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data-track-action="content_item 3" data-track-label="/volunteering/when-you-can-volunteer" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"When you can volunteer"}" href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/when-you-can-volunteer">When you can volunteer</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link " data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 4" data-track-label="/volunteering/pay-and-expenses" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Pay and expenses"}" href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/pay-and-expenses">Pay and expenses</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed gem-c-contents-list__list-item--active" aria-current="true"> Coronavirus (COVID-19) volunteering </li> </ol> </nav> </aside> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <h1 class="part-title"> Coronavirus (COVID-19) volunteering </h1> <div class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak direction-ltr disable-youtube" data-module="govspeak"> <p>If you want to volunteer during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you can do this:</p> <ul> <li>outside your home, for example by delivering food and medicine</li> <li>from home, for example by working on a telephone support helpline</li> <li>in a workplace, for example an office</li> </ul> <p>If you are volunteering in a workplace, it should meet <a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19">coronavirus safety standards</a>.</p> <p>There is different guidance on volunteering in <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://gov.wales/volunteering-during-coronavirus-pandemic">Wales</a>, <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/volunteering/">Scotland</a> and <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-safe-when-helping-others">Northern Ireland</a>.</p> <p>While this guidance applies to England, you should always consider whether there are local restrictions in place in your area. If you live, work or volunteer in an area that is experiencing a local COVID-19 outbreak and where local restrictions have been imposed, different guidance and legislation will apply.</p> <p>Check the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-restrictions-areas-with-an-outbreak-of-coronavirus-covid-19">local restrictions pages</a> to see if any restrictions are in place in your area.</p> <h2 id="who-can-volunteer">Who can volunteer</h2> <p>You can volunteer outside your home if you follow <a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing">social distancing guidance</a>, and:</p> <ul> <li>you’re well</li> <li>nobody in your household has <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms//">coronavirus symptoms</a> </li> </ul> <p>You can still volunteer from home if you are:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do#clinically-vulnerable-groups-and-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-groups-and-care-homes">over 70</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing-after-4-july#clinically-vulnerable-people">clinically vulnerable</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#clinically-extremely-vulnerable-groups">extremely clinically vulnerable</a></li> </ul> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>If you live with someone who is over 70, clinically vulnerable, or extremely clinically vulnerable, consider their needs before volunteering outside your home.</p> </div> <h3 id="if-youre-clinically-extremely-vulnerable">If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable</h3> <p>If you are <a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#who-this-guidance-is-for">clinically extremely vulnerable</a>, you should <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#what-will-change-from-1-august">volunteer from home</a> wherever possible.</p> <p>If you do decide to volunteer outside your home, make sure that:</p> <ul> <li>the volunteering organisation does <a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19">a risk assessment</a> </li> <li>you can work in a separate area away from other people</li> </ul> <h3 id="if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms">If you have coronavirus symptoms</h3> <p>Do not volunteer outside your home if you have <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/">coronavirus symptoms</a> or if you have tested positive for coronavirus.</p> <p>You must self-isolate for at least 10 days from the date you started having symptoms or from the day you tested positive - whichever is the latest.</p> <h2 id="ways-to-volunteer">Ways to volunteer</h2> <p>You can:</p> <ul> <li>shop for food and medicine (online, or in person)</li> <li>deliver food and medicine</li> <li>help with food banks and homeless services</li> <li>work on a telephone support helpline</li> </ul> <p>To apply, volunteer through your local council. <a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-volunteer-local">Find your council’s website</a> and search for information about volunteering during coronavirus.</p> <p>You can also apply to <a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/volunteering">volunteer through a charity or organisation</a>.</p> <h3 id="volunteer-to-help-the-nhs">Volunteer to help the NHS</h3> <p>To volunteer if you’re a doctor or nurse, <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/returning-clinicians/">visit NHS England</a> or <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.england.nhs.uk/participation/get-involved/local">contact your local hospital trust</a>.</p> <p>If you want to give blood, read the guidance about <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/news-and-statements/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/">donating blood during the coronavirus pandemic</a>.</p> <p>If you want to take part in a research study for a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/research/coronavirus-vaccine-research/">sign up for the NHS COVID-19 vaccine research registry</a>. An NHS-approved researcher will contact you once you have signed up. They will tell you about studies you can volunteer for, and you can decide if you want to take part.</p> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>You cannot apply to help the NHS through its volunteer responder scheme at the moment. It’s temporarily closed.