Volunteer FAQs

Find out all about volunteering opportunities at Oxfam with our frequently asked questions below.

• How can I volunteer for Oxfam?

  We've got hundreds of volunteer vacancies advertised online. Once you have submitted your application, we will contact you with details of the selection process. 

  If you would like to volunteer for one of Oxfam's events, you can find out more on the events volunteering pages.

  If you are interested in volunteering in a shop, call into your nearest shop for further information. If there is not a position that suits you, you can submit a general application by email (although we cannot guarantee that we will be able to find a suitable post).

• Can I volunteer for Oxfam overseas?

  We do not send volunteers overseas. In common with many other major overseas charities, projects that Oxfam supports are actually managed by local development agencies in the country or region in need. These agencies mostly find the workers they need among the local population.

  However, you could try the World Service Enquiry website or search online for volunteer recruitment opportunities with other organisations.

• I need a visa to volunteer in the United Kingdom; can Oxfam support my Visa?

  Oxfam is not able to support individuals who need visas to come to the UK to volunteer. Oxfam cannot support volunteer visas, as we do not have the correct licence to do so.

• I already have a UK visa/work permit and I am based in the United Kingdom. Can I volunteer for Oxfam?

  Most UK visas allow people to volunteer, although some may have restrictions to the number of hours you can volunteer. If you are not sure if your visa allows you to volunteer we suggest you contact the UK Border Agency. Please note that Tourist/ Visitor visas and Student Visitor visas (usually students visiting for 6 months or less) do not allow people to volunteer.

• How is an internship different to other types of volunteering?

  Interns are volunteers with clearly defined roles, which are predominantly project-based. Interns are formally recruited and managed. Interns tend to be recruited for a specific period of time of either 3, 6 or 12 months. We expect interns to volunteer for between 2-4 days per week. Find out more about internships and search our volunteer vacancies for the latest opportunities.

• In which countries does Oxfam offer internship positions?

  All of the internships you will find on this website are based in England, Scotland and Wales.

• Where are Oxfam's internships based?

  Oxfam internships can take place in our head office in Oxford, in parts of our shops network, and in regional offices around the UK. Search our volunteer opportunities for the latest opportunities.

• Does Oxfam offer financial support to interns?

  Like all Oxfam volunteers, interns are eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses, including: lunch, which will be reimbursed (up to £6) when you volunteer for a significant number of hours before and after lunch; and reasonable local travel costs to and from the place that you are volunteering.

  Beyond this, we are not able to offer interns any additional financial support (if we did you would no longer be classed legally as a volunteer). However, we try to offer flexible volunteering hours, to fit with other commitments you may have (for example, a part-time job, or child care).

  Oxfam cannot cover accommodation costs, flights, general living expenses or the expenses of any dependants.

• Will completing an internship guarantee me a job with Oxfam?

  No, doing an internship will not guarantee you a job with Oxfam. Our internships are designed to offer work experience. However, interns can apply for paid vacancies, including those which are only advertised internally. For obvious reasons an intern would need to have proven themselves in their current role, before expecting their volunteering experience to assist in an application to a paid post.

• When does Oxfam recruit for interns?

  Oxfam GB recruits for interns throughout the year, wherever there is a demand. Recruitment for specific positions generally takes place one month before the advertised start date.

• How do I contact the Internship team?

  If you have any further questions about internships, please email internship@oxfam.org.uk