Voluntary work in the UK

• What kind of voluntary work can I do in the UK?
• Where can I volunteer?
• How do I go about volunteering?
• How much does volunteering cost?
• What will I get out of being a volunteer?
• Further information on voluntary work in the UK

• What kind of voluntary work can I do in the UK?

Pretty much any paid work you can do in the UK, you can do as a volunteer as well. However, most volunteers choose to do something different from their day job. As well as a chance to do something new, it's also an opportunity learn new skills – things you can take back to the office. Most volunteer organisations in the UK offer free training.

Some career breakers though, love their jobs and want to do the same sort of work but for a charity or non-profit organisation. Working as a full time volunteer in a different environment like this, with different resources, can be a real eye-opener. Again, you can learn stuff that will benefit you in your career.

Almost all voluntary jobs provide expenses, and some also offer accommodation and/or a small living allowance.

Where can I volunteer?

Pretty much anywhere. Some volunteering opportunities will only be available in certain places of course, so where you work depends on how flexible you are about where you live. For example, if you want to work with children affected by poverty, you will find most voluntary placements in inner-city areas. If you want to do environmental conservation work, you will find more placements in the countryside.

Some long-term full-time voluntary placements stipulate that you can't live at home while you're volunteering. Many provide accommodation for you if this is the case, particularly if you're an 'on-site' volunteer (eg if you're working at a residential centre for disabled children).

How do I go about volunteering?

Start by deciding whether you want to volunteer near your home, or if you want to do a placement elsewhere in the UK. If you know of an organisation that you'd like to volunteer for, try contacting them directly to see what long-term full-time volunteering opportunities they offer.

A number of volunteering organisations have a strong faith element (eg, there are a number of Christian organisations which recruit volunteers). In most cases, you don't have to be a practising member of that religion to volunteer, but obviously it helps to be open-minded and respectful about their faith.

You can search for a UK volunteering organisation on the What to do page.

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How much does volunteering cost?

Usually nothing. Most volunteer jobs will give you reasonable expenses and free training (check what these are in advance). Many full-time voluntary jobs also offer a small living allowance, and some also include accommodation and food.

What will I get out of being a volunteer?

Loads! The new skills you'll learn, the training you'll receive and the experience you'll get will all help you in your career. There are social benefits too – as well as making new friends, you might also learn better communication skills and develop confidence. Most of all though, you'll feel that you're making a difference.

Further information on volunteering in the UK

Search our list of career break companies for a voluntary placement in the UK.
Need to know something else? Email us.
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