Volunteer onboarding

Frequently asked questions

• Am I a Bookmark volunteer, a reading mentor or a corporate volunteer?

  If you are 16 – 17 years old and have been advised by your school or sixth form to apply, you are a reading mentor. If you have been directed to volunteer with Bookmark through your workplace, and your employer has a partnership with us, you are a corporate volunteer. Otherwise, you are a Bookmark volunteer.

• What is the commitment?

  Being a Bookmark volunteer can be really fun and rewarding – but it is a commitment to support a child. You need to commit to support a child twice a week, for six consecutive weeks, so that is 12, 30-minute sessions.

  We ask all our volunteers to complete at least three six-week programmes a year – and we’d love you to do more! This is so that we can manage our charity resources to support as many children as possible.

  Before you can volunteer with a child you will also need to complete the Bookmark training and our safeguarding checks.

• Will I receive training before my first reading session?

  Yes! You will have completed all Bookmark training, including safeguarding, before you can volunteer online or go into schools.

• What support can I expect from the Bookmark team and community?

  Once you have registered, applied to be a volunteer and successfully completed your interview you will be provided with training and resources on the Bookmark Library to make sure you’re completely ready to read with a child. You will then be given access to our online messaging platform, where you can speak directly to the Volunteer Services team and other volunteers. 
  
  There are also weekly (online) drop-in sessions run by our team where you can ask questions. You can choose whether you’d like to subscribe to our monthly volunteer newsletter to keep up to date with Bookmark news and follow us on social media. 

• What tech will I need to take part in the online programme?

  You will need to have access to a PC, laptop, or Chromebook with a webcam and internet connection. iPads, tablets, and phones are not compatible. You will also need to feel relatively comfortable using technology. We have training and guidance to help you learn how to use the platforms that are needed for our online programme. 

• Why do you need so much information?

  We appreciate that we ask for a lot of information when you apply to volunteer. This is because you’ll be working one-to-one with children, and Bookmark is absolutely committed to safeguarding and ensuring the wellbeing of all children and others who come into contact with our charity. You can read more about our safeguarding procedures here

• Do I have to pay for the DBS?

  No, we cover the cost of your first DBS check, but it is important you sign up to the ID Update Service to ensure you do not pay for additional checks that are required when we run checks (every three years) on your enhanced DBS certificate.

• Who do I need for a reference?

  One referee must be your current or most recent employer. If you have not been employed before then you can provide a referee from your most recent educational institution. If you have worked with children in the past as a volunteer or paid role, this must be your other referee. 

• Can I choose which days I volunteer?

  The school will allocate days and times that fit around the daily activities and curriculum – these may be in the morning or afternoon. You can then decide which timeslot works for you through the Volunteer Hub. 

• Can I cancel or reschedule?

  When you sign up to a programme you are committing to support a child for a six-week period. However the Volunteer Hub allows you to cancel and reschedule sessions in unexpected circumstances and also allows for forward planning.