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Frequently asked questions & help

Still have some questions about volunteering?

We have put together some FAQ and helpful guides to answer some of the questions that we often get asked. Click on the buttons below to find a wealth of information.

Do I need to get a 'Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check' to volunteer?

You will need to apply for a DBS Check to volunteer on Sheffield Volunteering projects which work with children or vulnerable adults on a frequent basis. You will not usually need a DBS check for short-term or one-off projects, or projects which do not work with children or vulnerable adults. You can find the specific requirements of each project on the SV Hub.

If you are volunteering with a local charity or organisation which requires you to have a DBS check, they will do the DBS Check for you. We will only do DBS checks for Sheffield Volunteering projects which are Run by Students or Schools Volunteering.

How do I apply for a DBS Check?

To volunteer with one of our projects run by students, you need to make a 15 minute appointment with us to apply for a DBS check. During this appointment we will check your Identity Documents and fill out the DBS form with you.

To make an appointment, please pop into the Volunteering Office or Contact Us.

What do I need to bring to my DBS appointment?

Please bring three ID documents to your DBS appointment. They must be originals, not photocopies, scanned versions or print-outs.

You must bring:

  1. One item from list A.
  2. One item from list B which proves your address (either your term-time or home address).
  3. One other item from either list.

List A List B
Passport Bank or credit card statement (issued in the last 3 months)
UK Driving licence (card and paper counterpart) Student Finance Statement (issued in the last 3 months)
UK Birth Certificate P45 or P60 with your address on (issued in the last 12 months)
  Work permit or visa
  Utility Bill (issued in the last 3 months)
  Card carrying the PASS accreditation logo
  Non-UK Photocard Driving Licence

If you bring two documents from List B which have your address on them, they must both have the same address (either term-time or home address).

The full list of acceptable ID Documents can be found on the DBS website.

Further information

As part of your application, we also ask for the details of one character referee, the name and email of your Personal Tutor and a complete address history for the last five years.

Please download and complete our further information document. You can email it to volunteering@sheffield.ac.uk or print it out and bring it to your appointment.

What happens next?

After the appointment your form is sent to the Disclosure and Barring Service by post. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to process each application.

Your disclosure certificate will be issued to the address you used as your current address on the DBS form. This is the only copy of the DBS Check certificate, so please keep it safe!

As soon as you receive your certificate, you must complete our online DBS arrival form to let us know that it has arrived. We must also need to see the paper certificate before you start volunteering - we will let you know when this needs to happen!

DBS Certificate Information Form

I am an International Student - can I apply for a DBS check?

Depending on how long you have lived in the UK, it may be difficult for us to complete a valid DBS check for you. Please come into the Volunteering Office to discuss your options with us. And don't worry - we have lots of volunteering options which don't require a DBS Check!

Still got questions?

If you still have questions, don't worry - we are here to help! Visit Contact Us to get in touch.

How do I get started?

Create your volunteering profile on the SV Hub. The first time you visit the Hub click 'New Volunteers Register Now' to create your volunteering profile.

Have a look at our Be Involved section of the website for our 5 steps to getting started.

How long will it take to get started?

This depends on the application process for each volunteering role. For some opportunities such as the Give It a Go programme you can get started straight away! For other projects you may need to complete training sessions and a DBS (Criminal Record) check so it may be 4-6 weeks before you can start volunteering.

Do I need previous experience or skills to take part?

Most of the volunteering placements on the SV Hub simply ask for enthusiasm and commitment! However some organisations will ask for previous skills or experience, for example, some organisations require fluency in English due to the nature of their volunteering roles.

Do I need to be a University of Sheffield student to take part?

Yes, the Sheffield Volunteering programme is for University of Sheffield students. Many roles are also open to staff and our graduates. However, do not despair as there is a fantastic Volunteer Centre in Sheffield that can help you find volunteering if you are not part of Sheffield University.

When do the volunteering opportunities take place?

We have volunteering opportunities that operate all year round. You can choose from projects that run every week, every month, or one-off days as part of the Give It a Go programme. Our student-led projects generally run from October to December and from February to May to accommodate student timetables.

Can I volunteer for a short period of time only?

Yes, why not take a look at our One Off Tasters?

I didn't sign up in the Autumn Term. Can I still volunteer?

Yes! We have volunteering opportunities available all year round. Please drop into the Volunteering Office if you would like help and advice or contact us.

Where are the volunteering opportunities based?

Nearly all of our volunteering opportunities are based in Sheffield and the few that are just outside of Sheffield have good public transport links from our city centre.

How will I get to my placement?

You can find out the best bus / tram links for your journey at http://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/journeyplanning.

What if I don't like my volunteering placement?

If you start a volunteering placement but are not happy - please let us know. We can support you to sort out any problems or, if more appropriate, help you to choose another placement.

Can I take a break from volunteering during university vacations?

Community organisations understand that students are often not in Sheffield for the whole year and will need to take breaks for vacation and during exam periods. The majority of organisations are flexible and will understand when you need to take a break from your volunteering. The most important thing is to be up front and agree in advance what is possible so that organisations can plan around your availability.

Will it cost anything?

No! Volunteering is free. For projects run by Sheffield Volunteering, we will refund your bus, tram, or mileage costs so drop into the Volunteering Office with your tickets or receipts. External charities should also refund your travel costs for any volunteering you do with their projects so ask them how to get your costs refunded.

Sorry but no. But volunteering can help you develop skills for your future career and looks great on your CV! Our volunteers are rewarded (both now and in the longer term) in all sorts of different ways (see the Why Volunteer? and Reward & Recognition pages) but they are not paid.

You can find part time jobs at the Student JobShop and the Careers Service can help you with your future career goals.

Where is the Sheffield Volunteering office and what are your opening hours?

Our opening times and contact details are available on the Contact Us section of our website.

Still not found what you're looking for?

The lovely staff in the volunteering office are always happy to help so please contact us with your questions.

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