Volunteering FAQs

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about our volunteering scheme. If you still have questions, feel free to email us at volunteers@interpal.org

Am I eligible to volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer with us, so long as you are above the age of 16. However on some occasions depending on the tasks and responsibilities, we may require volunteers to be 18 years of age or older.

If you have any criminal record or pending court trials please inform the Volunteers Coordinator. We undertake to not discriminate unfairly against any subject of disclosure, but of course certain convictions, especially those related to hate speech or violence, will affect your relationship with us.

Will I be paid?

As it is a volunteering role, you will not receive weekly or monthly wages. However, we will pay for your out-of-pocket expenses for travel and other authorised spending. Of course your expenses must be reasonable and you must provide us with appropriate receipts.

On days that you volunteer with us, we will also reimburse lunch costs, up to a maximum of £5 per day.

Out-of-pocket expenses and lunch costs need to be reclaimed using an Expenses form, which will be provided to you when you start volunteering with us. This form will need to be completed and returned to the Volunteer Coordinator with all receipts by the end of each week. Further information will be explained on the induction.

What do I do if I’m late or unable to attend any more?

You must contact either your Line Manager or the Volunteer Coordinator via phone or email, as soon as possible, so that other arrangements can be made.

You can call 020 8961 9993 or email: volunteers@interpal.org

How am I monitored as a volunteer?

At the moment it is essential that you use the ‘Sign in book’ at the front of the office to record your arrival and departure times.

In the near future ID Cards will be made for you, so that you may “log in and out” of the office. You must take the card with you when coming to the office or attending any activity or event on our behalf. You must also have your card scanned at the beginning and end of every event, and it is your responsibility to make sure this is done in order to calculate your worked hours (which contributes to the Annual Appreciation Evening’s awards).

What do I do if I have a complaint?

You must refer to the Volunteers Coordinator to discuss any issues or matter of complaints. The Volunteers Coordinator will then provide you with a complaints form.

In the absence of the Volunteers Coordinator, you should refer to your Line Manager or the head of the department you are working in.