We have a range of volunteering placements at PBIC where you can utilise and develop your skills and knowledge to help others. Read our volunteering FAQs to find out more.

Whether you want to dedicate your time regularly or on an ad-hoc basis – we’re happy to accommodate you and any time that you can spare.

To apply for any our volunteering positions, please contact our charity to book an initial appointment by calling us on 01234 328100 or sending an e-mail to info@pbic.org.uk. If none of the current positions at PBIC are of interest to yourselves, we encourage you to book an appointment with one of our careers advisers to discuss volunteering opportunities in the area that may be more appropriate for you. 

Our volunteers get free access to unlimited ESOL courses at PBIC and opportunities to attend specialist training in a relevant subject area.

Volunteering roles

At PBIC, our aim is to help migrants settle, achieve, and contribute. Every day, we support migrants with understanding their rights, completing documents, developing their career and much more. As a Volunteer Interpreter, you will play a key role in supporting PBIC with communicating with our service users. 

Responsibilities:

  • Attending face to face appointments/telephone appointments to support advisers with interpreting when required.
  • Translating clearly and accurately, conveying phrasing and intention as it relates to the subject.
  • Converting dialogue and conveying the intent of the original speaker, understanding that many idioms and slang terms do not translate exactly between languages.
  • Assisting PBIC with written communication as needed.

Key skills: 

  • Bulgarian language (Native/Proficient) 
  • English language (Native/Proficient) 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills 
  • Impartiality
  • Flexibility 
  • An empathetic and non-judgmental approach 

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

At PBIC, our aim is to help migrants settle, achieve, and contribute. Every day, we support migrants with understanding their rights, completing documents, developing their career and much more. As a Volunteer Interpreter, you will play a key role in supporting PBIC with communicating with our service users. 

Responsibilities:

  • Attending face to face appointments/telephone appointments to support advisers with interpreting when required.
  • Translating clearly and accurately, conveying phrasing and intention as it relates to the subject.
  • Converting dialogue and conveying the intent of the original speaker, understanding that many idioms and slang terms do not translate exactly between languages.
  • Assisting PBIC with written communication as needed.

Key skills: 

  • Romanian language (Native/Proficient) 
  • English language (Native/Proficient) 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills 
  • Impartiality
  • Flexibility 
  • An empathetic and non-judgmental approach 

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Why volunteer?

People choose to volunteer for various reasons.

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You can learn new skills

Apart from soft skills such as leadership, teamworking and problem-solving skills, you will get the opportunity to develop in a specific area. You might want to learn how to teach English, give welfare advice or operate online databases. In addition, it’s a great opportunity to improve your English. Many of our volunteers have said how much their English improved through volunteering.

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You will gain valuable work experience

Whether you have just finished school or have just moved to the UK, volunteering gives you the opportunity to experience a professional UK work environment. You will gain valuable experience which you can write about in your CV. Studies have shown that applicants who engage in volunteering have higher chances of being hired.

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You can improve your health and happiness

Studies have found that volunteers report better health (both physical and mental) than non-volunteers. The World Happiness Report revealed that social support and generosity are key determinants of national wellbeing.

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You will make an impact

You will have the chance to contribute to your community and be a part of something bigger than yourself. You can use your skills and knowledge to support those in need and have a real impact on their lives.

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You can make new friends

Volunteering is a great way to meet new like-minded people. One of the best ways to make new friends is to commit to a shared activity which is exactly what you will do in a volunteering placement!

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You can improve your knowledge

Our volunteers get free access to unlimited ESOL courses at PBIC and opportunities to attend specialist training in a relevant subject area.

Volunteering FAQs

We often get asked lots of questions about volunteering and how to get involved. We’ve tried to answer as many as possible below:

To apply for any of our volunteering positions, please contact our charity to book an appointment by calling us on 01234 328100 or sending an e-mail to info@pbic.org.uk and request an appointment with a careers adviser to explore volunteering. 

Once you’ve attended the initial appointment, a member of our team will be in contact with you within 2 weeks.  If you are successful and have the skills required for the position, we’ll try and set you up as soon as possible. However, some roles require special checks and clearances*  which may take a little longer to obtain. Once we have all the documents needed you can start straight away.  

 *PBIC will cover the cost for any checks/clearances that may be needed for your role.  

Yes – you may volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to improve your skills whilst looking for work. You should advise your Jobcentre if you start a volunteer placement as this is looked upon as a positive progression into employment.  
It’s entirely up to you. Some of our volunteers are happy to help for a couple of hours a week, some a few days per month. We have a volunteer database for any ad-hoc volunteer requirements such as translation/interpreting or event support, meaning that you can volunteer only a few times a year if you’d like.  
Again – this is also your call. However, if you’ve signed up to volunteer and we don’t hear from you in 12 months then we’ll take you off our system. You’ll be notified of this and be able to reapply if interested.  

You need to be aged 18+ to volunteer with us.