Volunteering
We currently recruit for new volunteers every 6 months. If you are interested in volunteering with Scottish Refugee Council please look out for information about the next recruitment process posted on this page from the middle of March 2010. This recruitment will run from the middle of March 2010 to the end of April 2010.
Please note that all our volunteering activity takes place in Glasgow.
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is giving some of your time, skills and experience, without expecting payment in return.
Who can volunteer with us?
Q. I am an asylum seeker, can I volunteer?
A. Yes. Your knowledge and experience are very welcome here.
Click here to read more about the Home Office policy on asylum seekers and volunteering.
Q. I am a refugee, can I volunteer?
A. Yes. Your knowledge and experience are very welcome here.
Q. I am on state benefits, can I volunteer?
A. Yes. You will gain skills and experience volunteering with us. Volunteering will not affect your state benefits, but you must still make yourself available for work.
What are the benefits of volunteering with Scottish Refugee Council?
There are lots of benefits to be gained by volunteering for us, such as:
- Experience of working within a professional organisation
- Training and other learning opportunities
- Involvement in team meetings, staff conferences and members events
- References
- Out-of-pocket expenses eg travel and lunch
- Understanding of UK work culture
How much time am I expected to commit to?
In order to get as worthwhile an experience as possible we ask that you commit a minimum of 2 half days per week for a minimum of 6 months. However, we are flexible and understand that for various reasons this may not always be possible.
Shortlisting
All application forms received go through standard shortlisting. For this reason it is important that all sections of the application form are completed fully.
Volunteer recruitment and information session
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a volunteer recruitment and information session which is facilitated by a number of staff from various teams. It involves small group work and an informal interview. There is also plenty of opportunity for applicants to find out more about volunteering with Scottish Refugee Council. Lunch is provided.
Disclosure Scotland
As you may be required to work with vulnerable people at Scottish Refugee Council our volunteers are checked through Disclosure Scotland. In advance of the Recruitment Session we will send you a Disclosure Scotland form which you must complete and bring along to this first session with the required documentation.
Matching
After the volunteer recruitment session staff meet to match candidates to suitable volunteer roles. Please note that due to the fact we may have more suitable applicants than roles we may be unable to offer all candidates a role, however in this instance we would encourage unsuccessful candidates to apply next time around.
Volunteer induction
Once matched to a suitable role volunteers MUST be available to attend full volunteer induction.
Volunteer induction covers office practices, key policies, health & safety, equal opportunities and boundaries and professionalism. It also includes a full days training in an 'Introduction to Working with Asylum Seekers and Refugees'. After induction volunteers can arrange suitable volunteering times with team leaders.
If you would like more information about volunteering at Scottish Refugee Council please email volunteering@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk.
Volunteering opportunities with other organisations
Scottish Detainee Visitors (SDV)
SDV is a registered charity that provides social, emotional and practical support to asylum and immigration detainees in Scotland. SDV volunteers visit detainees in Dungavel Removal Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings.
If you are interested in volunteering with SDV have a look at their web site for further information www.sdv.org.uk
Volunteer centres
There are hundreds of volunteering opportunities throughout Scotland. Asylum seekers and refugees can volunteer. You need a basic command of English before getting involved in most, but not all activities. The Volunteer Centre network can help find volunteer opportunities to suit.
The Volunteer Centre's main Glasgow office is at 84 Miller Street in the city centre, just off George Square. You can drop in, or for an appointment call 0141 226 3431.
For information on the Volunteer Centre Glasgow visit http://www.volunteerglasgow.org/ To access their online database of volunteering opportunities throughout Glasgow visit www.volunteerglasgow.org/4u/search
For information on the Volunteer Centre Edinburgh visit www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/ To access their online database of volunteering opportunities throughout Edinburgh visit
www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/opportunities/default.asp
For information on volunteer centres throughout Scotland visit http://www.volunteerscotland.org.uk/