Our volunteer recruitment process in NCBI follows nationally and internationally applied guidelines. We understand the great value volunteers bring to the organisation, and while every application to volunteer is welcomed and responded to promptly, we have to be painstaking and rigorous in all our recruitment activities.

Where volunteers express a preference to work directly with people who are blind or vision impaired, the following steps apply:

Volunteer role description

For every position there is a role description which outlines the tasks involved, the necessary qualities and skills and the commitment. Please carefully review the types of volunteer roles before applying.

Volunteer enrolment form

This provides us with your personal details, availability, interests and the contact details for two referees.

Download the Volunteer Enrolment Form.

References

Two satisfactory references from non-family members are sought for all volunteers working directly with people who are blind or vision impaired. A member of staff will contact your referees by telephone to ask a series of questions to confirm your suitability for your chosen volunteer role.

Informal interview

This is a chat with a staff member to determine what volunteer role would suit you best. The chat may take place face to face or over the phone.

Garda checks

NCBI’s position is to obtain garda clearance for everyone who works directly with our service users (staff and volunteers). You will need to complete a Garda Enquiry Form and return it to NCBI with your volunteer enrolment form. To avoid delays please ensure you fill in your PPS number and all your addresses.

Familiarisation with being a volunteer

All volunteers will be given an introduction to NCBI, our mission, values and services, our volunteer policies and procedures. You will also learn about different eye conditions and how these conditions affect people, and you will receive guidance for your chosen role.

When people volunteer for what we call 'indirect roles' like helping us in our Library Service or our retail shops, the recruitment process is simpler. Volunteers will compete a Volunteer Enrolment Form, and the shop or library manager will then invite the volunteer for a chat to explain the role and commitment required. If both parties are happy to proceed, a named member of staff will mentor the new volunteer for a period.