Frequently Asked Questions
Can I volunteer on multiple VFF programmes, simultaneously?
Absolutely. We love it when our volunteers feel passionate and enthusiastic for our other programmes, just like we do. However, we do recommend sharing with us which programme you would like to prioritise and focus your time and energy on.
Do I need prior experience working with young people or in climate action to volunteer with VFF?
You do not need to have any prior experience working with young people, conservation or in climate action to volunteer! We provide full volunteer training for each of our programmes. All volunteers are required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check to work with young people, and the VFF team will provide briefings of workshops and training for working with young people prior to any activities that you may be involved in.
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Can I volunteer virtually as well as in-person?
Yes, we do offer virtual volunteer positions depending on the programme. If you are interested in working with young people in a school setting, most of these volunteer opportunities are in-person. There is some flexibility for virtual options, depending on the schools that are booking our workshops and programmes. Please make it clear in your volunteer application whether you are able to volunteer in-person or virtually.
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What will I be expected to do as a volunteer?
This depends on the programme that you are volunteering on. We want your volunteering with us to feel like an equal exchange, that you are getting valuable experience, and developing key skills, while sharing your time, energy and passion with us. Our volunteering opportunities range from remote research and admin support, to in-person full-delivery days in schools. The tasks range from reviewing and updating our resources, helping to deliver conservation and climate workshops to young people, mentoring young people as they develop innovative ideas into eco-solutions, to helping deliver full-day design workshops.
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How much time do I need to give?
Similar to the above, this depends on the programme that you have chosen to get involved with. For most roles, it’s helpful if you’re able to volunteer for a couple of hours a month. The time that you decide to share with us will be a balance, in response to the needs of the programme, as well as your personal availability.
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What if my availability changes?
That is absolutely ok. We understand that circumstances change, and that your availability to support us with a dedicated and regular amount of time per month might not be as consistent as when you originally signed up to volunteer with us. We ask that you share any updates or significant changes to your availability with us as soon as possible, so we can adjust our outreach to our other volunteers, in order to support us with the delivery of our programmes.
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Due to a last-minute change in availability, I won’t be able to do the delivery work that I have signed up to (workshop, mentor-shop, etc). What should I do?
Please contact the VFF lead as soon as possible, either via email, text, or WhatsApp, to let them know that you won’t be available to support the delivery, as previously arranged. There is no need to worry or feel bad, we understand that as a volunteer, you will have other competing requests for your time. The sooner we know about your adjusted availability, the easier it is for us to make other suitable arrangements, to ensure that the young people participating in the material are not adversely affected by the last minute scheduling changes.
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Will I get to meet other volunteers?
Yes, we have monthly volunteer socials, which alternates between in-person and online, to ensure that our volunteers who are not based in the Greater London area have the opportunity to participate and engage with our volunteer community.
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Could I get a reference from VFF as a volunteer, for a work or university application?
Absolutely. Once you have participated as a volunteer in the programme that you have chosen to get involved with, we are more than happy to provide you with a reference. We hope that your experience volunteering with us will be one of sustained involvement, and we hope that the skills and experience that you develop while working with us will support you in your future career and academic endeavours.
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How can I apply?
You can go to this page on our website to see the volunteer opportunities that are currently actively recruiting. Alternatively, you can email us, and let us know that you would like to get involved, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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What if I haven’t heard from VFF in a little while?
As a small team, who work part-time, we might take a little longer than usual to reply to your message. If it’s been more than a week, please do send us a reminder and we’ll do our best to reply as soon as possible.