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Programme aims
The purpose and aim of the full-time volunteering programme is for mutual benefit:
- completing essential National Trust work; and
- providing work experience in the conservation and heritage sectors to help people along the path to employment or a new career.
Full-time volunteer placements are for people committed to developing their skills, and who are able to give the Trust at least 21 hours a week, for a period of at least 3 months.
A placement can give you valuable work experience and greater confidence as you develop your skills and progress in your career. You'll be encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities and keep a portfolio of your work and training to back up subsequent applications.
A National Trust certificate and references are provided at the end of successful placements.
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Selection and placement
There are often several applicants for each post, so it is important to choose the opportunities you apply for carefully. You will need to show how both you and the National Trust will benefit from your involvement. New placements are made after selection interviews.
Once you have been accepted as a volunteer, your manager will help you to prepare a work plan. Your manager will give guidance throughout your placement and will help you to develop your strengths and experience. Essential training is provided.
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Hours of work and time off
You'll be asked to volunteer within the normal hours of the property or office at which you are based. At least 21 hours per week is expected. Time off can be taken for formal training. Volunteers usually take holidays on the same basis as regular staff.
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Training
Induction training covers the National Trust, the work site, and health and safety procedures. Skills and experience can be acquired 'on the job', while working alongside staff and other volunteers.
Accredited training may be possible, for example in environmental conservation and other relevant skills such as leadership, first aid and minibus driving. Your aspirations and access to training should be discussed during the interview and induction.
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Expenses
As a volunteer you'll receive no remuneration (payment), only the reimbursement of genuine and reasonable expenses agreed in advance with your manager. In agreement with the property you may claim travel expenses for the actual cost of attending an interview, and when you start, the initial journey (within the UK) to your place of work. Once you've started, we'll either provide transport or reimburse your mileage / transport costs you incur.
We will provide special protective clothing and footwear to meet on-the-job health and safety requirements.
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Accommodation
You may be able to live at home or find local lodgings while volunteering at a nearby National Trust property. The Trust is sometimes able to offer simple, furnished and shared self-catering accommodation for full-time volunteers. Where accommodation is available this will be stated in the role description.
Accommodation is only provided to enable volunteers to carry out their tasks, so there is no rent. You may be expected to share the cost of the telephone and electricity.
Pets are not permitted and all Trust accommodation is non-smoking.
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Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
JSA is a government-funded welfare benefit to help UK residents back to work after long-term unemployment. It is not available to non-UK residents.
Your entitlement to JSA should not be affected by volunteering, provided:
- you can demonstrate that you receive no remuneration, only payment of expenses;
- you are still available for, and actively seeking, paid work;
- you can be contacted promptly if a job interview arises; and
- you are willing and able to attend an interview or take up paid employment within 48 hours.
You are encouraged to continue job seeking while volunteering and will be given advice on vacancies both within and outside the Trust.
If claiming JSA you should tell your Job Centre and Benefits Office about your intended voluntary work before starting. We can provide you with a letter (approved by the JSA Policy Team at the Department for Education and Employment) for the Job Centre, which explains your voluntary work. Some volunteers on JSA and/or Income Support have been able to claim Housing Benefit where the Trust is unable to provide accommodation. You are allowed to receive expenses from the Trust and although there is no limit on your voluntary work, you must make time actively to seek paid employment, such as visiting the Job Centre and attending interviews, to continue claiming JSA.
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New Deal
You may be able to help the Trust under the New Deal scheme, which entitles you to JSA, plus an additional allowance. Placements are usually for six months, with an average 30-hour week, leaving one day free for training. Enquire about New Deal when you apply, or contact your Job Centre for more information.
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Non-UK residents
Check your position regarding visas and work permits before you come to the UK. The National Trust does not cover the costs of travel from abroad, nor provide a living allowance once in the country.
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General enquiries
If you have any questions about a specific placement, please contact the volunteer supervisor at the host property. However, for an informal chat, please call the Volunteering Enquiry Line on 01793 817632.
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