There are many reasons why choosing to volunteer with us is a great idea. You may wish to gain practical or life skills, experience life in community, share interests with others, give something back to community or learn more about yourself by trying something different. There are many diverse opportunities available to people who live locally who would like to get involved with a Camphill community. You might want to work directly with people with learning disabilities, or help out in the background, in the office or garden for instance.
Consistency is valued, but most communities, particularly the larger ones, have flexible volunteer opportunities. This might be one morning a month, half an hour a day, or something in-between.
Ideally you will be aged at least 18 before volunteering with us, particularly if you want to work directly with people with learning disabilities. However, each application is assessed on its own merit and sometimes volunteers aged 16 or 17 are accepted. There is no upper age limit; if you are fit for the job in hand you are welcome to join us.
We very much value our volunteers, but you are expected to provide your time for free. The community may be able to cover your travel costs, but ask them directly about this.
One of the joys of volunteering with us is that you can develop skills for the workplace. However, we have found that week long work experience placements provide neither the volunteer nor the community with a satisfying experience.
As a new volunteer you will be required to complete an induction programme. You will receive training appropriate to the role that you are undertaking.
If you are working directly with people with learning disabilities you are there in a support role and will always be with an experienced member of staff (or co-worker as they are called in many communities). If you are working in an office or in the gardens there will be a supervisor to hand, and you may work in groups.
For long term co-worker and/or salaried vacancies please visit Find Your Place. Not all vacancies are advertised on our website, so you may also wish to visit the communities’ own websites for a full list of recruitment opportunities.
In some situations communities will be looking to recruit a Volunteer of a particular gender. While all communities uphold the principles of non-discrimination this need arises at times to preserve the privacy and decency of residents who require close personal care.
No. However, life in Camphill is lived in tune with Christian and general humanistic ideals and the Christian festivals are often celebrated. In some communities there are regular services. Those of a different faith or persuasion often make a valued contribution to the social and spiritual life of a community and we encourage them to do so.
A PVG check is a background check to identify if you have been involved in any criminal activity that would disqualify you from volunteering. Once a community has confirmed that they would like you to apply, they will carry out a PVG check, which takes around 4-6 weeks to process.
Firstly, we recommend that you read through all the FAQ’s to make sure you meet the basic criteria and still want to apply.
You can then complete this form which will be sent directly to the community or communities of your choice. Communities receive lots of applications, so make yours stand out by telling us about yourself and why you want to volunteer with the Community that you are applying to (2 pages is plenty!).
You might prefer to phone or email a community to talk about options.
You will be asked to supply the names and contact details of 2 people who can tell us about your skills, experience and character. The referees must have known you for at least two years, and should not be a friend or family member.
