Before you commit, seek clear information about the role’s expectations, whether expenses are paid, which expenses qualify, what limits apply, who can help, and how expenses can be claimed. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) says a volunteer role description can state whether expenses are paid and which qualify; it also recommends discussing expense limits and adjustments during induction.
What should the role description clarify?
Start with the volunteer role description. NCVO says it can explain:
- Whether expenses are paid.
- Which expenses qualify.
If either point is missing, ask the organisation to clarify it before relying on the arrangement. An unanswered question should not be treated as confirmation that no expenses will be paid or that every expense is covered.
What should induction cover?
The next checkpoint is induction. NCVO says volunteer induction should explain:
- The expectations involved in the role.
- Whom to contact with questions or problems.
- How to claim expenses.
It also advises discussing expense limits and adjustments with volunteers. If these details are not yet available, ask what will be covered during induction and how it will be communicated.
Which questions should you ask?
Use direct questions to turn unclear wording into usable information:
- Are expenses paid for this role?
- If so, which expenses qualify?
- What expense limits apply?
- What expectations should you expect induction to explain?
- Who can you approach if you have questions or problems?
- How would you claim expenses?
- What adjustments can be discussed?
If you have accessibility needs, include them in this discussion. NCVO advises discussing adjustments, but the available guidance does not establish which adjustments a particular organisation will provide.
What must you still confirm yourself?
NCVO’s guidance identifies questions to ask; it does not set the policy of any particular volunteer organisation. Before committing, confirm the applicable role description, expense arrangements, limits, claims process and induction details directly with the organisation offering the role. Until those points are confirmed, do not assume an expense arrangement or adjustment is available.