GET INVOLVED

What are the minimum and maximum ages for volunteering?

The minimum age for volunteering at ISRA-UK is 14, and parental consent is needed for anyone under 16. Some roles may have specific age requirements. Occasionally, we allow volunteers under 14 for certain activities, like school fundraising. There’s no maximum age limit, but volunteers must be 18 or older to take part in overseas activities like international fundraising.

Who can volunteer?

• Asylum seekers: Individuals with refugee status or exceptional leave to remain in the UK are eligible to volunteer, provided they have their own accommodation in the UK.
  
• Student visas: Most student visas allow the ‘right to work’ in the UK, including volunteering. Tier 4 student visas permit students to work up to 20 hours per week.
• Overseas volunteers: While UK immigration rules allow individuals to apply for a ‘volunteer visa’ to undertake full-time voluntary work, ISRA-UK is unable to sponsor or invite applicants through this scheme.
• Criminal record: Most convictions do not disqualify applicants from volunteering, but any unspent or pending convictions must be disclosed during enrolment. Applicants with convictions will be reviewed by our screening committee.
• No work permit: Unfortunately, applicants without a valid UK work permit are legally prohibited from volunteering.
• Employer-supported schemes: We welcome employer-supported volunteering, provided an agreement is in place between ISRA-UK and the company/organisation.

Can volunteers be reimbursed for travel expenses?

Yes, volunteers can have their travel expenses reimbursed upon submission of valid receipts. This includes travel to and from the volunteering location and any travel required whilst volunteering, subject to prior agreement with a supervisor.

What about refreshments/lunch?

A reasonable subsistence rate of up to £5 per day can be reimbursed for meals upon presentation of valid receipts. In cases where volunteers are engaged for more than one meal period, supervisors may approve reimbursement for a second meal, up to an additional £5.

Are there any volunteering opportunities abroad?

ISRA-UK rarely sends volunteers abroad. When international opportunities do arise, volunteers will be notified. We primarily rely on local support to ensure communities are helped whilst keeping operational costs low. This also empowers and trains local individuals in developing countries to better serve their own communities.