Already applied to become a Team Up volunteer? Here’s what to expect next in the application process.
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Step 1: Screening event
Once we receive your application, you’ll be invited to book on to a screening event, where our team will interview you to assess your suitability for the Team Up programme.
At this event, we will ask questions to get to know you and your motivations for volunteering. In addition, we ask you to prepare a short teaching activity so that we can get a sense of your ability to explain ideas and support a young person struggling to understand. Sample activities are provided if you’re unsure what these activities could look like.
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Step 2: Reference check and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Team Up is committed to safeguarding and child protection. So we’ll need you to do a number of things so we can check you’re eligible to work with children under 16.
As part of your application, we’ll ask you to give us the names of 2 referees (1 professional or academic referee and 1 character referee) we can contact for a reference. Both referees should have known you for more than 6 months.
You’ll also need to fill out a DBS application form, which we’ll send off on your behalf, to check if you have any criminal convictions. As a part of this process, you’ll need to show us some documents to verify your identity and proof of address in the UK.
This stage can take time which is why we ask applicants to get interviews booked early. Our recruitment team can help you through each step in this stage and answer any questions.
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Step 3: Offer
If you’re successful at your interview and pass your DBS check, you’ll be offered a place on the Team Up programme!
Our recruitment team will share a list of available placements with you and take you through the options available. Our team have a great understanding of each of the schools we work with and will be able to guide you to the right placement for you.
Once you’re happy with your choice, we’ll send a confirmation email with the details of your placement and the name and contact details of your programme lead.
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Step 4: Induction and placement
Once you accept our offer, you’ll be asked to complete our Team Up training.
Our training is made up of self-led modules you can do online whenever suits you before your placement starts.
The Saturday before your placement begins you’ll also need to come to an induction day, where you’ll learn more about the Team Up programme and our curriculum, safeguarding and how to build an effective rapport with young people, as well as meeting your fellow volunteers!
After your induction day, you’ll receive more details about your individual pupils and information about their starting points to help you choose the best lessons from our curriculum.
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Step 5: Ongoing training and support
Your induction day won’t be the only training you receive. During the programme, you’ll also do training on managing pupils, increasing motivation and engagement, and planning to support pupil needs. And you’ll be offered a range of other opportunities for developing your confidence and skills.
You’ll have a programme manager on-site each week at your sessions who will be able to help you. They’ll offer feedback on your performance and help you focus on the areas of development important to you, whether that’s your leadership, teaching or teamwork skills.
Explore our impact
The difference you’ll make
The Team Up programme works – and we have the stats to prove it. When you join us as a volunteer you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of young people from low-income backgrounds.