Salvation Army Shield The Salvation Army
  • Application Process
  • Why should I volunteer?
    • The Boundless Volunteers will play a vital role in the International Congress. They will be the face of Congress and will greet, direct, assist and provide information for delegates. Boundless Volunteers will be a part of history by being among the workforce of the 150th anniversary celebration of The Salvation Army. Through this, volunteers will have the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills and put them into action while making Boundless happen.
  • What can I expect as a volunteer?
    • Serving at Boundless will be amazingly rewarding. It is an opportunity to be a part of the Congress in a unique way. Volunteers will be help make the Congress run smoothly, not only for the nearly 16,000 people coming, but also for those watching online around the world. Volunteers will meet new people, gain knowledge through training, and give back to The Salvation Army. Being a Boundless Volunteer will be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
  • How many volunteers are needed?
    • We will be recruiting and training approximately 500 volunteers to be a part of the Boundless Volunteer team.
  • Will there be a process to apply?
    • Yes, every person interested in a Boundless Volunteer role must submit an electronic application accessible via the Boundless 2015 website from 5 January 2015.
  • What if I don’t have access to the Internet?
    • As we are a small office, we are only able to process online application. Please speak with your corps officer to request assistance, if needed.
  • What is the deadline to apply?
    • Applications will be open from 5 January 2015. The deadline to submit applications is 26 January 2015.
  • Is there a minimum age for volunteers?
    • The minimum age for individuals to serve as volunteers is 18 by the date of training (May or June 2015). We may reach out to youth groups (age 16+) to volunteer as an organised group including a designated leader.
  • Do I need to come from a specific country or territory? How many per territory?
    • Anyone can apply provided you are already authorised to work in the UK. We will not limit the amount of volunteers from any one particular territory, but we cannot guarantee you will serve together.
  • How will you check to see if I am already authorised to work in the UK?
    • Boundless Volunteers will be required to show an existing document proving this eligibility. The Congress Office is not able to assist any individuals with obtaining required documentation. The list below shows the main documents that will be accepted as evidence of that eligibility:
    • A passport showing that you are a British citizen or a citizen of the UK and British Overseas Territories having the right of abode in the UK.
    • or
    • A passport or national identity card showing that you are a national of the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
    • or
    • A residence permit, registration certificate or document certifying or indicating permanent residence issued by the Home Office, Border and Immigration Agency or UK Border Agency to a national of a European Economic Area country or Switzerland.
    • or
    • A full birth certificate issued in the UK which includes the name(s) of at least one of your parents, and an official document giving your permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer (such as a P45 or P60).
    • or
    • An Immigration Status Document issued to you by the UK Home Office, Border and Immigration Agency or UK Border Agency with an endorsement indicating that you are allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or you have no time limit on your stay in the UK, and an official document giving your permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer (such as a P45 or P60).
    • or
    • An Application Registration Card issued by the Home Office, Border and Immigration Agency or UK Border Agency stating that the holder is permitted to take employment (please note that we are legally required to verify this document with the UK Border Agency).
    • The Congress Office is not able to assist any individuals with obtaining required documentation.
  • How long will it take?
    • Applications will open on 5 January 2015 and close on 26 January 2015. The Congress Office will be informing accepted candidates in February, March and April 2015. Not everyone will be informed at the same time.
  • When will I hear if I have been accepted to serve as a Boundless Volunteer?
    • We know that you’ll be anxious to learn the outcome of your application but with many applicants and a small Congress Office team, we ask that you are patient. Don’t worry – you will hear from us. Not all applicants will hear from us at the same time. Volunteers will find out if they have been accepted as a volunteer between February and April 2015.
  • Do I have to have a security check completed?
    • No, you will not need to complete a security check.
  • Do I need to attend an interview?
    • No, you will not be required to attend an interview.
  • Do I need to fill in lots of forms?
    • No, you will only be required to fill out one application.
  • Do I need to provide a reference?
