Introducing the Volunteer Passport
Explore the portal today and see where volunteering could take you
Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back, meet new people and pick up skills along the way. Now, thanks to our Volunteer Passport Portal finding the right role has never been easier.
The Northumberland Volunteer Passport is a digital hub launched in last year to simplify volunteering. It allows users to track hours, gain training and earn digital badges that build a verified portfolio of skills. By streamlining recruitment and onboarding, this tool helps local organisations manage teams whilst also enabling residents to find impactful, flexible opportunities to support the community.
Whether you’ve got an afternoon to spare, or you’re looking for something longer term, the Volunteer Passport Portal makes it simple to get started. Every role helps build a stronger, more connected Northumberland and you might just find something that changes your life too.
Explore today and see where volunteering could take you
Click on the images below for more information
Why get involved?
The Volunteer Passport is more than just a logbook, it’s a way to:
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Show off your skills and experience.
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Try different kinds of roles, depending on your time and interests.
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Build confidence, connections and even career pathways.
For organisations, it’s a chance to cut down on admin and focus on what really matters – making a difference.
Find out more from our Programme, Nicola Duffy, in our short video below
Simplify your volunteer management
If your organisation depends on volunteers, our Volunteer Passport offers a streamlined, all-in-one solution for managing roles, applications and communication.
We’re providing FREE access to Assemble – an intuitive platform designed to help you:
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Streamline recruitment and onboarding – eliminate the hassle of chasing references and DBS checks
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Engage and motivate volunteers – track contributions and celebrate achievements
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Showcase volunteer impact – provide a portable, verified record of each volunteer’s experience
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Save time and resources – perfect for small teams delivering big results
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Boost retention and reduce burnout – for both staff and volunteers
Our team will get you started by adding your organisation and initial roles to the system, with ongoing administrative support available whenever you need it.
Ready to learn more?
Complete our short form, and we’ll send you an invitation to a demo session explaining how the Volunteer Passport works and the simple steps to get started.
Contact us
Kay – kayhk@thrivingtogethernorthumberland.org.uk
EmmaJane – emmajanemcguire@thrivingtogethernorthumberland.org.uk
What you've told us ...
From feeling stuck to being unstoppable! How the Northumberland Volunteer Passport is helping people find their spark again
It’s amazing when we hear how a simple digital tool is actually changing someone’s life! We’re finding that the Northumberland Volunteer Passport is so much more than just a website and app – it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to find impactful, flexible opportunities to support the community.
Tara’s story with Northumberland Parent Carer Forum
Imagine being out of the workforce for years, feeling isolated and thinking your only identity is parent-carer. That was the reality for one local volunteer. But through the Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, Tara found help from Gemma and a tribe who ‘just got it’.
Instead of feeling like she’d lost herself, Tara realised her lived experience with SEND was actually a gift and a talent. Now, Tara isn’t just ‘Mum’ – she’s a trained advocate who speaks at national conferences. A year ago, she was too scared to speak in public; now, you can’t hold her back.
Tara said:
Volunteering for NPCF has had a dramatic impact on my life. I’ve found something that I am passionate about and gives me a purpose – and for me, that is essential for my wellbeing. My confidence has vastly improved and I feel better equipped to advocate for not just other families, but myself and my own children .… I have made friends who understand, and I have a network of people I can call on when help is needed. I’m no longer isolated. Finding that little bit of courage I needed to go meet Gemma was the best thing I could have done last April.
Using the Assemble App
We asked Karen, a volunteer with Healthwatch Northumberland, if she could tell us a little bit about her experience of Assemble, the digital app we use to manage the volunteer passport.
I help with admin tasks in the office and with community engagement activities at a nearby hospital. Assemble has been really useful for my volunteering. It’s very satisfying that it records my volunteering hours so I can see how much time I’ve contributed. I can easily accept invitations to attend different events or activities and I can manage all my volunteering messages in the Messaging Centre, where I can message my Volunteering Officer as well as my volunteer colleagues. I also find the calendar useful to keep track of what I’m doing when. The app is very easy to use on my mobile phone and useful to have when out and about.
Karen, on the left, with Lorna, Engagement and Volunteering Officer for Healthwatch Northumberland
Join our Action Team
Looking for a flexible and meaningful way to give back to your community? Then why not join our Action Team
Whether you’d like to help at events, contribute from home, or get involved locally, there’s a place for you.
The best part? There’s no pressure – just opportunities. You’ll receive regular updates about upcoming events and activities, and you can decide when and how you want to take part. It’s volunteering on your terms.
Why we want you
Throughout the year, there are countless exciting ways to get involved. From cheering on runners and supporting street collections, to sharing information or helping behind the scenes, you’ll be playing a valuable role in helping your community thrive.
What you’ll be doing
Depending on your interests, you might choose to get involved in:
- Community Events: Help with setup, registration, or clean-up
- Fundraising: Support campaigns or events that raise vital funds
- Tutoring: Assist students with their learning and confidence
- Litter Picking: Help keep community spaces clean and welcoming
The skills you’ll bring
You don’t need any special qualifications to join. If you have a team-player mindset, good time management, and clear, confident communication, then that’s all that’s required to make a valuable contribution.
What you’ll get in return
When you join the Action Team, you will receive briefings and training tailored to your role, along with access to a personal volunteer profile and portal on our Assemble platform.
You’ll be supported and recognised by our dedicated volunteering team and will enjoy first access to new opportunities as they arise. If you wish, you can also grow into more fixed or specialised roles over time. Above all, it’s a fun and rewarding experience that fits around your schedule.
Your Safety Matters
We’re committed to creating a safe environment for all our volunteers and learners. That’s why we carefully select, check, and support all volunteers as part of our safeguarding commitment.
Ready to Take Action?
Be part of something meaningful. Empower your community, support those who need it, and join a network of people making a difference.
The Action Team is built around choice and flexibility
When something comes up that fits your interests or availability, you simply opt in - there’s no need to reapply each time
