• Is this a paid role?

No, if you are working as a Police Support Volunteer (PSV) or within the Special Constabulary, you will not get paid for undertaking these roles

• What are the benefits for me to volunteer?

You will be able to learn new skills, or add to your existing skillset, which you can apply to your day-to-day life and use to strengthen your CV. You will be able to make new friends as you’ll be working with people from all walks of life and volunteering is well known to improve your physical and mental health. Also, working as a volunteer will allow you to make a real difference to the community and to help us protect the public and keep our communities safe

• Is there a minimum age to be a volunteer?

The minimum age for a volunteer is 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit for volunteers

• Will I be insured?

All volunteers who are engaged in volunteering whilst acting under the direction and control of the Chief Constable are covered by personal accident insurance, providing capital benefits only. There is no cover for loss of earnings

• How many hours will I be expected to work each month?

The minimum expectation will vary depending on the type of volunteer role, but ideally you will be able to provide a regular commitment according to the needs of the role profile

• What training will be provided for the role and will I be given an induction before I start?

Training will be provided based on the nature of the volunteering role and inductions will be undertaken locally to ensure that volunteers complete the essential online learning packages, are acquainted with the building for health and safety purposes and to introduce them to the team

• Would I have to undergo any security or vetting checks?

Yes, all individuals who take up a volunteer role within West Midlands Police will need to be vetted depending on the nature of the role and their access to systems. Volunteers may also be asked to provide references. Please refer to the role profile for further details

• Do I need to have any specific qualifications or work experience?

Please refer to the role profile for the position you are applying for as this may vary – but generally, what we are looking for are people who are honest, have high integrity and professionalism, are friendly and positive towards the public, are able to work in a team and genuinely have great enthusiasm for wanting to volunteer with us

• Would I be working on my own or as part of a team?

This would vary depending on which role you’re applying for, so please see the role profile for more details

• Can I apply for more than one volunteer role?

Yes, of course you can apply for as many volunteer opportunities as you like. If we feel you are suitable for the role then we will invite you to an informal interview selection

• Will I have a manager?

Yes, you will be assigned a line manager if you are successful in your application to be a volunteer with us. You will also receive further support from the Citizens in Policing team should you require any further assistance

• How long does the recruitment and vetting process take before I can start the role?

This will depend on the individual circumstances, the number of people to be vetted and the level of vetting. You should expect this to take a couple of months.

• Do I have to have certain qualifications, level of numeracy or literacy in order to apply?

You do not need any formal qualifications for the majority of the volunteer jobs. Some departments having a special expertise/ knowledge will be desirable but it varies from job to job. We do have a number of positions they do not require any qualifications of a high level of numeracy or literacy

• Do I have to have a background in policing?

A background in policing is not required.  In a small amount of our positions, a background in policing might be helpful. Check each available application to see this

• Am I eligible to become a volunteer for WMP?

You will need to have been resident in the UK for a continuous period of 3 years to be eligible to apply and gain security clearance. If you're from outside the EEA, it's essential that you have leave to enter or to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.

Ideally, you shouldn't have a criminal conviction or cautions record. If you do have one, acceptance will depend on the age and nature of the offence. We are unable to state whether your convictions record will affect your application before you apply. This will be determined from the full and confidential information provided during the volunteer recruitment and selection process.

If you don't tell us about any cautions, investigations or criminal convictions that may be linked to you at an early stage, your application could be refused simply because you weren't being open and up front. It might have been accepted if you were. So if in doubt, disclose.

It's important that you are not under pressure from un-discharged debts or liabilities and that you can manage loans and debts sensibly.

Anyone who has a tattoo which could be offensive to any religion or belief, or is in any way discriminatory, violent or intimidating, will not be accepted. Tattoos on the face, visible above a collar line or on the hands are not acceptable. You will be required to provide photographs of any tattoos on the face, neck or forearms with your application. 

If you are currently using any illegal drugs, this will rule you out of the recruitment process automatically

• Are there any excluded occupations which would prevent me from becoming a volunteer for WMP?

As part of the application process you will need to supply us with your employment history, including any other volunteer roles you have had. If there is a significant possibility that there could exist a conflict of interest in your professional life or other volunteer role, then unfortunately you will not be approved as a volunteer with us