FAQ

This was previously known as a CRB check - criminal records bureau check but late 2012 this changed to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

If you are volunteering with vulnerable adults and/or children and young people you will need to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS).

As part of the registration process you will be asked to declare any criminal convictions or police cautions. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily bar you from volunteering – each case will be assessed individually.

A member of staff will guide you through the process. Please be as honest and open as possible.

It depends on what course you are studying. Below are a few examples of how volunteering can help you in your chosen career.

Health and Social Care - having experience with different client groups will help to make your studies more real.  Why not think about mentoring someone with a disability we have opportunities in each area, you can then start putting your studies into practice and experience first hand about social inclusion.

Social Work Training - this depends on where you want to specialise when you qualify. If you're not sure then why not choose an area that you are not familiar with, as not all client groups are for everyone.  Volunteering will give you the chance to "try before you buy" What about:-

• supporting a young offender? or being part of the Youth Offending Team Panel, helping to agree a contract detailing what the young person will do to make amends to their victim and/or the local community.
• Home for Older People - supporting someone to access ICT, undertake craft activities - some older people have dementia so this would give you an insight into this field.
• supporting someone with a disability to volunteer themselves.  Sometimes people just need a little support to do things that others take for granted.  Supporting someone with a learning disability to volunteer will give you an insight into learning disabilities (or other disabilities) and some of the barriers they may face whilst out and about in the community.

Sign Language Course - why not visit someone with a hearing impairment, this will give you the chance to practice your skills whilst at the same time providing companionship.

All our opportunities can be found by clicking on the left hand tab - Opportunities.

You can volunteer for as long as you want, at any time of the week, day, evening or even weekends.

We will endeavour to find the right placement for you.

This typically takes 4 - 6 weeks, but obviously will depend on individual circumstances.

You will need to submit an enquiry via the email links on the opportunities page. On receipt of your enquiry a member of staff will contact you for a chat.

Once we receive your completed application form, we will undertake the following:

• 2 references from someone who has known you for at least two years.
• If the activity involves supporting vulnerable adults or children/young people we will arrange to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Yes, there are many opportunities to volunteer that do not require you to be available Monday to Friday during the day. Don’t be put off volunteering because you work full-time!

Yes, volunteering will certainly help you to widen your experiences with people, build up transferable skills and show both commitment and motivation – something employers really value.

If you are in receipt of benefits we may be able to offer you a 30 day work trial in partnership with our workstart team this would also include training, if this is something you may be interested in please email lccvolunteering@lancashire.gov.uk

If you are not in receipt of benefits we may be able to signpost you to different training opportunities to enhance your activities and improve your C.V.

No - each opportunity is different and will require different skills but no formal qualifications are required.  In summary many of our opportunities require the following qualities:-

•     Good communication
•     Listening skills
•     Friendly 
•     Ability to respect principles of confidentiality
•     Discretion, and respect of others’ values and opinions
•     Willingness to offer commitment and reliability
•     Willingness to accept guidance and support from others
•     Understanding and commitment to Equal Opportunities

The opportunities section of this site contains all the live opportunities within the council at this particular time, it is updated on a regular basis. 

If you are looking for opportunities within the charitable or voluntary sector then please contact your local volunteer centre or the "Do-it" website http://www.do-it.org.uk/. 

Unfortunately we do not offer opportunities  within charity shops, age concern, cancer charities, wildlife/environmental charities etc. again speak to you local volunteer centre or check out the "Do-it" website.

Yes, Lancashire County Council believe no volunteer should be out of pocket due to their involvement in volunteering and where possible will reimburse all pre-agreed expenses.

This could include the cost of travelling to your volunteer placement, car parking etc.

All our volunteers will receive training to prepare them to volunteer.  If additional training is required we will signpost you to the most appropriate provider.

Please see the training section for more details.

Yes, you can. The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer.

Please see the Volunteering England website for detailed and up to date information on volunteering whilst you are claiming welfare benefits.

There is also a Department of Work and Pensions Leaflet called "volunteering whilst on benefits" which contains more information.

You will have a named member of staff who will be responsible for supporting you whilst volunteering.