Volunteer Overview
Welcome to the Community Action Northants website.
The Community Action Northants website provides local voluntary and community groups and non-profit organisations with a range of support services including volunteering, training, good practice and practical advice.
We promote hundreds of opportunities for the whole of Northamptonshire on behalf of charities, statutory organisations and community groups.
If you don’t find what you are looking for on the website, please contact your local volunteer centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can volunteer?
Anyone can! Age, job status and skills need not be an obstacle.
Each opportunity will set out what skills are required of you and you can select them according to your preferences.
Some opportunities will have age/gender restrictions and may also require a DBS check. However, this will be stated in the opportunity’s description.
How much time will it take up?
This can be up to you.
You can offer as much or as little of your time as you would like, although some opportunities will state the amount of time they expect from you.
Will my expenses be covered?
Most organisations will cover your expenses such as travel costs to where you are volunteering. However, not all will do so.
It is worth checking with the individual organisation, if it is not stated on the role description.
Will my benefits be affected?
Volunteering should not affect your benefits.
For the latest information on volunteering whilst claiming benefits please see the Citizens Advice overview on their website.
How long does the recruitment process take?
Once you have identified an opportunity you will be referred to the organisation. Please allow up to 10 working days for them to contact you. If you still do not hear from them please get in touch with the organisation or contact us.
After the initial contact the organisation will usually ask you to attend an informal chat or interview. They will send you an application form and usually you are asked to provide 2 referees.
If you are working with young people or vulnerable adults you will need to have a DBS check. This can take a few weeks to process.
