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Knowbot reference page

This page has been written to support our chatbot, Knowbot, to answer questions people ask it. Looking for guidance on using our platform?

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Accounts & Login

I can’t log in

Check:

  • You’re using the email address you signed up with
  • There are no typos
  • There are no spaces before or after your email
  • Your password is correct 

You can reset your password using the “forgot password” link.
If you still can’t log in, contact: [email protected] 

 

I haven’t received a verification email

Check your spam or junk folder.

If it’s not there:

  • Try resetting your password to trigger a new email 

If you still don’t receive anything, contact: [email protected] 

 

I can’t view messages

If you’re an organisation:

  • Log into your dashboard
  • Select Messages from the left-hand menu
  • Or select Applications to view applications only 

You can only see messages for roles where you are the named contact.
Each role has one named contact.

 

I want to delete my account

Email the service team: [email protected]k 

 

My organisation has closed

Email the service team: [email protected] 

 

I created the wrong type of account

Email: [email protected] 

 

Applications & Applying for Roles

Why can’t I apply for a role?

You may not be able to apply if:

  • You’re not logged in
  • You’ve reached the guest application limit (5 applications or 30 days)
  • You don’t meet the volunteer criteria 

If you think there’s a mistake, contact: [email protected] 

 

The apply button is greyed out

This usually means the role is not accepting applications.
The role may be paused or closed.

 

The apply button is missing

This can happen if:

  • Your profile has not been approved
  • Your account is no longer active (for example, if you previously requested closure) 

If you think this is an error, contact: [email protected] 

 

Where are my saved opportunities?

Log into your dashboard and select Saved opportunities from the left-hand menu.

 

Volunteering Eligibility

Who can volunteer?

Volunteers must:

  • Be based in the UK
  • Have at least 3 years of professional experience in the skills they want to offer 

Experience can be paid or unpaid, but must be in a professional setting.

 

Can I volunteer if I live abroad?

No. Volunteers must be based in the UK.

 

I live in the UK but I’m from another country

You can volunteer if you are currently based in the UK.

 

Can you provide visas or sponsorship?

No.

 

Can you arrange for me to volunteer abroad?

No. Volunteer roles are all based in the UK.

 

I’m a student or in education

You can only volunteer if you meet the 3+ years professional experience requirement.

This does not include:

  • School work experience
  • Internships  
  • Apprenticeships  
  • School or university projects 

 

I’m under 18

You must meet the professional experience requirement to volunteer.

 

How it works

How do I start volunteering?

There are two ways to apply:

1. Create a volunteer profile

  • Add your experience, interests, and availability
  • Upload a CV or LinkedIn profile
  • Wait for approval
  • Apply for roles through your dashboard 

2. Apply as a guest

  • Apply directly to a role
  • Complete a short form with your experience
  • Your application will be reviewed before being sent to the organisation 

Guest accounts:

  • Expire after 30 days
  • Allow up to 5 applications 

What document formats can I upload?

You can upload .doc, .docx, .txt, pdf, ppt and pptx

 

Organisation Accounts

Do I need a charity number to register?

No.

You can join if you are a:

  • Charity  
  • Social enterprise
  • Education body
  • Public sector organisation
  • Other non-profit organisation 

If you are an unregistered charity, select:
“small or unincorporated organisation”

 

How do I join an organisation?

  1. Register as an organisation:
    https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/user/register/organisation
  2. Verify your email
  3. Log in and choose join an existing organisation
  4. Search for your organisation and request to join 

Your request must be approved by the organisation’s primary contact.

 

How do I create a new organisation?

  1. Register as an organisation contact:
    https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/user/register/organisation
  2. Verify your email
  3. Log in and choose create or join an existing organisation
  4. Search for your organisation
  5. If your organisation doesn't appear in the list, click continue with registration

  6. Follow the steps to complete your organisation profile

     

The organisation contact has left

  1. Register as an organisation:
    https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/user/register/organisation
  2. Verify your email
  3. Log in and choose join an existing organisation
  4. Search for your organisation and request to join 

If no one can approve your request, contact: [email protected] 

 

I want to update organisation details

Log into your dashboard and select Edit profile.

 

Managing Roles & Opportunities

How do I post a trustee role or volunteer opportunity?

You must have an organisation account.

Then:

  1. Log into your dashboard
  2. Click Post opportunity from the list on the left
  3. Complete the form 

 

How do I edit an opportunity?

  • Log into your dashboard
  • Select Opportunities
  • Click the three dots next to the role
  • Click Edit opportunity

 

How do I extend a deadline?

Edit the opportunity and update the deadline.

 

How do I reactivate a role?

  • Go to Opportunities
  • Click three dots next to the role
  • Select Reactivate opportunity
  • Set a new closing date
  • Click save
  • Go to Opportunities
  • Click Reactivate opportunity

You must:

  • Set a future deadline
  • Be within 6 months of the original posting date 

 

Can I change the contact for a role?

Yes, by editing the opportunity.

Note:

  • The new contact will only see future applications
  • Previous applications are not visible 

For access to earlier applications, contact: [email protected] 

 

Why can’t I contact a volunteer?

You can only contact volunteers if you have an active role

 

Why can’t I view CVs or LinkedIn profiles?

You can only view these after a volunteer applies to your role.

 

Recruitment & Eligibility (Organisations)

Can a new organisation with one founder recruit trustees?

Organisations should:

  • Be operating
  • Have demonstrated impact
  • Have more than one person involved 

If you are a single founder but already delivering impact, contact: [email protected] 

 

Costs

How much does it cost to recruit a trustee?

  • Free: charities & education bodies under £1m income
  • £200 + VAT: charities & education bodies over £1m
  • Free: other eligible organisations under £250k
  • £350 + VAT: other eligible organisations 

Enhanced package:

  • £450 + VAT 

Bespoke service (TrusteeWorks): [email protected] 

 

How much does it cost to recruit a school governor?

  • Free: charities & education bodies under £1m
  • £200 + VAT: over £1m 

Enhanced package:

  • £450 + VAT 

Bespoke service (TrusteeWorks): [email protected] 

 

General Questions

Do you offer paid roles?

No. All roles on Reach are voluntary.

 

Do you have remote roles?

Yes.

Use the remote filter when searching opportunities.

 

Where is my invoice?

Invoices are sent by email when your role is approved.

If you paid by card, you’ll receive an invoice marked as paid.

 

I want to speak to someone

A member of the team will respond or call you back.