Frequently asked questions by our volunteers
Can I claim expenses?
We don’t want our volunteers to be out of pocket when they support us. Your time is all that we ask for. We encourage you to claim your volunteering expenses.
What can I claim for?
You can claim for:
Travel
Meals
Postage
Stationary
Overnight accommodation
Phone
Carers’ costs – with prior arrangement with your volunteer manager.
For more information, read: volunteer expenses, what can I claim for? (Word, 120KB)
How do I claim expenses?
Download our expense claims form and a step-by-step guide to claiming expenses:
I’ve forgotten my Topaz password/I don’t have one. What should I do?
If you’ve forgotten your Topaz password or you don’t think you already have one please email [email protected]. Find out more information about Topaz.
Something’s come up and I can’t volunteer today, who do I contact?
Your volunteer manager or the person who has arranged for you to volunteer on this date is the person you should contact.
I can’t reach my volunteer manager, who do I contact?
If you can’t reach your volunteer manager or you don’t have their contact details then please contact another team member if these details have been provided during your induction. You can also contact the volunteering team by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01733 375450.
I’m not happy in my role, who do I contact?
If you’re unhappy about something please let us know as soon as possible. You can find more information by downloading our problem solving procedure document.
You can also always contact the volunteering team if you have a question, concern or would like more information. Please email [email protected] or call 01733 375450.
I need an ID badge for my role or, my ID badge is due to be renewed
If your role requires an ID badge please email [email protected] with your name, your role title and attach your picture. Your picture doesn’t have to be according to passport picture specifications, it simply needs to be a clear image of your face, with no one else in the frame. Please also copy in your volunteer manager so they’re aware you’ve arranged this.
Your ID badge will be valid for three years, if your badge is due to be renewed please follow the process as before and copy your volunteer manager into the email.
I’d like to do more, can I volunteer in another role?
Of course! We know that a lot of our volunteers support us in more than one role, and we really appreciate the time that they offer us. Taking on another role can help broaden your understanding of the work our organisation does and it can help you to develop your skills and knowledge further. To find out more about other local opportunities you can ask your volunteer manager to signpost you to local opportunities. You can also find information on other opportunities on our website or you can contact our volunteering team.
Employee and Volunteer Assistance Programme
We’re delighted that the Employee and Volunteer Assistance Programme (EVAP) Helpline is open to our volunteers. This is a free, confidential service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all RNIB employees and volunteers, their immediate family members (living in the same household) and dependent children.
It provides unlimited access to support, information, professional guidance and, where appropriate, short term counselling on any issue which may be causing concern.
Counselling is available over the telephone and in some cases on a face to face basis. Accessed by telephone or email, the EVAP is a confidential service run independently of RNIB by Health Assured Ltd.
Contact the Helpline
You can call any time day or night on 0800 030 5182 or +44 161 836 9498 from outside the UK.
Alternatively, you can access support online at healthassuredeap.co.uk.
The passwords for accessing this service are available in the Volunteer Welcome Pack, from your Volunteer Manager, in the Volunteer News and can be obtained from the volunteering mailbox [email protected] or by calling 0303 123 9999 (option 4).