Volunteers are an essential part of Tribe of Doris and the Intercultural Summer School. We wouldn’t be able to do it without you, so we look after our volunteers well. If you think you might be interested in helping out, please read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
How do I volunteer to help at the Summer School?
Where can I find out further information about volunteering and benefits?
Would you use my personal details for any purpose other than Tribe of Doris?
How long will you keep my details on record?
Do I have to inform the Job Centre that I am volunteering?
I am on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), how many hours am I allowed to volunteer?
I am on Incapacity Benefit how is that affected if I volunteer?
Can I volunteer and bring my children?
How old to I need to be to volunteer?
How do I apply to become a volunteer?
How do I volunteer to help at the Summer School?
Please read all our Volunteers FAQ, read the job description for the job role you are interested and download the Volunteer application form. We recommend that you do this as early as possible because places for volunteers are extremely limited and equally popular!
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. Please check the individual job descriptions for further details.
Where can I find out further information about volunteering and benefits?
Please visit: www.direct.gov.uk or talk to your benefit adviser
All the things that make for happy camping. The main thing is to make sure that you can stay warm and dry. We highly recommend lining your rucksack with a big plastic bag in order to ensure that your dry things stay that way.
• Wellies
• Work boots
• Waterproofs
• Tent
• Torch & batteries
• Warm Sleeping bag & blanket
• Inflatable mattress / rollmat /sheepskin
• Warm Jumpers
• Spare socks
• Warm hat
• Sunscreen
• Chocolate/biscuits etc
• A good book
• Dancing Shoes
• Hot Water Bottle
• Toothbrush & washing things
We expect a £75 deposit to be sure that you are going to come and fill the offered volunteer post. This will be paid into our account and £50 will be returned to you at the end of the event if you have fulfilled your side of the bargain. £25 is retained by Doris as an admin fee.
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 will you keep my details on record?
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?
You are free to volunteer while you are receiving benefits as long as the work you do is unpaid, and you meet the rules of your benefit. For example if you receive Jobseekers Allowance you must still be actively seeking a full-time job, able to attend job interviews at 48 hours notice and available to work at one week’s notice.
Always check with your benefits adviser before you start volunteering.
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. Always check with your benefit adviser before you start volunteering.
Can I volunteer and bring my children?
It is possible for volunteers to bring children, however you need to ensure that you have adequate childcare arrangements (ie another responsible adult to look after them whilst you are working) and you will need to buy the appropriate ticket for them. See ‘tickets’ for details
No the site is a working farm and animals are not allowed. You will be asked to remove the animal from the site if you bring it.
How old to I need to be to volunteer?
To volunteer at Doris you must be 18 years or over
How do I apply to become a volunteer?
If you have read through the FAQ you can download the Volunteers application form 2011 (194). We recommend that you do this as early as possible because places for volunteers are extremely limited and equally popular!
