DAERA COVID-19 - Volunteer now

In such uncertain and changing times, Volunteer Now is mindful of the amazing support volunteers are bringing to those ‘most at risk’ in our communities. Volunteer Now are working hard with councils, trusts and sporting bodies to respond to COVID-19 needs.

The Department for Communities (DfC) has advised that Volunteer Now is a scheme for individuals and that civil servants are permitted up to 3 days paid annual leave to participate. DfC is looking at this arrangement as a result of COVID-19 and will advise in due course if more flexibility may be provided in that context. As it stands, 3 days paid leave is available through HR Connect.

Anyone interested in signing up to volunteer should visit the Volunteer Now’s website and click the COVID-19 pop up to register.

Staff who decide to volunteer should inform their line manager on or before their first day of volunteering.

Line managers should ensure that staff who do not have access to emails have sight of this.