RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

  • Who volunteers with RNID?

    Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, different age groups and a variety of cultural backgrounds. To learn more about the type of people who work with us you can view some case studies of RNID volunteers.

    RNID is committed to achieving a diverse pool of volunteers. Our decision to work with you is based entirely on your ability to carry out the role.

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  • How do I apply?

    If you find a volunteer role you would like to apply for please complete the volunteering enquiry form. Alternatively you can email our volunteer resource manager at volunteering@rnid.org.uk or contact us by telephone at 020 7296 8072, by textphone at 020 7296 8197 or by fax at 020 7296 8070.

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  • How much time would I have to give?

    This depends on you and what you do for us. You may be able only to give us couple of hours a week, or only volunteer at set times of the year, like school holidays. Whatever time you are able give us will be much appreciated.

    Some of the volunteer roles may have a minimum time commitment and these are detailed in the role descriptions. For more details view the volunteering vacancies.

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  • Do I have to make a regular commitment?

    Some of the roles require a regular weekly commitment, while others are more flexible. Wherever possible we will try and tailor the time commitment around your availability.

    If your availability changes then we will either change your role or find you something else to do that meets your requirements. For more details view the volunteering vacancies.

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  • Will I be paid expenses?

    You will not be out of pocket if you do volunteer work for us. As a general rule we will pay for reasonable travel expenses and provide meals and refreshments, depending on the amount of time you are with us each day.

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  • Will volunteering affect my benefits?

    Volunteering will not affect your Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance. If you receive Job Seekers Allowance, you have to actively look for paid work as well as volunteering, but the Job Centre should give you a bit more notice if they call you for an interview.

    Any expenses you receive from RNID will not affect your benefits, as they are a refund of payments you have had to make.

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  • Do you take up references or ask for other checks?

    This will depend on the role you take on. For some roles, like working in one of our care homes, we need to undertake a criminal records disclosure check. For some of our campaigning work we do not need any references.

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  • Will I be interviewed?

    For most of our roles we will arrange an informal chat. This is a two-way process so that we can find out some more about you and you can find out more about the role you are interested in. It is also a chance to see the place where you may be volunteering and meet some of the other staff and volunteers.

    The questions you may be asked will vary from role to role and you will get an opportunity to ask us questions during the meeting.

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  • What skills do I need?

    We will try and match your skills and experiences to a suitable role. Your role and skills will depend on what you want to do. The pages in our volunteer database will give you details of any specialist knowledge you may need, for example, what level of British Sign Language you need.

    We will also try to develop your skills where possible. We will provide you with training and support to carry out whatever role you agree to do for us.

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  • What support will I be given?

    Whatever you do for us we will make sure that you have everything you need. You will have someone within RNID to help you in your role. You will be given a clear role description, and regular support and training. You will also have an opportunity each year to review your role with someone.

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  • What training will I get?

    That depends on the role you are carrying out. Our training is modular and you will need to undertake different modules to provide you with the skills and knowledge to carry out your role.

    Some of our roles require very little training, but others, like supporting someone in one of our care homes, require quite a bit. At your informal chat we will be able to explain more about the training requirements for the role.

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  • Do you have a volunteer vacancy that will use my skills? None of the roles seem to be what I am looking for.

    If you have a skill you would like to offer we will try and find one of our services that could make use of that knowledge. Please send us your details using our volunteering enquiry form.

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  • Can I leave if I don’t like it?

    Of course you can. If you are unhappy about your role, or your availability or ability to volunteer has changed, then you can stop volunteering.

    Don’t worry. Talk to your volunteer coordinator as soon as you can and explain what the problems or reasons are. They may be able to find you something else to do if that is what you want, or make arrangements for you to "retire" from your role with us. Whatever happens we are very grateful for the help you give us.

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  • Where can I find out more about being a volunteer?

    All of our volunteering work is coordinated by our volunteer resource manager. Please contact us if you have any questions, would like to receive some more information, or are interested in helping RNID but are unsure as to what opportunities there are for your skills or in your geographical area.

    Telephone: 020 7296 8072
    Textphone: 020 7296 8197
    Fax: 020 7296 8070
    Email: volunteering@rnid.org.uk 

    Or fill in our volunteering enquiry form.

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