Student Volunteering FAQs

What is a DBS check?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service and replaces the old CRB checks. A DBS check is done to establish whether you have anything in your criminal record which would affect our decision to have you as a volunteer.

Do I need one?

If you will be working regularly with children you need a DBS check. You generally will not need a DBS check to volunteer at a one-off event. See our ‘projects’ pages to see if you need a DBS check for the project you would like to join.

How do I get a DBS check?

If you are volunteering with DUSVO, get in contact with your project manager.

If you are volunteering with college volunteering  please get in contact with your college volunteering lead.

For individual projects please email [email protected].

How long does a DBS check take to process?

On average they take 2-3 weeks but it can take more or less time – mistakes made on the form can slow down the process so make sure you fill it in carefully.

Can I start volunteering before I get my DBS check back?

Some projects will allow you to attend as a one-off before your DBS is back, others will not – just check with a member of staff in the office.

For more information on DBS checks, please see this page.

This varies depending on the project – look on the website to find a project you are interested in and then email the project manager for more information. Project manager contact information can be found here: DUSVO Projects – (durham.ac.uk)

Where are projects held? Projects are held in various locations; some are based in University buildings and others are in the local community.

Where can I find out about the projects? Find information on our projects here. Alternatively, if you have registered on our volunteering portal then you will be able to view all available projects on line and apply directly to join.

Can I join more than one project? Yes, you can join as many projects as you like.

What if no project looks right for me? If you can’t picture yourself joining any of our projects, staff are happy to explore opportunities to develop new projects to fit your interests and capabilities. Most projects are started by students with an initial idea, and we encourage creation and change of projects as situations demand.

I’m interested in getting involved, but I have questions. Who can I ask?

You can email the office at [email protected] with any queries.

I have a problem with my volunteering. Who do I contact?

If you have any problems please contact [email protected] initially and we’ll identify the best person to get back to you.

We are based in the Palatine Centre, on the ground floor in PC041. Open 10am – 4pm Mon – Fri.

Our Volunteer Platform (powered by Team Kinetic) is a centralised online location where all volunteering opportunities are published! Whether they’re opportunities with one of our main student led projects, with colleges, societies, academic departments, or even one-off volunteering opportunities, you can find them on our platform!

By registering, you create your own personalised volunteering profile. This allows you to see and sign up to volunteering opportunities, log your volunteering hours, and have a place for all your volunteer training to be recorded, such as DBSs, or safeguarding training!

For more information on how to use the Volunteering Platform, please see this sharepoint page.

Please see this sharepoint page for more information on fudraising for a project.

We will reimburse your travel costs when volunteering on a supported project, as long as you keep your receipt e.g. bus ticket and pre-approve your expenses by emailing [email protected]. We do not usually reimburse taxi fares; these must be agreed with us beforehand.