How do I volunteer?

This page explains how to register and what happens next. We have two registration channels: one is for employees/students of our corporate and public sector partners, the other is for all other individuals.

If your employer, school or university is a partner with The Great Generation you should apply through your organisation, but please contact us if you need any further guidance: Contact us

Other individuals wanting to volunteer should take the following steps:

  1. Register on line.
    Use the Register to volunteer link and fill in your details
  2. We check your references.
    We will contact your references to ask them about your suitability for volunteering.
  3. You pay a £100 deposit  to take part in the volunteer programme.
    We will send you an email/letter asking for your deposit at which time we will be able to offer an initial space on a project (this can be paid through our online payment system or by cheque).
  4. We will send you a volunteer information and fundraising pack
    Once we have received your deposit we will send you all the information you need to know about volunteering with The Great Generation and how to go about fundraising.
  5. You start fundraising.
    The money you raise through fundraising or through your contribution will go towards your participation in a project and most importantly towards the community that you will be working with. The average minimum sponsorship is £1,000, however this varies between projects, Please see our Forthcoming projects page for more information. Click here
  6. 10 weeks before your project starts you ensure that we have received at least 50% of your fundraising
    Keep in regular contact with The Great Generation staff to let us know how your fundraising is going and if you're having any trouble.
  7. Around 6 weeks before your project starts you attend your first half day briefing
    The Great Generation staff will introduce you to international development themes, provide more information on the project and it is also a great chance to meet and plan with the rest of the team.
  8. 6 weeks before your project starts you will need to ensure that we have received the final amount of your fundraising
    Once we have received all of your fundraising we can confirm your place on the project
  9. Around 3 -4 weeks prior to your project  you attend your final half day briefing.
    At this second briefing you will find out more about the day-to-day details of the project, learn more about community development and tie up any loose ends.

    Stay in communication and get our support.
    Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns, so please feel free to contact us at any time. The briefings are invaluable and this is summed up by our past volunteers:
    • My motivation was always high, but the briefings really helped to bring it to life before actually departing.
    • The briefings were definitely worthwhile to get us in the right frame of mind prior to the project and very motivating.