How do I become a Bookmark volunteer?
Step 1: Register. This step takes just a couple of minutes – you’ll simply input basic information about yourself. Register here
Step 2: Apply. After you’ve registered, you can complete our online application form.
- This is quite detailed and will take around 30 minutes. We would recommend using a computer rather than a phone or tablet.
- Keep a record of your login information; you can come back to complete your application at any time.
- Have your education and work history to hand
- You will also need the details of two references. Check who we can accept as a reference.
If your application is successful, we’ll invite you to complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check through our partner First Advantage. This is a mandatory criminal record check to make sure you are well-suited to working with children and will involve a short application and a quick trip to a post office to verify your ID documents. Bookmark covers the cost of this check for our volunteers.
Step 3: Interview. We’ll be in touch within 3 days of your application to let you know if you have been successful. The next step is a short interview, which will provide an opportunity for us to get to know a little bit more about you. Your interview will last around 20 minutes and is absolutely nothing to worry about. We’ll ask you some scenario-based questions, your reasons for choosing to volunteer with us and make sure you’re aware of what’s involved in the programme. It is also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions.
Step 4: Training. Bookmark’s training programme is designed to give you the confidence and knowledge to have a real impact on the children to work with. This includes 3 – 4 hours of online e‑learning, including our safeguarding training. You can choose to complete your training chapters in your own time around your schedule. Once you have completed your training, you will be expected to spend some time getting familiar with the resources and (if you are volunteering online) our online reading platform Bramble.
Step 5: Ready to volunteer: Simply login to the Volunteer Hub to see participating schools. Our partner schools will publish available dates and times, and you can choose a reading programme that fits with your schedule.
Step 6: Starting your reading programme: Now that you are signed up to a reading programme, all that’s left to do is to get going! You can sign up to complete as many programmes as you like. We suggest a minimum of three six-week programmes a year, so we can support as many children as possible. Meanwhile, you can ask questions and share your experiences in our friendly and supportive volunteer community group.
Discover more about becoming a Bookmark volunteer
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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There are lots of ways you can make a difference and volunteer with Bookmark. Through online and face-to-face volunteering you can read with a child as a Reading Volunteer, Corporate Volunteer or Student Volunteer.
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Once you've applied, we'll give you the training and support you need through our Safer Recruitment process.
You'll select the programme timing which works best for you, and book it through our Volunteer Hub.
You'll log on to each session through your PC, laptop, MacBook, Chromebook, iPad, tablet or phone, requiring both a webcam and an internet connection.
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Our volunteering opportunity takes place online through a third-party system called Bramble. The sessions take place remotely, so there’s no need to travel or access a physical location to volunteer with Bookmark. Our volunteers complete their training online through our eLearning platform. For our online programmes every effort has been taken to ensure our programme is accessible and inclusive.
As each individual's requirements are likely to vary, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to the volunteer application form, interview process and our reading programme. If you’d like to discuss your options please email info@bookmarkreading.org and we’ll be happy to help. -
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.
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Applicants must be 18 years or older. (EDIT: However we also have our Reading Mentors programme for 16 and 17 year olds which is done through sixth forms and colleges. A school or college must sign up for the programme before students can sign up through them.
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You can find a full list of areas with availability for face-to-face programmes here
We’re looking for people who could support a minimum of two children a week, across 12 weeks.
We’re starting to expand our face-to-face reading programme across the country, depending on school availability and interest. If you know a school who you think would be interested in face-to-face reading programmes, please ask them to complete the form here
If there aren’t any schools offering face-to-face programmes in your area currently, please do still register and consider reading with a child on our online programme.
