Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum amount of time I must give?
There's no obligation for volunteers to attend or to give a minimum amount of time. If other people depend on you, we ask you to give your contact reasonable warning if you cannot come in. You decide and agree your commitment with us. You decide how much time you are prepared to give.
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Will I be paid?
Only agreed out-of-pocket expenses*, such as travel between home and worksite. There is no payment for your time, the work you achieve, or any 'payment in kind'.
*Regrettably, we are unable to offer travelling expenses to volunteers on Working Holidays.
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What age do I have to be?
In general (see exceptions below) there is no minimum or maximum age as long as:
- you are able to make a useful contribution;
- there is no minimum age requirement for the task; and
- the activities are suitable for your age and not detrimental to your welfare or education.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must give permission for you to volunteer and you must be supervised by an adult and not left alone. We cannot always provide supervision so this may restrict younger people to volunteering with their parent or guardian.
There is no upper age limit. Older volunteers are welcome to stay for as long as they can carry out their work effectively and providing they are not putting their, or others', health and safety in jeopardy.
The exceptions are:
- Overseas volunteers must be 18 or over and have a good command of spoken English.
- Full-time volunteers should be 18 or over, although some properties may be prepared to take 17 year olds.
- Working Holidays are divided into age bands but generally cover 17-70 years.
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Can school groups get involved?
School children can make links with Trust properties, as volunteers, through the Schools Guardianship Programme and a growing number of learning programmes, out of school clubs and citizenship initiatives.
We are always pleased to assist schools organising Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes and can suggest opportunities for residential and non-residential community service at bronze, silver and gold award levels.
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Do I have to be a member of the Trust?
No. Anyone can work with us.
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Can I bring my local youth or community group to volunteer?
Yes, many different types of group volunteer for the Trust, from youth groups to corporate groups. Contact the regional Community and Volunteering Officer for your area to find out more.
The Trust has a resource of over 40 hostel-type buildings (basecamps) suitable for residential groups. Contact the Central Volunteering Team on 0870 609 5383 or Regional Community and Volunteering Officer in the area where you want to stay for more information.
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Do you provide accommodation?
Some properties can offer accommodation for full-time volunteers. Look at our section on full-time volunteering for more information.
The Trust has a resource of over 40 hostel-type buildings (basecamps) suitable for residential groups. Contact the Central Volunteering Team or Regional Community and Volunteering Officer in the area where you want to stay for more information.
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Will I/my group be insured?
The Trust has insurance cover for legal liability claims, either by or against volunteers working for the Trust, resulting from damage to property or personal injury. Groups hiring basecamps for their own recreational purposes should arrange their own insurance cover.
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I am receiving welfare benefits - am I allowed to volunteer?
Yes - but tell your Job Centre or Benefits Office before volunteering to get their confirmation.
There is no maximum limit to the number of hours that you may volunteer while claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or Incapacity Benefit (IB). However, if claiming JSA, you must continue to search for paid work and be willing and able to attend an interview on 48 hours notice or start a paid job within one week if offered.
If in receipt of IB, you may volunteer provided that the activity does not conflict with your stated incapacity.
It is possible to volunteer under the government's New Deal scheme. Please ask your Job Centre if there are local opportunities with the National Trust.
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