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Register To Become a One-to-One Reading Volunteer

We’re so excited to have you join our volunteer community.

Your support means so much to the children who you will help to read.

boy in red uniform wearing yellow headphones and looking at a laptop in an online reading session

How to complete your application to volunteer

For more information on the role’s requirements and answers to commonly asked questions, watch our step-by-step guide on becoming a Bookmark Volunteer.

Before you join us

You’re about to do something that has real impact. Here’s what you need to know before beginning your application: 

1. Read the volunteer role description to find out what’s involved.

2. Becoming a Bookmark reading volunteer is a meaningful commitment. Ensure you’re able to commit to two 30-minute sessions per week for six consecutive weeks, along with a commitment to participate in at least three programmes a year.

Given the investment required to onboard each volunteer (£300+), we ask that you apply only when you’re ready to meet the programme requirements and dedicate the necessary time.

3. If you wish to volunteer online, confirm you have access to: a PC, laptop, MacBook, iPad, tablet, phone or Chromebook with a webcam and internet connection and that you feel relatively comfortable using technology.

Register to be a volunteer

In just a few steps you could be a Bookmark volunteer!

Register now

What’s involved in the application process?

Fill in your name and contact details.

Choose one of the following:

As part of safeguarding policies, provide:

  • A five-year history of education, employment, and volunteering (flexible if not applicable)
  • Two references to support your application

If employment history is not relevant for you or you have long finished employment, we are happy to accommodate this as needed. Should you think you might struggle to find references, please read our guidance or email applications@​bookmarkreading.​org.

After review, apply for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check

  • Bookmark covers the cost
  • Support is available if needed
  • If you've lived abroad, you may also need an overseas check

Take part in a short online interview with a Bookmark team member

Complete online training to prepare for your volunteer role

Don’t worry if you haven’t gone through an application process like this before' our team will support you every step of the way and you can complete these steps in times convenient to you.

You can find more information about our recruitment processes on our help centre.

What else do I need to know?

You don’t have to fill the application form out in one go – you’re welcome to come back to complete it at any time. And, if you get stuck, simply email us at applications@​bookmarkreading.​org and we’ll be happy to help.

To complete the application form, please use Google Chrome as your browser and ensure that you aren’t logged in to Citrix.

4 pupils in red uniform holding up thank you signs that they've hand drawn. They are all smiling and looking at the camera

Any questions?

  • You'll select the programme timing which works best for you and book it through our Volunteer Hub. You'll then log onto each session through your PC, laptop, MacBook, Chromebook, iPad, tablet or phone, which requires both a webcam and an internet connection.

    Teachers will set the child you'll be reading with up with the same so that you can use our secure online platform, with plenty of games and reading resources to deliver a reading session online.

  • Yes! As well as online sessions, we offer face-to-face opportunities to read with a child at a primary school that is local to you, depending on availability. We're looking for people who could support a minimum of two children a week, across 12 weeks, for in-person programmes.

    You can find a full list of areas with school availability, which is updated across the year, by searching for 'f2f schools list'.

  • 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.

  • 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 Reading Mentor. 

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

Register to be a volunteer

In just a few steps you could be a Bookmark volunteer!

Register now