The matching process

We follow a simple process to help connect your organisation with the right volunteer.

Step 1 – Register your Role

The Reach process begins when you register a role with us. You can do this by downloading a Role Registration Form. We strongly suggest you read our guidance before you fill out the form as it will help you attract the best volunteers.

We use the information you provide to add your role to our online database. This is what potential volunteers see when considering roles. It acts as a sales pitch for your organisation and should aim to motivate a skilled volunteer to come and join you.

If you have any difficulty filling in the form or would like to discuss any aspects of it with us, please call us on 020 7582 6543. Once you have finished filling in the registration form, please email it back to us at mail@reachskills.org.uk.

Step 2 – Reach checks your role

Once we have received your completed form, we will cast our experienced eye over it to ensure that it will appeal to our skilled volunteers. At this point we may contact you with suggestions about how the role could be clarified or refined to make sure that it will sound interesting and challenging. Once we are confident that your role will attract the right volunteers we will get to work on recruiting skilled volunteers for you.

Step 3 – Finding the right volunteers for your role

We search our directory of highly skilled people to find the right combination of skills and time available to suit your role. Once we have selected a shortlist of suitable volunteers we contact them to tell them about your role and ask whether they are interested in meeting you. Volunteers are also able to find your role online by searching themselves, in which case they will contact Reach if they are interested.

We pass on details of the candidates who have the experience you are looking for and who have expressed an interest specifically in your role. You may receive a number of candidates at once or they may come one at a time, it depends on when volunteers contact us. We will always send potential volunteers' details to you as quickly as possible.

Step 4 – Meeting potential volunteers

Once you have received the details of interested volunteers you should contact them to arrange a meeting. There is no need to commit to a volunteer until you have met them. Contact them as soon as you can as in our experience volunteers are at their most enthusiastic immediately after registering. A speedy response will also reflect well on you as an organisation.

When you meet the volunteer you will want to discuss your requirements and their skills and availability to form a view on whether you have the right fit for a successful working relationship. You may decide you want to meet more than one candidate. Volunteers will also be deciding whether you are the right organisation for them.

Once you have met the volunteer you may wish to ask for references. Reach screens volunteers on the basis of experience but we do not check volunteers' references.

When you have decided which volunteer is right for your role, please inform all the volunteers you had contact with whether or not you want them to take on the role. It is also very much appreciated if you tell Reach which volunteers you will be working with.

If you would like any help throughout any stage of the process, please give us a call on 020 7582 6543 and we will be really happy to help.