Frequently Asked Questions

How do I go about choosing and finding volunteer opportunities?

Think about how much time you have to give – whether you can make a regular commitment or might be better to plan ahead and volunteer for a one off event.

Also think about what skills and experience you have to offer and what skills and experience you might want to develop in a volunteering role.

Take into account your location – do you want to volunteer close to home or work (if you are working) or would it suit you to be a volunteer working from home via the telephone or internet.

Talk with people in your home or work community to see what is available, search the topic areas on this website or contact a Volunteer Resource Centre. Visit the Community Builders website to find out if there is a Volunteering Resource Centre near you.

What rights do I have as a volunteer?

This will depend on the organisation you are working with. If you have identified an organisation you want to volunteer with obtain a copy of their volunteering policy.

Generally, as a volunteer you have the right to:

• an induction into the organisation
• a job description
• training and ongoing supervision
• the right to be consulted on changes to your work duties
• the right to not be exploited – not to work more than 16 hours per week
• right to privacy

Can I be reimbursed for my expenses?

Again this will depend on the organisation. Some organisations reimburse things like travel fares or petrol expenses while others don’t. Check this before you commence.

What about insurance – who pays for that when I’m volunteering?

Generally an organisation takes out personal accident insurance for all its volunteers. If you volunteer using your car then you may be required by your organisation to have a certain level of insurance. Check these requirements before you commence. For more information go to the Insurance section in the Risk Management chapter in the NSW Guide to Volunteering.

Do I need to undergo police checks to volunteer?

You can expect that for any role volunteer organisations will check your references as part of the interview and selection process.

You will only need to undergo formal checks for certain types of volunteering – that is, if you will be volunteering with children or residents of aged care institutions. For more information go to the Compliance chapter in the NSW Guide to Volunteering.

What about if I want to raise funds for an organisation rather than volunteer in an office situation?

Volunteer organisations have policies and procedures on fundraising. Before you commence your fundraising you should contact the organisation you want to help and establish what their requirements are. It’s very important you do this before you begin as, for example, the organisation may require you to take out insurance if you are holding a fundraising event. For general information go to the NSW Office of Gaming and Racing website – Charitable Fundraising page

Organisation FAQ’s

How do I go about attracting the right volunteers?

First focus on the kinds of volunteer roles you have and the skills and experience needed to do those roles. Then think about the pool of potential volunteers you have in your area. Most people want to volunteer either close to home or close to work (if they are working). Then use multiple ways to advertise your roles e.g. local newspaper, local neighbourhood or Volunteer Resource Centre and contact local groups like Rotary or Apex. For more information on attracting volunteers go to the Volunteer Management chapter in the NSW Guide to Volunteering.

What legislation covers volunteering organisations?

Laws range from the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2000 to the requirements of the Commonwealth Privacy Act. For more information on legislation covering organisations that use volunteers go to the Compliance chapter in the NSW Guide to Volunteering.