Applying

How do I apply for a place?

If you would like to go ahead to the next stage and apply for a place, all you need to do is complete our application form in the How to Apply section of our website.

There is no commitment by making an application, and when we receive your application we will contact you and provide further information about the project. We would also be very happy to give you a call to tell you more - just let us know your telephone number and when is a good time to reach you, or you can call us on 01242 250 901 (+44 1242 250 901 if outside the UK). Alternatively you can email us with any questions and we can answer them.

We hope to receive your application soon!

Can I apply if I am not from the UK?

Yes, we are very pleased to accept applications from anywhere in the world and we have a good representation of non-UK volunteers, in particular from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

Are there any age limits?

For most of our projects there is no maximum age limit as long as you are in reasonable health for the project.  Our projects have a minimum age of 18 although it is no problem to apply before you reach 18 if you will be 18 when you start the project.

Can I apply with a friend / partner?

Yes, we welcome friends and partners on to all our projects.  In some locations it is also possible to do different projects but to live together.  For all our projects we give a discount to friends and partners who apply together.

Can I apply with my children?

Unfortunately most of our projects are designed for adult volunteering only, but we hope to introduce some more family volunteering opportunities in the future.

Our marine conservation projects are able to cater for families.

When is best to apply?

As long as we have availability, you can apply at any time but we do recommend applying sooner rather than later. In general it's helpful to apply at least a month in advance so that there is time to make the preparations, but we can also deal with last minute applications.

There is no commitment by making an application, and when we receive your application we will contact you and provide further information about the project. We would also be very happy to give you a call to tell you more - just let us know your telephone number and when is a good time to reach you, or you can call us on 01242 250 901 (+44 1242 250 901 if outside the UK). Alternatively you can email us with any questions and we can answer them.

We hope to receive your application soon!

Can you take last minute applications?

As long as there is availability, yes.  We can deal with applications at very short notice, the same day that someone was flying has been arranged before, but is not advised!  In general it's helpful to apply at least a month in advance so that there is time to make the preparations.

Can I contact an ex-volunteer?

The best way to contact PoD volunteers past and present is by joining PoD’s community page on Facebook

It’s a great way to learn more about PoD and your project, see lots of pictures and chat with other volunteers and the PoD team.  If you already have Facebook you can log in and whilst on the PoD page click on ‘Become a fan'.  If you don't have Facebook you can still view our page and to participate you just become a member of Facebook by clicking on the ‘sign up’ button.

Can I meet the PoD team?

Yes, we love to have volunteers come and see us at our offices in Cheltenham, just let us know when you want to come and we can make sure we have some home made biscuits ready!