It really depends on what works for you. Most of our volunteers start with just 2-3 hours a week – about the time it takes to watch a few episodes of your favorite programme on Netflix! Some choose to do more once they get into it, but there’s no pressure. If you’re helping with one-to-one support, we just ask that you can commit to at least a term so students have that consistency.
Tutors are our only paid role, and are completely flexible. Our online tutors tend to do between 1-3 hours a week, and our in-person tutors tend to do around 2-4, depending on what scheme they work on.
You’ll never be left figuring things out on your own. We start you off with proper training that covers all the basics. You’ll have a dedicated person you can turn to with questions, regular catch-ups if you want them, and access to loads of helpful resources.
Absolutely! While some roles need you to be there in person (like at our events or community education network projects), lots of our opportunities can be done remotely. Online tutoring, mentoring via video chat, creating resources – you can do all of these from your sofa. Just make sure you’ve got a reliable internet connection and a quiet space for video calls.
Since we work with young people, safety is super important. We’ll need to do a DBS check (that’s a criminal record check) for most roles. Don’t worry – we’ll sort this out for you and cover the cost. It’s a straightforward process and we’ll guide you through it. If you’ve got a recent DBS check already, let us know – we might be able to use that.
Depending on the role, 16 or 18. but there’s no upper age limit! Our volunteers range from university students to those who’ve retired, and everyone brings something valuable to the table. What matters is your enthusiasm and commitment to helping young people learn.