Volunteering

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Volunteering

We are very fortunate at Kent Wildlife Trust to be joined by a large, friendly team of volunteers who help us in many different ways. From working on our nature reserves to greeting those who come to our Visitor Centres or helping young people to engage with wildlife they are all making a huge contribution to the work of the organisation.

We truly value the time and commitment of all of our volunteers and work hard to ensure that they have a brilliant experience with us. We aim to ensure that volunteers benefit from spending time with us, whether that’s gaining new skills, using existing ones, meeting new people or spending time outside.

All our current volunteer opportunities with spaces can be found by following the link below...

Want to volunteer outside but not sure how to get involved?
We're always looking for volunteers to join our outdoor tasks throughout the county. You'll be working alongside our Area Wardens and a team of friendly volunteers, helping us to manage our reserves for wildlife.

 Practical Outdoor Opportunities

Volunteer Representatives
We have a dedicated team of volunteer representatives who work with the Volunteer Staff Team to improve the volunteer programme. Find out more about them via the link below:

Meet our Volunteer Representatives 

Volunteering FAQ

We know that it's a big step to decide who you would like to volunteer for and in what capacity. We hope that these questions can help you to choose volunteering with Kent Wildlife Trust.

What role will I be carrying out?

Our volunteer roles and opportunities vary. Please see our current vacancies as these will contain descriptions about what you will be carrying out, if you do have any questions on these, please contact us

Do I have to be a member to volunteer?

Volunteering with us is open to members and non-members of Kent Wildlife Trust

How much time do I need to donate to volunteer?

This is really up to you. Volunteering can be for a few hours, a day, a week, or a block of time on a regular basis. We have some opportunities that require one off commitment to help at one-off events, however our volunteers find that making a regularly commitment means that we can provide training and support to you throughout your role; you'll also make friends and work as part of a team by coming to us on a regular basis.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Kent Wildlife Trust encourages volunteers of all ages as long as they are able to take part safely. Young people under 16 years of age are welcome on most volunteer tasks, but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Children aged 16 and 17 are required to have written permission from a legal guardian. 

Can I carry out work experience/work placements with you?

We regret that we are unable to offer work placements due to the number of requests we receive and the time required from our staff team to ensure that these are of a high quality. If you are interested in carrying out a volunteering role with us, you will find the roles that we are currently recruiting for.

I have a criminal record; can I still volunteer?

If you have a criminal record you can still volunteer in many roles, depending on your offences. Please discuss this, in confidence with the Volunteer Development Officer.

Do I need a reference?

Not for all volunteer roles. A few of our volunteer roles require a Disclosure and Barring Service check and this will be detailed in the volunteer role description

Do I need any qualifications?

No experience is needed for our volunteer roles, as full training will be provided

Do you reimburse travel expenses?

We don't want our volunteers to be out of pocket for volunteering and we will reimburse reasonable travel expenses for most roles. 

Will I receive training?

You will always be learning with us throughout your volunteer experience, and for some roles we do offer additional training courses for volunteers who make a regular commitment to us.

Will I be insured?

Kent Wildlife Trust provides full insurance cover for volunteers providing they are carrying out their role in full knowledge of the guidelines and procedures laid down for their particular role or activity. We hold Employers’ Liability, Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance cover.

None of these FAQs answer my question what do I do now?

Please contact the Volunteering team via email or on 01622 662012