Volunteer FAQ: Our volunteering team answer your burning questions

Got a question about volunteering with St John Ambulance? Our volunteering team have provided answers to some common queries:

How do I apply to volunteer with St John Ambulance?

Apply online at sja.org.uk/volunteer

What training qualifications do I need?

For most of our roles, we’ll provide all the training you need. Some volunteer roles, such as those for professional clinicians, require you to hold a qualification before you apply. The requirements for each role are available at find your volunteer role.

How much time do I need to give?

We ask for 60 volunteering hours a year, which can be done at a time and location that suits you.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to become an adult volunteer. We ask volunteers in our youth programmes to pay yearly subscriptions to cover costs including equipment, certificates and badges. For more information, see our information for parents

Can I use St John Ambulance volunteering to do my Duke of Edinburgh award?

Yes! Many of our young volunteers have done this. Find out more about joining cadets to complete your Duke of Edinburgh volunteering with St John Ambulance.

Can I do my work experience with you?

Unfortunately we are unable to support work experience at this point in time.

What night of the week do you meet?

This one depends on the group (unit) you chose to go to, as units meet on different nights, weekends or even during the day.

I want to be a paramedic. Will you train me?

Unfortunately you can only become a paramedic by attending a university that offers a paramedic science course. You can work your way up with some NHS ambulance services; however you would need to check with them. Our volunteers will be trained to FutureQuals Level 3 and Level 4 Awards in Emergency Care (Emergency Care Assistant and Associate Ambulance Practitioner) which has replaced IHCD.

I live abroad and want to volunteer.

St John Ambulance only covers England. Visit www.stjohninternational.org to find out about the work of St John International and find a volunteer role near you.

I live in Spain and want to volunteer with you; will you provide me with accommodation?

I am afraid we don't provide accommodation - to apply to be a volunteer you need to be living in the UK

Can you help find my relative? They are or used to be a volunteer.

A tricky one, but we will try! While we cannot give out volunteers’ details, we will see if we can locate them and pass on the details of the relative who wants to find them - if the relative agrees.

Volunteer with St John Ambulance