    • We may contact your corps officer as a referee. You just need to provide your corps information. If you do not attend a corps, you will be asked to provide us with the name and contact details of another reference and their relationship to you.
  • Important Dates for Volunteers
  • What dates will I be required to volunteer?
    • The International Congress is an enormous event and it will be essential that volunteers are available to support all along the way. Boundless Volunteers must be available from Monday, 29 June to Sunday, 5 July 2015. This will include a day of on-site training and volunteer service during the Congress.
    • All volunteers must also attend a one-day training event on Saturday, 16 May 2015. This training event will take place at The Salvation Army's William Booth Training College at Denmark Hill in London.
    • For volunteers who are unable to attend the training in-person, a live-stream online option will be available. Volunteers will be able to attend the training live online and participate and ask questions just as they would in person.
  • What training will be provided?
    • Volunteers will participate in a detailed training process that will equip them with the information and skills needed to fulfil the Boundless Volunteer role.
    • Training will take place on Saturday, 16 May 2015 at The Salvation Army's William Booth College in London. On this day you will also participate in role-specific training which will provide you with additional information directly related to your role at Congress. An online live-stream of the volunteer training will be available for accepted volunteers who are unable to attend training in London on 16 May. Individuals will be able to participate, ask questions and give feedback just as if they were in the training room.
    • Venue specific orientation will take place on 29 June 2015 at The O2.
  • Volunteer Travel and Expenses
  • How much will it cost me?
    • Travel to London and accommodation costs are a personal expense. The Congress Office will provide a 7-day public transport Travelcard and meals/snacks whilst serving. This will be collected from The O2 when you check-in on Monday 29 June 2015.
  • What training will be provided?
    • Volunteers will participate in a detailed training process that will equip them with the information and skills needed to fulfil the Boundless Volunteer role.
  • I have already registered but not yet paid for my ticket; can I still apply as a volunteer?
    • Yes, you can still apply to be a volunteer. If you choose to volunteer, we ask that you prioritise your commitments as a volunteer so you will not need to register as a delegate. Please be sure that you are committed to the volunteer programme before deleting your delegate registration.
  • What if I have already paid for my ticket to the Congress?
    • If you have already paid for your ticket to the Congress but wish to volunteer, please contact the Congress Office directly at ihq-congress@salvationarmy.org.
  • Will accommodation be provided for volunteers?
    • No, but there are a number of accommodation sites that you may use as a resource when booking your accommodation, if needed. Check out the accommodation FAQs for more information about the accommodation service available for Boundless, scroll down for links to other external providers.
  • What do I need to arrange myself and what will the Congress Office do for me?
    • You will arrange travel to London and your own accommodations whilst in London. The congress office will provide a 7-day Travelcard for you and refreshments during your scheduled volunteer shifts.
  • Will I get a ticket to the Congress if I volunteer?
    • No. Boundless volunteers will be instrumental in the success of the International Congress and will be required to serve outside the main arena sessions. Some specialist roles will require access to the arena and this will be provided as a part of this role.
  • How easy will it be to get around at Congress?
    • All Boundless Volunteers will be given a 7-day Travelcard and therefore transportation will be quite simple. There are many public transport options to get to The O2. Further details of transport for Boundless 2015 can be found on the ‘Transportation’ section of the Congress website.
  • Volunteers at Congress
  • Will I be covered by insurance?
    • Any volunteers working at the event will be classed as unpaid employees for the purposes of The Salvation Army's liability insurance and for Health & Safety Legislation. The event organisers have a duty to ensure that any premises, open spaces, means of access and egress, and any plant, equipment and substances are safe and without risk to the health of any employees, volunteers or visitors. Full instructions will be given to you at your induction.
    • Provided that you have completed your induction and act in accordance with your instructions, any legal liabilities that may occur should be covered by The Salvation Army's Public Liability or Employers' Liability insurance.
    • (If you are using your own motor vehicle on Salvation Army business, please check with your insurer to see if your motor policy will cover you).
