GMI Volunteering FAQ
For a summary download about GMI and the services it offers, click here to download.
- How many hours do I have to commit to?
Volunteer Counsellors work weekly shifts as per their placements. Volunteer Health Trainers and Mentors are required to commit to 7 hours a month, broken down to two 3.5 hour shifts a fortnight.
- Can I volunteer for more than one stream?
Yes you can but we ask you to be realistic about your availability and the need for you to have some time for yourself!
- How long do I have to commit for?
All volunteers have to sign an agreement to volunteer for a year. This is standard practise when volunteering.
- Do I have to travel far? Can I work in my part of the city?
Counsellors will be allocated venues in agreement with their Counselling Team Leader.
Health Trainers are sent a rota in advance and volunteers are asked to sign-up to those they would like to work. You will not be asked to work a shift you did not specify an interest in.
Mentors are paired with a Mentee and the two will decide when to meet at a time and place that suits them both.
- What expenses can I claim?
All volunteers are reimbursed travel expenses for training and volunteer shifts and we ask you to submit receipts or copies of Oyster card print outs in support of these claims.
If you are working for longer than 4.5 hours (although rare, this could happen on one-off events) refreshments are provided.
- What is a CRB check and do I need one? How do I get one?
CRB stands for Criminal Records Bureau check and all GMI Partnership volunteers have to apply for one. Due to the nature of our work, we may come across vulnerable adults so we ask you to complete a CRB to safeguard the client and the organisation. There is no charge to you for this check.
Once you have completed your application, the Training and Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to arrange induction and he will arrange for you to complete a CRB form which will be processed through him. All you need to do is complete the CRB form and present supporting documents at induction.
- What if I have a caution or conviction?
All CRB checks and disclosures are assessed on an individual basis. If you feel that you may need to declare something then we advise you to discuss this with the Training and Volunteer Coordinator at the earliest opportunity.
- Why is the Training so long? Do I have to attend all 4 days?
The training is mandatory for all GMI Partnership volunteers. As volunteers come from all walks of life, we make sure everyone is empowered with some basic knowledge about the environment we work in. This covers who we are, the partner agencies of the GMI Partnership, the larger Pan London HIV Prevention Partnership and how we fit within it, information on HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, motivational interviewing as a technique in health promotion and behaviour change, good communication skills and condom and lube use, amongst other things. The training also includes the syllabus for Understanding Health Improvement, from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
All 4 days cover different subjects and at the end of the 4th day there is a short multiple choice assessment. Those who successfully complete this will be awarded a Level 2 certificate from the RSPH and can then proceed with the GMI Partnership.
- Is there any more training?
Health Trainers and Mentors have a further one day's training which is tailored to the work they will be doing as volunteers in these work streams.
Additional training is usually conducted at volunteer forums.
- How am I assessed and how do I know if I am successful?
Counsellors will have an interview with the Counselling team leader and only suitable applicants are invited to join the programme.
For Health Trainers and Mentors, the first point of contact is the Training and Volunteer Coordinator who will contact you for induction with the supervisor of the relevant volunteering stream. If you successful, you will be invited to training and a second assessment will take place.
Health Trainers are assessed throughout the 4 day training. If successful, they may complete day 5 and shadow for 2 shifts as their final assessment.
Mentors are informed after mentor training of their suitability (which can take place before or after the 4 day training).
- What happens if I have to miss a shift?
We understand that life can throw up unexpected surprises so all we ask is you inform your relevant supervisor at the earliest moment.
- What support is available to me as a volunteer?
All streams have a forum and volunteers are actively encouraged to attend these. Counsellors will have regular ongoing clinical supervision.
Health Trainers and Mentors have forums held every 6-8 weeks and these serve as group supervision as well as a further training opportunity.
One-to-one support is available to all volunteers at anytime via their relevant supervisor or the Training and Volunteer Coordinator.
If you have mobility or other issues which make it impossible or difficult for you to access our services, let us know and we will see what we can do to refer you to an organisation that can make home visits.
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