Volunteer with Bookmark

Got a question about volunteering?

• How much time do I need to commit, and can I adjust my schedule?

  Being a one-to-one reading volunteer with Bookmark is rewarding, but it is a commitment to support a child’s literacy journey. You can volunteer as little as one hour a week, with flexible scheduling options.

  Before starting, all volunteers must complete Bookmark’s training and safeguarding checks. Given the investment required to onboard each volunteer (£300+), we ask that you apply only when ready to meet the programme requirements and dedicate the necessary time.

  We do understand schedules change. You can pause or adjust your sessions if needed, as long as you communicate through the Volunteer Hub.

• What schools do you partner with?

  Bookmark partners with schools in areas of deprivation with higher than national average levels of pupil premium and IDACI figures (Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index) along with lower than national average figures for Key Stage 2 reading levels.

• How does volunteering work online or in person?

  As an online reading volunteer, you’ll select the programme timing that works best for you and log in through our secure platform using a PC, laptop, Chromebook, iPad, tablet, or phone with a webcam and internet connection.

  Children are paired with the same volunteer for each session, and you’ll have access to games and reading resources to guide your one-to-one reading sessions.

  We also offer face-to-face volunteering opportunities at local primary schools. Volunteers typically support a minimum of two children per week, depending on availability.

  A full list of schools with in-person availability is updated throughout the year and can be found in the 'f2f schools list'.

• Will I receive training before my first reading session?

  Yes! You will have completed all Bookmark training, including safeguarding, before you can volunteer online or go into schools.

• What safeguarding is in place?

  The safety of children and volunteers is our top priority. Bookmark has strict safeguarding policies, including safer recruitment practices. You can read our full Safeguarding, Policies & Procedures online.

• How long does the DBS check take?

  We work with a third party to complete DBS checks. These can take up to six weeks, however, it is normally within 2 weeks. 

  Becoming a Bookmark reading volunteer is a meaningful commitment. Given the investment required to onboard each volunteer (£300+), we ask that you apply only when you’re ready to meet the programme requirements and dedicate the necessary time.

  We work closely with our partner schools to deliver our reading programmes. As such, we are required to adhere to their safeguarding practices and unfortunately, a majority of the schools with whom we partner do not permit volunteers with spent convictions to participate in the programme. 

• What is the minimum age to volunteer?

  Applicants must be 18 years or older.  (EDIT: However we also have our Reading Mentors programme for 16 and 17 year olds which is done through sixth forms and colleges. A school or college must sign up for the programme before students can sign up through them. 

• What difference will I make as a reading volunteer?

  As a one-to-one reading volunteer, you make a direct and lasting impact on a child’s literacy, confidence and enjoyment of reading. Just one hour a week can help a child improve their reading skills, boost self-esteem and open up future opportunities.

  Many of our volunteers see the real-world results of their sessions, and you can read more about the impact of our reading programme on children and schools on our Impact page.