Volunteering for Save the Children

Sunshine12

Hi

I applied to Save the Children a few weeks ago to work as a volunteer in one of their shops. I havent heard back from them as yet and just wondered if anyone knew how long it normally takes?

Thanks in advance.

Sunshine12

2 months after applying to them I still havent heard a cheap from them (depsite getting an automated acknowledgement to my e-mail. I guess they aint too bothered about getting volunteers after all (and if they did ask me now I would say no!)

chocsessential

I know how you feel. I applied to the CAB in March and still not had a yes or no from them. It amazes me when charities say they desperately need volunteers, and yet when you do apply they don't bother to give you any updates on your application.

Minxy_Bella

Oh dear! I'm going to have some free time in September, so was intending to do some voluntary work then but I'm wondering if I shouldn't even waste my time now?

Haarlem

Unfortunatly the voluntary sector can be very unprofessional at times compared with the rest of the ecomomy in the way it treats paid and unpaid staff.

I know many examples where training is being given in an attempt to make recruiting and keeping volunteers by treating volunteers in a professional way.

Try your local CVS who will hold a register of organisations recruiting volunteers.

Savvy_Sue

I think the main thing is not to expect to be able to start volunteering right now.

So if you have free time in September, the time to enquire is now.

How volunteers are recruited and inducted varies widely: we run a couple of information evenings each year, and you're expected to attend one of them first. If you've just missed one, or can't attend it, you will have a long wait.

But that's only the start: we'll then ask you to come to a second evening, complete an application form, provide references, and do a CRB check. That can take a couple of months.

I know the local Christmas 'shelter' will be recruiting from the summer onwards. If you wait until November to volunteer, they won't be able to take you.

It is unprofessional if organisations don't get back to you, however.