Current volunteers

Frequently asked questions

• How can I connect with other volunteers?

  The main way volunteers can connect with each other is through the messaging platform, 360L. We have a really supportive community of volunteers. You can find more information about 360L and links to join our groups here.

  Our Volunteers Team also run regular drop-in sessions for volunteers, which you can find and book into on the ​‘Events’ section of the Bookmark Library.

• Can I volunteer with more than one child?

  Reading with more than one child is a great way to develop your skills further and make a real difference to more children. You may be able to find timeslots one after the other in the same school, or you can complete programmes one after another. If you are an online volunteer, it is quick and straightforward to log onto a different virtual session. If you choose to work with more than one school on our face-to-face programme, please allow yourself enough time between sessions to travel and to allow for any late running that may happen.

• When can I expect to start volunteering following my application?

  This depends on how long you need to complete your training and safeguarding checks. We’ve had a huge level of interest from schools and volunteers recently, so it might take us a little longer than normal to process your application. 

  We expect that you will be able to sign up to a reading programme six weeks from submitting your application, once you have completed your interview, DBS check and training. 

• How will I be paired with a child who needs a reading volunteer?

  Our digital platform pairs schools with fully safeguarded, vetted and trained reading volunteers in the local community, at the tap of a button.

• Will I be reimbursed for travel as a face-to-face volunteer?

  We want to make sure that as many people as possible can volunteer with us and that there are no barriers to volunteer involvement. Our Volunteer Expenses Policy sets out our approach towards the reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses that you incur while volunteering