Please find some frequently asked questions below about the role of Volunteer Ambassadors at Dementia UK. If you would like to know anything further, please contact us on 020 8036 5440 or email volunteers@dementiauk.org.
What is the minimum age for volunteering?
Volunteer Ambassadors must be over 18 years old.
Who will support me?
Your local Regional Fundraiser will be your main point of contact at the charity. They will work closely with you to get to know you, support you, provide all of the information and training that you need and help you to make the most out of your experience as a Volunteer Ambassador.
Will you interview me?
We aim to get back to applicants within a week of your application being submitted. Your local Regional Fundraiser will call you to find out more about you and talk through your answers. This is a chance for you to find out more about the role and the charity and for us to get to know you, your skill set and interests. We will ask you a few questions about your motivations for applying to be a Volunteer Ambassador and your experience relevant to the role. If it is felt after this call or completing the training that you are not the right fit for the Volunteer Ambassador role, we will discuss with you other ways to get involved with the charity.
What support and training will I be given?
All Volunteer Ambassadors must complete a two-part training and induction session (either face to face or virtually through Zoom) before you are able to represent Dementia UK. Once you have completed the training your Regional Fundraiser will then be on hand to provide any ongoing training and support you need.
Does the Volunteer Ambassador role involve working directly with people living with dementia?
No. This role involves supporting the fundraising team by representing Dementia UK at events, promoting fundraising activity and raising awareness of Admiral Nurses. You will not be working with people living with dementia, but by helping the charity to raise more funds, you will be enabling us to support more families who would benefit from the specialist and compassionate support of an Admiral Nurse service.
How long do I need to volunteer for?
We ask for Volunteer Ambassadors to commit to volunteering with Dementia UK for at least twelve months.
How much time would I have to give?
We ask Volunteer Ambassadors to do a minimum of six activities (or ‘engagements’) for Dementia UK each year. Further details about the different types of activities the role involves are available in the Volunteer Ambassador role profile.
What days of the week/time of the day would you need me?
This role is very flexible, so it can fit around your daily life and other commitments. We will sometimes ask you to attend events at specific times to represent the charity, but you always have the option to say no if this does not work for you. Most activities are likely to be in the evening or at the weekend.
Will I get paid?
Volunteer roles are unpaid. You are free to apply for any jobs that come up within the charity on our vacancies page.
Do you pay expenses?
Yes, we can cover reasonable out of pocket expenses for anything related to your volunteer role, on presentation of receipts. This might include travel to and from an event or postage costs. Further details about what is eligible for expensing are included in the Volunteer Agreement you will receive after completing the Volunteer Ambassador training.
Will I need references?
Yes, we request the details of two references. Once the Regional Fundraiser has offered you the role and you have confirmed you want to volunteer with us, we will ask you to provide two referees. You will need to provide the names and contact details of two people who have known you for at least twelve months, are over 18 years of age and are not related to you.