

Yes! But you will need to submit an application form for each role that you would like to do, this is so that it can be handled by the right Volunteer Manager.