Volunteer Recruitment and Selection Policy

At Technology Books for Children, we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, subject to meeting essential criteria for specific roles. We are especially keen to encourage involvement from ethnic minority communities, as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, representation and community engagement.

This policy outlines how we promote volunteering opportunities, recruit and induct volunteers, and support them in their roles. It ensures that every volunteer finds a position that suits their interests and strengths, and that contributes meaningfully to our mission.

Our Approach to Volunteering

Volunteers are a valued part of our team. Roles may vary widely in responsibility and time commitment – from hands-on activities requiring professional qualifications to casual support roles based on enthusiasm and availability. Whatever the role, every volunteer plays a vital part in our work to inspire a love of books and technology in children.

Promoting Opportunities

We aim to ensure our volunteer opportunities reach a wide audience. We promote roles through a range of channels, including:

• Local and national websites, such as those managed by funders, community organisations, and charities.
• Social media – both targeted activity-based and local community groups.
• Posters and flyers in community spaces, including shops, places of worship, libraries, surgeries and schools.
• Networks and organisations that serve individuals or communities who may benefit from our work.
• To ensure accessibility, we may provide information in different formats or languages, or offer support for those with additional needs or disabilities.

Volunteer Recruitment

All potential volunteers are invited to an informal interview to explore their interests and suitability for available roles. We follow safer recruitment principles, especially for positions involving children or vulnerable people. This includes:

• Clearly communicating our safeguarding responsibilities to applicants.
• Conducting thorough vetting processes before any appointment.
• Carrying out essential checks, which include:
  • DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
  • Identity verification
  • Reference checks
  • Qualification validation (if applicable)

All volunteers are expected to complete role-appropriate training. Those in professional or safeguarding-related roles are required to undertake additional or refresher training every two years.

Induction and Support

Volunteers will be welcomed into our team and provided with:

• An induction covering our policies, procedures and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Identity and right-to-volunteer checks (as applicable).
• An introduction to the team and organisational values.
• On-the-job training relevant to their role, including health and safety, fire procedures and any technical skills required.
• Ongoing support, regular check-ins and refresher training as needed.

Selection Criteria

Essential Requirements:

To volunteer with us, individuals must demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in our mission and values.
• Kindness, empathy and a desire to support others.
• Curiosity or interest in technology and digital literacy.
• A love of books and reading.
• Enough time and flexibility to fulfil the role’s responsibilities.
• Where needed, specific qualifications or accreditations, particularly for professional roles.

Desirable Qualities

We particularly value volunteers who bring:

• Prior experience in a charity or similar setting.
• Relevant qualifications or technical knowledge.
• Confidence to work independently and collaborate within a team.
• Friendly communication skills and an ability to engage well with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Exceptions and Limitations

We warmly welcome all expressions of interest in volunteering. However, there are a few situations where we may be unable to offer a role:

• If an individual does not have the legal right to work or volunteer in the UK.
• If a particular role has legal, safeguarding or professional requirements that the applicant does not meet.
• If the volunteer’s availability or background is not suited to any current vacancies.

We aim to be flexible and accommodating, and will always try to find a suitable alternative role where possible.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in volunteering or have any questions about our process, please get in touch:

Email: info@technologybooksforchildren.org