Frequenty Asked Questions
And Frequently Given Answers
How does the Volunteer Time Bank platform work?
For every hour you volunteer, you earn one time credit. These credits are stored in your personal account and can be used in the future to request support from other Champion volunteers—creating a mutual exchange of time and goodwill.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Volunteer roles range from practical tasks like gardening, driving, and companionship to skilled services such as marketing, IT support, mentoring, and caregiving. There’s a place for everyone—regardless of background or experience. We’ll help match your skills with local charities that truly need them.
Do I need special qualifications to volunteer?
Not at all for many roles! A large number of opportunities require no formal checks. For roles that do, your associated charity will guide you through the safeguarding process and assist with the necessary registrations, such as DBS checks where required.
Is there a cost to join VTB?
Yes, volunteers pay a small annual fee (e.g. £10 in the UK) to help support the platform’s operations.
Half of this—£5—goes directly to the charity you’re associated with. Fees may vary by country to reflect local costs and regulations.
What do charities gain from registering with VTB?
Charities enjoy access to a larger, motivated volunteer base; support with fundraising; simplified opportunity listings; verified time tracking for impact reports; and increased visibility through the VTB network. It’s a practical, efficient, and meaningful way to strengthen your team and reach.
Where can I use my time credits?
Time credits are redeemable in any region where Volunteer Time Bank operates, giving you flexibility and value wherever life takes you.
What happens when I reach ‘Champion’ status?
Once you’ve completed 50 verified volunteer hours, you become a VTB Champion. This unlocks the ability to request help from the network—whether for yourself, a loved one, or a community need. It’s our way of ensuring support flows both ways.
How do I know the opportunities are legitimate?
All listed charities are registered and regulated by the Charity Commission (UK) or equivalent governing bodies abroad. VTB ensures that all service requests are up to date and aligned with our core values: integrity, safeguarding, and community care.
Can businesses or groups get invovled?
Absolutely! VTB welcomes corporate and group participation. Businesses can contact us directly to co-create a tailored plan for team volunteering, community engagement, and shared impact through timebanking.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple! Just register through our website, choose your areas of interest, and complete your profile. From there, you’ll be matched with verified opportunities and can begin earning and banking time credits straight away.
Does VTB take over safeguarding responsibilities for charities?
No. VTB does not override or replace any safeguarding responsibilities. Each charity remains fully responsible for safeguarding its volunteers and beneficiaries, as required by their agreement with the Charity Commission and relevant country legislation.
VTB simply connects volunteers with organisations—safeguarding standards continue to be set and upheld by each charity. This ensures every organisation retains full control over how they manage and protect the people involved in their work.
Does every volunteer on VTB need a DBS check?
Not necessarily. VTB does not mandate DBS checks for all volunteers. However, if a particular volunteering role requires a DBS check, it’s the responsibility of the charity offering that role to ensure it is in place.
For example:
- If Charity A doesn’t require DBS checks for its volunteers, those signing up through VTB won’t need one.
- If Charity B requires a DBS check, the charity must confirm the volunteer has passed and registered correctly before they start.
VTB empowers charities to maintain their own standards—just as they would outside the platform.