How to apply Impact and recognition FAQs
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people? Looking for meaningful volunteer experience? This role is perfect for people who want to develop professional experience in youth work, education, social care, or psychology, or who want to give back to the community.
Please note, you must have proof of Right to Work in the UK.
The Ruby Boots project is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help children and young people from Armed Forces families navigate their transition to civilian life.
This is a flexible and dynamic volunteering opportunity, with opportunities to get involved in both Edinburgh and Fife. There are no set shifts, hours, or days—we can work together to make this role work for you.
To apply, complete the form below or contact our project coordinator directly. We’ll schedule an informal chat to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have.
Apply nowWhat is the minimum age requirement?
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer with us.
Do I need to have an Armed Forces background?
Nope! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who are passionate about supporting forces children and families.
Is there a background check or screening process?
Yes, all volunteers undergo a disclosure check through the PVG scheme to ensure the safety of the children and young people we support.
How long does the application process take?
It typically takes 4-6 weeks to get started, depending on training schedules and PVG processing times.
What training will I receive?
You’ll complete comprehensive training, preparing you for working with children and young people, understanding forces family life, safeguarding, and specific programme activities.
What is the minimum time commitment required?
We ask for a minimum commitment of six months, although many volunteers continue to work with us for years. We’d prefer if you can commit to commit to volunteering two hours per week, but this is not essential.
How far in advance do I need to commit to volunteer shifts?
We’ll ask you to confirm your availability at least one week in advance to help us plan activities effectively.
Who will supervise or support me during my volunteer work?
You’ll have ongoing support from our experienced project coordinator, and you’ll be part of a welcoming volunteer community with other facilitators.
How will I know what’s expected of me?
We’ll offer clear role descriptions, thorough training, regular check-ins, and ongoing communication to ensure you always know what’s expected and feel confident in your role.
Further informationAs a Ruby Boots volunteer, you’ll directly impact the lives of forces children by providing stability, understanding, and support during a challenging transition.
If you have a volunteering requirement for work or school, we can provide official documentation of your hours. After six months, we can also complete reference forms for academic or professional purposes.
We regularly celebrate the contributions of our volunteers with certificates and volunteer awards. Experienced volunteers with an interest in leadership are welcome to take on leadership roles within the project or collaborate on programme development.
As Champions of the Volunteering Charter, we are committed to offering you a positive and impactful volunteering experience. You’ll also benefit from being part of a network of volunteers who work together and meet for coffee and other social outings.