Application process
How do I become a volunteer?
Find out about the volunteer roles available by going to RNIB Group volunteering web page and seeing what volunteer opportunities are available in your region. Either send us your details via email to volunteering@rnib.org.uk or telephone the Volunteering Team on 0845 60 30 575 or 01733 375450. We can provide further information, help you to find the roles that suit you and send you an application form.
When we receive your completed application form, you will be contacted to discuss the role and have an informal interview.
If you and the volunteer manager both decide that the opportunity is right for you, we offer you the role pending final checks before you start. We ask for references and we seek a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure for volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults. We also seek parent or guardian authorisation for volunteers under 18.
Who can I ask to supply references?
We ask for two character references from people you have known for at least two years and aged 18 or over. They must not be a family member/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend nor live in the same household as you.
Volunteering role criteria
How much time can I give?
The amount of time you give as a volunteer depends on you and which role you undertake for us. Some people volunteer every day, others volunteer for just a few hours per week and some decide to volunteer for one-off events and activities. We try to match your availability as far as we can and any time that you can give, no matter how small, is always very much appreciated.
What tasks will I be doing?
We have a wide variety of volunteering roles available across the UK. These roles can involve a range of tasks and activities from art and administration to campaigning to legal work; from cheering on fund-raising runners at the London Marathon to home visiting and befriending. Have a look at our volunteering web page and click on your region or country in the UK to see the range of roles available. We also have special events available throughout the year which usually involve something a little bit different!
What skills do I need?
The skills that you need will depend on the volunteering role that you do.
Some roles may need special or technical skills and knowledge, such as the ability to set up and use computers and software or the ability to develop campaigns and speak in public.
Others may require good personal skills and abilities such as empathy and concern for the welfare of others. In many cases however, the skills you will need can be developed while volunteering, with help from a supervisor or manager and other volunteers and staff.
Support and training
What support and training will I have?
To fulfil your role effectively, every volunteer will be given training and support from their manager and colleagues. Our training package includes an induction, Understanding Sight Loss pack as well as any role specific training that you may need.
I am blind myself, can I still volunteer with RNIB?
You can certainly volunteer with RNIB Group. We consider it our job to provide blind and partially sighted people with varied and fulfilling volunteer opportunities. Volunteering enriches lives and can provide a vital route to employment and more independence for blind and partially sighted people.
Many of our roles are suitable for people with little or no sight and we provide support to help you get the best out of volunteering. This can include accessible technology to help you to read and write documents, participate in meetings and stay in touch with colleagues. If travel is a problem, support drivers and funds for suitable transport can help you get to and from your activities. If you are blind or partially sighted, we will look for ways to help you get involved.
Volunteering requirements
I am under 18, can I still volunteer with RNIB Group?
Yes, you can, although a few of our roles do have age restrictions. Additional information about specific requirements can be found in the role description or by contacting us for more information.
I live abroad/am from overseas, can I still volunteer?
All of our roles are based in the UK. Generally there should be no problem with RNIB Group accepting someone from overseas to volunteer, but if you live abroad you must ensure that you have permission to volunteer in the UK. You could be in breach of your visa or entry clearance conditions if you volunteer when not permitted to.
If you have refugee status or exceptional leave to remain, you are allowed to do any type of work including volunteering. If you are an asylum seeker, you are also allowed to volunteer with RNIB Group, as long your activity does not amount to either employment, or job substitution. If you apply for a volunteering role in RNIB Group, make sure that you discuss your asylum seeker status with us and whether the role satisfies these conditions.
For more information, visit Volunteering England's web page on 'Accepting volunteers from overseas'.
Benefits and expenses
Can I volunteer while claiming benefits?
Yes you can. People are allowed to volunteer while claiming state benefits, including Job Seekers' Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Income Support, just so long as the rules are followed. People claiming benefits must complete form ES672VJP to notify their advisers that they are volunteering. There are no limits to the amount of time you can volunteer as long as you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit or tax credit you are receiving.
Don't be put off volunteering because you are claiming benefits. RNIB can provide you with information to reassure the Jobcentre about the nature of your volunteering role.
Get more information about volunteering and benefits
Will I be paid expenses?
You will be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable expenses so that you are not left out of pocket. RNIB Group will ask you to produce receipts, bus tickets, etc. and complete a simple claim form. RNIB Group may be able to help if you are unable to pay for some of your expenses in advance.
If you are on certain benefits, you may need to inform your Jobcentre Plus or local authority about your volunteer expenses but this should not affect your ability to volunteer or to claim for out of pocket expenses.