Volunteers are an essential part of Tribe of Doris and the Intercultural Summer School. We wouldn't be able to do it without them, so we look after our volunteers well. If you think you might be interested in helping out, please read the Frequently asked Questions and Answers below.

Or go directly to the Summer School Volunteers application form download. We recommend that you do this as early as possible as places for volunteers are extremely limited and equally popular!

• Will I get fed?
   

  You will receive confirmation of whether you can expect to be fed at all with any offer of a volunteer role. Doris has over 100 volunteers and it is not possible to feed everyone, so the general rule is 4 hrs a day is a straight swap for your ticket and means that you will be responsible for your own food.
• How do I volunteer to help at the Summer School?
   

  Please visit our Volunteers FAQ or download the voluntary worker application form. We recommend that you do this as early as possible because places for volunteers are extremely limited and equally popular!
• Where can I find out further information about volunteering and benefits?
   

  Please visit www.jobcentresplus.gov.uk
• What should I bring?
   

  All the things that make for happy camping. I highly recommend lining your rucksack with a big plastic bag in order to ensure that your dry things stay dry.
  

  • • Wellies
  • • Work boots
  • • Waterproofs
  • • Tent
  • • Torch
  • • Warm Sleeping bag
  • • Inflatable mattress / rollmat /sheepskin
  • • Warm Jumpers
  • • Spare socks
  • • Warm hat
  • • Sunscreen
  • • Chocolate
  • • A good book
  • • Dancing Shoes!
  • • Hot Water Bottle
  • • Toothbrush & washing things
  • • Batteries
  • • Biscuits
  • • Cheesy Grin
• Deposit?
   

  We expect a £50 deposit to be sure that you are going to come and fill the offered volunteer post. This will be paid into our account and returned to you at the end of the event if you have fulfilled your side of the bargain. You will need to come and collect it on site at the end of the event. If you genuinely cannot afford to give us £50 please get in touch and we shall try to come to an alternative arrangement.
  
• Would you use my personal details for any purpose other than Tribe of Doris?
   

  Its unlikely but we would always ask your permission first.
• How long would you keep my personal records?
   

  For the lifespan of your volunteering with us, other than that a year. If we keep them longer they would be de-personalised and use for statistics only.
• Do I have to inform the Job Centre that I am volunteering?
   

  Yes. This is so that they can be sure that you are volunteering in an agreed category. If they don't know you're volunteering they may treat your movements with suspicion and suspend your benefit whilst they investigate!
• I am on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), how many hours am I allowed to volunteer?
   

  The Government is trying to promote volunteering and have changed the rules regarding volunteering to make it easier for people. There are no limits as to the number of hours you may volunteer if you are on Benefits. Also JSA must give you 48 hours notice if they send you to an interview. JSA must give you one weeks notice to start work if they find you a job. This is so that you can then give the same amount of notice to the organisation you are volunteering for.
• I am on Incapacity Benefit how is that affected if I volunteer?
   

  Incapacity Benefit should not be affected, but it might be. It is important to ensure that what you are doing is clearly distinguishable from paid work.
• How do I apply to become a Volunteer?
   

  If you have read through the FAQ you can download the voluntary worker application form. We recommend that you do this as early as possible because places for volunteers are extremely limited and equally popular!