Volunteering with SIA - FAQs
Thank you
We’re delighted that you’re interested in volunteering for us and will do our very best to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding.
More about us
Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is the expert voice and leading source of support and information for people with a spinal cord injury and their families. The daily experiences of our members, their concerns, challenges and aspirations – drive our work and our vision for a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.
Our Vision – a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.
Find out more about us and the work we do here.
Why do we need volunteers?
As with any voluntary organisation, SIA is reliant on help from volunteers to compliment the work undertaken by paid members of staff, particularly for community-based projects that require some level of local knowledge and/or expertise in a particular area of work. We recognise that much of what we do could not be achieved without this help, and therefore all our volunteers are very highly valued and appreciated. Volunteers play a big part in enabling us to deliver services, fundraise, and raise the profile and further awareness of spinal cord injury.
What would I have to do?
It would depend on the role you volunteer for. However, we try to give all our volunteers specific tasks and provide induction and/or training to help you meet the responsibilities and requirements of your role and ensure volunteers have the necessary resources and support. We provide a named person who will meet with you regularly to discuss your volunteering role, successes, or problems.
At SIA House in Milton Keynes, volunteers support a combination of administrative tasks as well as get involved in specific projects. We also provide roles for those who wish to support at fundraising events across the country as well as more specialised volunteering roles, for example assisting our Support Network team.
How much time will I have to give?
Some roles require you to give a specific amount of time or have particular skills. The description for each role will tell you what kind of time commitment or experience is required. Most roles will just generally need your time, reliability, and enthusiasm.
Will I be paid?
We will reimburse reasonable travel expenses made on our behalf provided receipts are submitted, but we will not be able to offer any form of payment to volunteers.
What are the benefits?
There are so many benefits to getting involved in volunteering, you can gain experience, you will be working with a team of enthusiastic and supportive people, you will receive relevant training and support, and you will be making a difference to the lives of those affected by a spinal cord injury. Volunteering can also strengthen CV’s and help with future job applications whilst providing a wonderful opportunity to get to meet new people and make friends. Our volunteer’s commitment and dedication make the SIA a very special place.
Will you need references?
Yes, we will ask for two references for most of our roles. This helps us to confirm the identity of our volunteers and to build a better understanding of them.
How do I get involved?
Once you have read the FAQ’s please fill in the volunteer registration form, this will give us an idea as to what you might like to help with but also where your skills are. We may not necessarily be able to find a role for you straight away, so we do ask that you are patient during the process. You will be contacted once a suitable role has been identified and invited for an informal chat which could take place face to face, online or over the phone depending on the role and your location. This is a chance for you to find out more about the role and the organisation and we can get to know you better and find out how we can match your skills and interests with our volunteer opportunities.
What next?
After we have spoken with you and if both parties are happy to proceed you will be asked to read and sign the Volunteer Agreement. This sets out the main principles and relationship between the organisation and volunteer. In addition, you will be provided with relevant policies and procedures to read and adhere to, as well as a volunteer description outlining the duties you have agreed to undertake.
Depending on the nature of your role you will require either a standard or basic DBS check before you can start the role.
This is essential and in compliance with safeguarding regulations.
If you think you would like to get involved in our work and help make a difference, please complete the volunteer registration form below. For further information you can also email our people manager Suzie Dudley.