Finding the right volunteering for you
I represent another organisation who I’d like to bring along to volunteer. Shall I apply here?
We work with many organisations across the country. You wouldn’t apply for an individual role within the Trust but can find out more on our website on our Partner with us page.
I’m not free at the times that are advertised, is there anything else I can do?
We have many opportunities across our network and we're grateful for any time you can give, no matter how little. Have a look at other opportunities close by and/or those which are home-based. Check out all of our opportunities.
We also run our volunteering welcome sessions, where you can meet the team and discuss if we could find something to fit your requirements.
Are there any opportunities in my local area?
Our opportunities page let's you filter by location New opportunities do also pop up throughout the year, so if nothing takes your fancy straight away it is worth checking back.
I would like to volunteer but I’m a boater/continuous cruiser. How would that work?
We have over 300 boaters who volunteer with us and we are really keen to find a role that suits you. We would recommend attending one of our welcome sessions where our volunteering teams will be on hand to discuss an opportunity that will fit your cruising habits. It may be that you can join one of our Towpath Taskforces when you're on a certain stretch or one of the opportunities which can be done at home (on board your boat!)
What skills do I need?
Many of our roles don’t need existing skills other than a keenness to be part of a team and willingness to learn.
Applying to volunteer
Can I volunteer without having to make an account online?
When you register to join a drop-in role we only ask for a few details so that we can be in contact about the event. If you wish to then move into further volunteering, then we then ask that you register and provide your details for our database.
Why do you need so many of my personal details to register my interest in becoming a volunteer?
When you register as a volunteer, we ask for a few details so that we can stay in touch with you. We also request this information upfront so that we can understand more about your motivations, and the skills that you are bringing or want to learn.
I applied and haven’t heard anything. How long will it take for someone to get back to me?
Our aim is to respond to your enquiry within seven working days. If you haven’t by then, please contact [email protected].
Can I start volunteering straight away?
Yes! On our website we have drop-in opportunities. We recommend using our filters so you can adjust the results to suit you. Our welcome sessions are also a great way to find out more about the different roles.
Why should I give my time for free? What do I get?
There are numerous benefits to volunteering. When you volunteer with the Trust, we provide you with an opportunity to join us in keeping our canal and river network alive. You may learn new skills, make new friends and give back to your local community. In the majority of roles you will work in a team, but we also offer home based opportunities as well.
I would like to volunteer but it says “fully booked”?
If the activity you are interested in is fully booked, please do return to see if other opportunities to volunteer are added. We update our website regularly as activities arise. Please note that we also have volunteering opportunities that may not be in your area at that time, but you may find an online, homeworking volunteering activity if you open up your search area.
How do I report technical queries or errors on social media?
If you have experienced any technical issues, please email us at [email protected].
Do I need to provide references?
Some roles ask for references. This is to help ensure that we find both the right role for you and that you’re right for the role. These are done online with prompts and reminders going to the people who you name as referees.
What support is there for me?
Can I claim expenses?
At the Trust, we’re able to offer out of pocket expenses. These must be agreed up front with your task manager to ensure that they comply with our expenses policy. This include limits around how far you can claim mileage for, what sorts of things you can buy, how and when you make claims etc..
What training is available?
We offer a range of training at the Trust, some of which is required for a role and some is optional. For instance, our conservation volunteers must do safety training around manual handling and volunteering by water but will then have the option to be trained to use a variety of different tools which they may need to use.
Do you take existing qualifications into account?
We do in some cases but may also require you have an assessment within the Trust or carry out some Trust specific training. For example, if you have spent a lot of time skippering a narrowboat, you would go through an assessment quicker than if you’re coming to it fresh.
Why we ask about unspent convictions
What information about criminal records is requested from applicants for volunteering opportunities?
We ask applicants for volunteering to provide details of unspent convictions.
In addition, we require successful candidates for some volunteer opportunities to undergo checks through the disclosure and barring service (DBS). If a volunteer role requires a DBS Check, this (and details of the level of the check required) will be stated on the advertisement or explained at the start of the volunteer recruitment process.
Why is this information requested?
We are committed to creating a safe environment for all, and to safeguarding children and adults at risk. We must ensure that the individuals we engage to represent us are suitable to perform the role for which they have applied. Assessing criminal record information, in the context of the requirements of the volunteer opportunity applied for, is part of this process.
Where we engage individuals to carry out certain activities with children, we are legally obliged to carry out Enhanced DBS checks with Child Barred List information. In other cases, we require DBS checks because we have assessed these are an appropriate safeguard in all of the circumstances.
Does having a criminal record mean I cannot volunteer with Canal & River Trust?
A criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to volunteering with us. We support the principle of rehabilitation and make our decisions according to the particular circumstances of each case.
Some unspent convictions for very serious offences are considered to carry an unacceptable level of risk, and be so at odds with our core values, that these would usually preclude an applicant from being successful. This includes unspent convictions for: murder, serious sexual offences, sexual offences against children or adults at risk, serious violent offences, hate crimes and arson.
If we decide that an application for a volunteering opportunity should not proceed due to risks connected with a criminal conviction, the reasons for the decision will be explained to the individual.
At what stage will I be required to disclose any unspent convictions?
We ask applicants for volunteering to declare any unspent convictions on our online volunteer application form. We usually ask for this to be completed prior to any volunteering taking place but we do not ask about them if you are applying for a drop-in role to try out volunteering as a one-off. You will be asked to provide additional information (including any unspent convictions) should you wish to return.
How do you use the information I provide
If you tell us about an unspent conviction, we will follow our risk assessment process to determine whether it is appropriate to continue with the offer of volunteering opportunity and, if so, whether any risk management controls should be implemented.
The risk assessment will take account of factors such as: the nature of the offence and its relevance to the volunteering opportunity; the date of the offence; applicant’s age at the date the offence was committed; the sentence; available references and other relevant information.
We will involve you in the risk assessment process so that you have an opportunity to tell us about any information you feel we should consider. If you feel there are other people we should talk to, such as a probation officer, support worker or a referee from previous employment or volunteering, you can share that information with us.
For how long will the information be retained?
Information about how we process personal data provided by applicants, including how long data is retained for, is set out in our Privacy Notice Schedule for applicants.
What happens if I do not disclose an unspent conviction when asked?
We hope that applicants for volunteering opportunities will share our core value of openness and provide full and accurate information during the application process. If an applicant is found to have provided false information, this may lead to the application being rejected or (if volunteering has commenced) ending the volunteering opportunity.