  • If selected as a volunteer, how will the Congress Office communicate with me?
    • The Congress Office will contact you using the email address that you enter in your application. Please ensure that you check for emails regularly. Each accepted volunteer will also receive an email with directions giving them access to the Boundless Volunteer Portal. Volunteers will be able to view schedules and send enquiries through this portal.
    • The volunteer portal can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection. If you have problems logging in, check to see that your email and password are entered correctly. Passwords are case sensitive. If you experience further problems, contact the Congress Office.
  • When will I receive my accreditation, travel card and volunteer apparel?
    • All volunteers will receive these items on Monday, 29 June 2015 when they attend the required venue-specific training at The O2.
  • What are functional areas?
    • Functional areas are the various departments of the Congress that will deliver the different part of the event. Each functional area will recruit volunteers for specific roles to fulfil needs in that particular area.
  • Are there any specialist roles?
    • Yes, some of the volunteer roles will require specialist skills and experience. In all cases, volunteers will be equipped with all the equipment they need to fulfil the role.
  • Will I get to choose where I serve?
    • The Congress events will take place at venues within The O2 as well as other locations around London. You will be assigned to a specific role and venue where you are needed. Volunteers will need to remain flexible about where they serve. Whatever role you are in, you will be playing a vital role in The Salvation Army’s biggest event and being a part of history!
  • Is it possible to switch my role or venue?
    • Due to the scale of the Volunteer Programme, it’s not possible to switch your role or venue. Each area of Congress will need Boundless Volunteers to serve and your training will prepare you to serve in that specific area.
  • Can I volunteer if I require a support worker to help me perform my role?
    • Yes. We understand some volunteers have accessibility requirements and we will work with you to make arrangements so you can participate in the Volunteer Programme.
  • Who will I be serving with?
    • You will be serving with other Salvationists and those connected to The Salvation Army who, like yourself, are willing and ready to serve as a volunteer at Congress. While we cannot guarantee that you will be able to serve with your friends, it will be a great opportunity for you to meet and work with new people.
  • Can I volunteer with a group / friends?
    • We encourage groups and friends to volunteer, but we cannot guarantee that you will be volunteering together during Congress.
  • Is it possible to join the arena sessions / concerts / musical / seminars?
    • There is no guarantee that you will be able to see an arena session, but the Congress Office will try to make it possible for every volunteer to see one arena session.
  • Will I be required to wear my Salvation Army uniform while volunteering?
    • We highly encourage you to wear your Salvation Army summer uniform while volunteering. No tunic will be required. Please take note that you may be assigned to a role which requires standing for periods of time and therefore you should wear comfortable shoes. Women are allowed to wear uniform trousers with their uniforms. If you do not own a Salvation Army uniform, the attire is smart casual. You will be provided with Boundless Volunteer apparel, this is likely to be a vest, to wear over the top of your clothing.
  • What will I do as a volunteer?
    • Your duties will vary by role. You will be given training that will prepare you for your role. As a volunteer you will be assisting in making Boundless happen. You might be welcoming people, seating people, giving directions, answering questions and creating a wonderful atmosphere for delegates. Sample roles include greeters, hosts, and information team members.
  • Will volunteers be given everything they need to perform their role?
    • The Congress Office will provide each volunteer with excellent training that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil your role. Volunteers will also receive proper accreditation and will be provided with Boundless Volunteer apparel, this is likely to be a vest, to wear over the top of Salvation Army uniform or other clothing.
  • Am I getting a reward?
    • As a volunteer, you will receive a free 7-day public transport Travelcard for public transport in London zones 1-6, meals and snacks while on duty, skills training to be used at Boundless and in the future, special Boundless Volunteer apparel to wear whilst serving and a commemorative thank you item at the end of congress to acknowledge your commitment. We hope that each volunteer will be able to also attend one general arena session during the week of Congress.
Ephesians 3:8 - Preach to the nations the BOUNDLESS riches of Christ