About volunteering

Our aim is to ensure that all our volunteers are valued for their contribution and are given as much opportunity as possible to realise their potential within the organisation.

In order do to this we provide each of our volunteers with:

• A clear induction, explaining who's who and the bigger picture
• A clear explanation of the tasks and responsibilities they have agreed to take on
• Supervision, support and training as required
• Reimbursal of agreed local travel and lunch expenses

In return we expect our volunteers:

• To learn about our work and how their contribution fits in
• To give a regular and reliable commitment of time
• To attend training, where special training is needed
• To observe confidentiality
• To declare any possible conflicts of interest
  

For further information, download our Introduction to volunteering at WaterAid ( Word 224Kb).

For further information about volunteering at WaterAid download our Introduction to volunteering at WaterAid ( Word 224Kb).

The benefits of volunteering

Here's what some of our recent volunteers have said about working with us:

    "The work of WaterAid is new to me and volunteering here has given me an opportunity to extend and develop my librarianship skills which, hitherto, have been exercised in a completely different context." (Jen)

    "Had lots of fun, chance to practice writing skills, meeting people, opportunity to be creative, solve problems, see how the organisation works and learn more about WaterAid's work." (Jackie)

    "This first step back into the office after children has been very good for increasing confidence and self-esteem, given me an interest (ie. non-family) and an increase in self-respect to be doing something worthwhile and helping others." (Janet)

    "I met some great people and did learn a lot about the work of WaterAid and international development generally."  (Glastonbury Volunteer 2002)

    "I gained everything from volunteering at WaterAid. I gained experience working for an international development charity while studying for my MSc. Development Studies; I learned what a fundraising department does; I learned how to work with the Raiser's Edge database and a lot about writing suitable reports and letters for donors. I had access to a fantastic resource library where I gathered loads of information for my dissertation on water management and pricing in Kenya. I think my experiences at WaterAid directly contributed to me finding a job with VSO so quickly after finishing my MSc as well." (Erin)

    "The obvious response is that I am doing something useful in helping people in real poverty to help themselves (I didn't want to be involved in "fire-fighting" but in sustainable development) - and as I have no qualifications in the field, volunteering is a great way to be involved in the overall team. But I've gained much more than this.  I have learnt new skills, I have seen how group management is carried out really well, and I've gained the confidence that, if I try, I can contribute in areas that I'm keen on but not familiar with."  (Peter)

    "I can't give as much time as I would like and can't take part in anything physical, but I do feel that at over 60 I am still of some use." (Dawn)

    "I volunteered to give massages to runners who took part in the 2002 London Marathon. As a student physiotherapist it was a great opportunity for me to practice sports massage and to offer basic advice to runners about stretches and exercises after a run. It was very rewarding to offer my services to those who had made such an effort to raise funds for WaterAid. It was amazing to be part of the marathon and to feel that I was making a valuable contribution to WaterAid at the same time." (Sally)

The best things about volunteering:

    "The fact that from the very first day a volunteer is made to feel one of the team: invited to talks and meetings and kept in day to day touch with the work of WaterAid."

    "My colleagues are cheerful, committed and helpful; feeling part of the team is, I think, the best thing." (Peter)

    "Satisfaction from playing a part in the goals set by an international charity, plus a friendly and professional working atmosphere." (Alex)

    "Knowing that I am helping other people, albeit in an indirect way, and being able to feel I am part of a team." (Lydia)

    "Being part of a team dedicated to making a difference." (Jackie)