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Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about Volunteering?
This may answer some of the questions you have about volunteer work.
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What is Volunteering Hawkes Bay?
- We are a non-profit organisation that primarily acts as a referral service for volunteers and non-profit membership organisations.
We also provide advice and training to community organisations on the management of volunteers.
How much will it cost me?
- Our volunteer placement service is free.
What sort of jobs do you have?
- Jobs depend on what kind of role you would fulfil in the organisation. That could be anything from labouring, fundraising, administration, working with youth or the elderly.
Our database is always being updated with new jobs.
How long will I have to work for?
- How long you will have to work for will depend on the job(s) you choose. Some jobs may require two hours per week and others may be more frequent. One of the benefits of volunteering is that it can fit into your lifestyle.
How do I get a job?
- We ask you to fill out a registration form and attend an interview, which will take up to an hour. During this time the interviewer will try to match what you want to do with the jobs we have available. When you find a job that you like, you will be given the name and address of the organisation on a referral sheet.
How am I referred to an organisation?
- During the interview the interview will give you a referral sheet for you to use to contact the organisation or will contact the organisation during the interview.
Do I need a CV for the interview?
- No, not for the interview at Volunteering Hawkes Bay. However, it may be a good idea to take your CV or similar documents when you go through the recruitment process with the organisation.
Will volunteer work result in paid work?
- Occasionally a volunteer job does become a paid job.
What volunteering does is give you the opportunity to learn new skills and gain up to date experience that may help you get into paid work.
You will also be meeting people and making contacts.
This can lead to further employment opportunities.
Can I come back for another interview?
- Yes, you can have another interview if the jobs you were referred to weren't what you wanted.
What if I start a job and then find I don't like it?
- If this happens, you can leave the job with consultation from the volunteer coordinator of the organisation.
It would be only fair to give a few days' notice of your intention to leave.
Do I have to tell Volunteering Hawkes Bay if I have accepted a job?
- We would like you to tell us if you accept any of the jobs we have referred you to. This avoids other people being sent to jobs that are no longer available.
We would also like to know if you decide not to take any jobs, either because you have changed your mind or found paid work.
You will receive a phone call from our volunteer staff in three weeks' time to record how you got on.
Your feedback is important to us.
The follow up records will be used for statistics and funding.
Will I have a job contract?
- Many organisations provide job contracts or volunteer agreements
These set out your obligations as a volunteer and also the organisation's obligations to you.
What will my obligations be?
- Your obligations as a volunteer will include things such as turning up for work on time, doing the job to the best of your ability and getting on well with the people you are working with.
You will be told what an organisation expects from you before you accept the job.
Sometimes a police check will be necessary, sometimes the organisation will ask you to do an interview, or sign a job contract or a volunteer agreement.
What will the organisation's obligations be?
- The organisation's obligations will be such things as giving you worthwhile and challenging work, recognising you as a valued team member and giving you training and support.
Many organisations reimburse their volunteers for out of pocket expenses such as transport.
They also may provide a reference for you after you have been in the job for a certain period of time.
What's in it for me?
- Develop new and existing skills
- Gain work experience
- Network in your community
- Have fun
- Meet a diverse range of people
- Improve your language skills
- Make a valuable contribution to your community
Where can I make an appointment for an interview?
- We hold interviews during the week at our Napier Office
- On Tuesdays, between 2-4pm, we hold interviews at the Hastings Public Library
- For either location, please call Karen on 833 6691 to make a time
- You can also register online.