</p> </div> <h2 id="other-ways-anyone-can-help">Other ways anyone can help</h2> <p>You can donate to the <a rel="external" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/">National Emergency Trust</a> whether or not you’re at high risk.</p> <h2 id="volunteer-the-help-of-your-business">Volunteer the help of your business</h2> <p>You can <a href="/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business">offer support from your business</a> to help with the response to coronavirus.</p> <h2 id="wearing-face-coverings-while-volunteering">Wearing face coverings while volunteering</h2> <p>In England, face coverings must be worn in:</p> <ul> <li>shops</li> <li>supermarkets</li> <li>indoor transport hubs</li> <li>indoor shopping centres</li> <li>banks</li> <li>building societies</li> <li>post offices</li> <li>public transport</li> </ul> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings.</p> </div> <p>People are also encouraged to wear a face covering in any enclosed public space where there are people they do not normally meet.</p> <p>Read the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own">detailed guidance on face coverings</a>.</p> <p>When disposing of face coverings and PPE, people should do so in a ‘black bag’ waste bin or litter bin. Face coverings or PPE should not be put in a recycling bin or dropped as litter.</p> <p>Voluntary organisations should provide extra bins for staff, volunteers and service users to dispose of single-use face coverings and PPE, and should ensure that staff, volunteers and service users do not use a recycling bin.</p> <p>People who are self-isolating, and members of their household, should double bag face coverings and items of PPE, these should be stored for 72 hours before being disposed of in a ‘black bag’ waste bin.</p> <p>Full details on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-disposing-of-waste">how to dispose of your personal or business waste during the coronavirus pandemic</a> can be found on GOV.UK.</p> </div> <nav class="gem-c-pagination" role="navigation" aria-label="Pagination"> <ul class="gem-c-pagination__list" data-module="track-click"> <li class="gem-c-pagination__item gem-c-pagination__item--previous"> <a 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'undefined') document.body.className = document.body.className.replace('js-enabled', '');</script> <script src="/web/20200805175006js_/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/application-82b9400d255a68fd0a88855d68cd9996a37810116e8be817c133bbcb9f19e8e5.js"></script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/coronavirus-volunteering" }, "name": "Volunteer placements, rights and expenses", "datePublished": "2011-11-02T13:32:38.000+00:00", "dateModified": "2015-05-27T12:50:11.000+00:00", "text": "Find volunteering opportunities, and volunteer rights, pay, expenses, age limits, criminal record checks.", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GOV.UK", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-logo-e5962881254c9adb48f94d2f627d3bb67f258a6cbccc969e80abb7bbe4622976.png" } }, "image": [ "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-1x1-5ceffac04f7f6d4f421bd1d36dbb723ef48c15426d7f77f90be80a83af3c747e.png", "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-4x3-fcfe16abb1a015848e50d2ea797666a9eaf5158dca38ddfb1e52dc8c0543ab74.png", "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-16x9-fcf616879a7b37970df4d2117de962e08f7d057674ef1af6063dcdd529424eee.png" ], "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Government Digital Service", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-digital-service" }, "about": [ { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/society-and-culture/charities-honours" }, { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/employment/finding-job" }, { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-taxon/volunteering-and-offering-help" } ], "headLine": "Volunteer placements, rights and expenses", "description": "Find volunteering opportunities, and volunteer rights, pay, expenses, age limits, criminal record checks.", "articleBody": "<p>If you want to volunteer during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you can do this:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>outside your home, for example by delivering food and medicine</li>\n <li>from home, for example by working on a telephone support helpline</li>\n <li>in a workplace, for example an office</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you are volunteering in a workplace, it should meet <a href=\"/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19\">coronavirus safety standards</a>.</p>\n\n<p>There is different guidance on volunteering in <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://gov.wales/volunteering-during-coronavirus-pandemic\">Wales</a>, <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/volunteering/\">Scotland</a> and <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-safe-when-helping-others\">Northern Ireland</a>.</p>\n\n<p>While this guidance applies to England, you should always consider whether there are local restrictions in place in your area. If you live, work or volunteer in an area that is experiencing a local COVID-19 outbreak and where local restrictions have been imposed, different guidance and legislation will apply.</p>\n\n<p>Check the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-restrictions-areas-with-an-outbreak-of-coronavirus-covid-19\">local restrictions pages</a> to see if any restrictions are in place in your area.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"who-can-volunteer\">Who can volunteer</h2>\n\n<p>You can volunteer outside your home if you follow <a href=\"/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing\">social distancing guidance</a>, and:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>you’re well</li>\n <li>nobody in your household has <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms//\">coronavirus symptoms</a>\n</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You can still volunteer from home if you are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li><a href=\"/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do#clinically-vulnerable-groups-and-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-groups-and-care-homes\">over 70</a></li>\n <li><a href=\"/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing-after-4-july#clinically-vulnerable-people\">clinically vulnerable</a></li>\n <li><a href=\"/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#clinically-extremely-vulnerable-groups\">extremely clinically vulnerable</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>If you live with someone who is over 70, clinically vulnerable, or extremely clinically vulnerable, consider their needs before volunteering outside your home.