Volunteering at BSL - FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum age to volunteer?
A person must be at least 15 years old to volunteer at BSL.
2. I have a carer or support worker, can I volunteer?
In many cases, yes, however it can depend on the volunteer role you are applying for. Before a carer or support worker can accompany you during your volunteering, they will be asked to provide identification documents, details on relevant background checks, and where relevant documentation relating to the agency they are employed with.
3. What background checks will I need to volunteer?
Before you begin volunteering you will be asked to complete an interview, as well as a few required background checks relevant for the program that you have applied to volunteer with. You will be provided with instructions and support to complete these checks and will also be reminded to renew your checks whenever they are about to expire.
Depending on your role, you may be asked to complete:
- 2 reference checks
- A criminal history check
- Working With Children’s Check
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Aged care statutory declaration
4. You are asking for my identification to complete screening checks. How will BSL protect my personal information and privacy?
We take the protection of your personal information and privacy seriously. We only use your personal information for the purpose of supporting you during your volunteer journey with us. Any identification documents or personal details submitted online or via email for the purpose of a background check are deleted once the check has been processed. To view our Privacy Policy, click here: Privacy Policy | Brotherhood of St. Laurence (bsl.org.au) .
5. How long will it take to become a volunteer?
In general, if your application is successful, the registration process to become a volunteer can take anywhere between 4- 6 weeks. The timeframe can vary depending on how long your screening checks take to complete.
6. What training is provided?
The training and orientation you receive will be specific to your volunteer role, and so will vary depending on which team you are volunteering with.
In addition, all BSL volunteers are encouraged to complete the BSL Induction and Cross-Cultural Responsiveness Training which are held online on multiple dates throughout the year. You will also be asked to read through a Child Safeguarding Training Handbook before you commence volunteering.
We also share other relevant internal and external training opportunities as they become available.
7. I don’t have an email address. Can I still volunteer?
Some volunteer roles, for example those that are online/remote, may require you to have an email address due to the digital nature of the role. Other roles, however, such as those in our Op Shops do not require you to have an email address.
Having an email address however can be a helpful way to stay connected with BSL and your team. Many of our communications, event invitations, and other organisational updates are often sent via email. Having an email can also help you with completing your onboarding checks and registration to join BSL as a volunteer.
8. If I start in a role and I’m not enjoying it, can I change my role?
As a BSL volunteer you will be the first to hear about other volunteer opportunities across the organisation. You are welcome to apply for other roles at any time. Please note that transitioning to a new role will usually require being interviewed by the program coordinator/leader and undergoing any role specific training.
9. Can I still volunteer if I work full time?
Depending on the role, yes! Please check the role requirements and speak to the Volunteer Manager before applying for any specific roles.
10. What happens if my volunteer application is not successful?
Some roles have limited places and/or may require specific skills or experience. Should your application not be successful, our friendly team will work with you to discuss your interests. Where possible, we will try our best to match you with another role that might suit your skills, location and availability.