Frequently Asked Questions on Volunteering for GUCH PA

What is volunteering?

Giving your time for a good cause without being paid.

What sort of volunteering can I do for GUCH PA?

Fundraising - organising a fundraising activity or helping with an existing one.
Co-ordinating a local group - involves booking a venue, organising refreshments, arranging speakers.
Local contact - telephone contact in your area
Events - helping at GUCH PA events - welcoming guests, organising events
Raising awareness of GUCH PA - visiting GUCH clinics, speaking to healthcare professionals and medical students
Media contact - liaising with local media, writing news releases
Helpline - answering calls to our helpline for people affected by congenital heart conditions
Proof reader/reviewer - checking documents and GUCH PA publications

Do I need special skills or qualifications to volunteer?

Each volunteer role requires a set of skills which are outlined in the role descriptions.
You do not need any qualifications but you will be expected to attend induction and training.
Most important are enthusiasm and commitment.

What help will I be given as a volunteer?

Claire Stevens, our Volunteer Manager is available to help you, she is able to give guidance and support and supervise.
Travel and carer expenses will be paid.
Training and induction
Resources such as our Volunteer handbook

How much time do I have to give?

The amount of time you give will depend on your personal circumstances and the type of volunteer role you choose to do
We ask that you give a regular commitment and let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to do something

What kind of people volunteer?

All sorts of people are volunteers - older people, younger people, parents, people with disabilities, people with mental health problems, people who work full time, students, carers, people from black minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

What's in it for me?

Research shows that volunteering can improve your health, it can help lower blood pressure, improve immune function and speed up recovery time after surgery.
Employers are 73% more likely to employ a candidate with volunteering experience over one without.
It can help build confidence and boost self-esteem
Helping others can be very rewarding.
You can meet new people.
You can learn new skills.
You can use and develop skills
It can be a useful addition to your CV.
It gets you out of the house
You can explore new things
It feels good knowing you are making a difference
It can improve your interpersonal skills
It can help you feel more connected to the community
It can help create a balance in your life

Will I be out of pocket?

We pay all reasonable expenses such as travel, postage, telephone and carer/childcare.

I'm on benefits, can I still volunteer?

Volunteering should not affect your benefits, although there are some minor restrictions you should be aware of if you are receiving Jobseeker's Allowance or Incapacity Benefit. Contact your job centre or benefits office for more information.

I'm from overseas, can I volunteer?

If you are from an EU country you can volunteer. If you are from outside the EU and have a visa to work or study in the UK you may volunteer as long as you are still undertaking the activity that is stated on your visa.

I'm a refugee can I volunteer?

If you have refugee status (or who have exceptional leave to remain) you can volunteer. Asylum seekers and family members may also volunteer.

What happens after I complete the application form?

We will take up your references
A criminal records bureau (CRB) check will be undertaken
We will invite you to an interview

Can you tell me more about the interview I need to have before becoming a volunteer?

You will be asked to attend an interview in the nearest large town or city to your home, although sometimes interviews can be done over the telephone. It is not a job interview; we will simply ask some straightforward questions such as why you want to become a volunteer. The interview is also an opportunity for you to ask questions you may have.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check

Why do I need to have a CRB check?

We have a duty to protect our clients, some of which are classed as vulnerable adults. To help us do this we ask all our volunteers and staff to undergo a CRB check.

I've had a CRB check very recently, why do I need another one?

It has been identified that there are real risks in carrying Disclosures from one job/organisation to another. However, this may change when the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act comes into force in September 2008. This may make it easier to transfer checks from one post to another. We will review our procedures when the Act comes into force.

I have a criminal record, can I still volunteer?

The particular voluntary role may have to be assessed considering the nature of the previous offence and how long ago it was committed. For more information on CRB call the Criminal Records Bureau Information Line on: 0870 9090 811.

What documents do I need for my CRB check?

You need one document from Group 1 plus any two from Groups 1 and 2. All documents must be originals, not photocopies. All documents must be in your current name. At least one document must show your date of birth and current address.

Group 1

Passport (any nationality)
UK birth certificate
UK issued driving license (along with counterpart license)
EU photo identity card
HM forces ID card
UK firearms license

Group 2

Marriage Certificate/ Civil Partnership Certificate
Financial Statement**
Vehicle Registration Document
UK P45/P60 Statement**
Mail Order Catalogue Statement*#
Bank/Building Society Statement*#
Utility Bill*#
Exam Certificate e.g. GCSE, NVQ, O'Level
TV License**
Addressed Payslip*
Credit card statement*#
UK National Insurance Card
Store Card Statement*#
UK NHS Card
Mortgage Statement**#
Benefit Book Statement e.g. Child Allowance or Pension
Insurance Certificate**
UK Council Tax Statement**
A document from Central/ Local Government/ Government Agency/ Local Authority giving etitlement (UK)* e.g. Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, Customs and Revenue, Job Centre, Job Centre Plus and Social Security.

* documentation should be less than 3 months old
** issued within the last 12 months
# if you intend to use more than one document of this type ensure that it is from a different organisation. Internet documents are not accepted.

What's the simplest combination of documents I require?

passport or driving license (along with counterpart license)
utility bill (gas, electricity, phone etc.)
bank statement

I've noticed the SAE for the CRB form is the Children's Heart Federation (CHF) why's this?

We use CHF as it is a registered umbrella body for CRB checks.

I'm worried about posting this information, is it safe?

We cannot guarantee the safety of documents but we recommend sending important documents by recorded delivery or special delivery. CHF keeps ID information in a locked safe and posts back your documents via Special Delivery.

Who will receive my CRB Check?

When the application is processed, the CRB sends out a copy of the CRB check, containing any information revealed during its searches, to both you and the person who countersigned your form.

Where can I get more information on completing the CRB check form?

If you have access to the Internet you can download the guidance notes at: http://www.crb.gov.uk/pdf/crb11%20guidance.pdf
Or contact Claire Stevens at the GUCH PA office.

What happens when I become a new volunteer?

You will be given an information pack.
You will be offered induction training.
You will be contacted by Claire Stevens, our Volunteer Development Manager to welcome you.

Please click here to download our volunteer application form.

If you would like any further information on becoming a volunteer for GUCH PA please contact Claire Stevens:
Email: claire@guch.org.uk
SMS: 07853 378250
Phone: 07853 378250
IM: claire.guch@yahoo.co.uk