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h3 id=\"if-youre-clinically-extremely-vulnerable\">If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable</h3>\n\n<p>If you are <a href=\"/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#who-this-guidance-is-for\">clinically extremely vulnerable</a>, you should <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#what-will-change-from-1-august\">volunteer from home</a> wherever possible.</p>\n\n<p>If you do decide to volunteer outside your home, make sure that:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>the volunteering organisation does <a href=\"/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19\">a risk assessment</a>\n</li>\n <li>you can work in a separate area away from other people</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms\">If you have coronavirus symptoms</h3>\n\n<p>Do not volunteer outside your home if you have <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/\">coronavirus symptoms</a> or if you have tested positive for coronavirus.</p>\n\n<p>You must self-isolate for at least 10 days from the date you started having symptoms or from the day you tested positive - whichever is the latest.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"ways-to-volunteer\">Ways to volunteer</h2>\n\n<p>You can:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>shop for food and medicine (online, or in person)</li>\n <li>deliver food and medicine</li>\n <li>help with food banks and homeless services</li>\n <li>work on a telephone support helpline</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>To apply, volunteer through your local council. <a href=\"/coronavirus-volunteer-local\">Find your council’s website</a> and search for information about volunteering during coronavirus.</p>\n\n<p>You can also apply to <a href=\"/volunteering\">volunteer through a charity or organisation</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"volunteer-to-help-the-nhs\">Volunteer to help the NHS</h3>\n\n<p>To volunteer if you’re a doctor or nurse, <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/returning-clinicians/\">visit NHS England</a> or <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.england.nhs.uk/participation/get-involved/local\">contact your local hospital trust</a>.</p>\n\n<p>If you want to give blood, read the guidance about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/news-and-statements/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/\">donating blood during the coronavirus pandemic</a>.</p>\n\n<p>If you want to take part in a research study for a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/research/coronavirus-vaccine-research/\">sign up for the NHS COVID-19 vaccine research registry</a>. An NHS-approved researcher will contact you once you have signed up. They will tell you about studies you can volunteer for, and you can decide if you want to take part.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>You cannot apply to help the NHS through its volunteer responder scheme at the moment. It’s temporarily closed.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"other-ways-anyone-can-help\">Other ways anyone can help</h2>\n\n<p>You can donate to the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk\">National Emergency Trust</a> whether or not you’re at high risk.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"volunteer-the-help-of-your-business\">Volunteer the help of your business</h2>\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"/coronavirus-support-from-business\">offer support from your business</a> to help with the response to coronavirus.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"wearing-face-coverings-while-volunteering\">Wearing face coverings while volunteering</h2>\n\n<p>In England, face coverings must be worn in:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>shops</li>\n <li>supermarkets</li>\n <li>indoor transport hubs</li>\n <li>indoor shopping centres</li>\n <li>banks</li>\n <li>building societies</li>\n <li>post offices</li>\n <li>public transport</li>\n</ul>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>People are also encouraged to wear a face covering in any enclosed public space where there are people they do not normally meet.</p>\n\n<p>Read the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own\">detailed guidance on face coverings</a>.</p>\n\n<p>When disposing of face coverings and PPE, people should do so in a ‘black bag’ waste bin or litter bin. Face coverings or PPE should not be put in a recycling bin or dropped as litter.</p>\n\n<p>Voluntary organisations should provide extra bins for staff, volunteers and service users to dispose of single-use face coverings and PPE, and should ensure that staff, volunteers and service users do not use a recycling bin.</p>\n\n<p>People who are self-isolating, and members of their household, should double bag face coverings and items of PPE, these should be stored for 72 hours before being disposed of in a ‘black bag’ waste bin.</p>\n\n<p>Full details on <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-disposing-of-waste\">how to dispose of your personal or business waste during the coronavirus pandemic</a> can be found on GOV.UK.</p>\n" } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "name": "Home", "@id": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "name": "Citizenship and living in the UK", "@id": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "name": "Charities, volunteering and honours", "@id": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175006/https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/charities-honours" } } ] } </script> </body> </html>