Whether you already volunteer with the National Literacy Trust as one of our fantastic Literacy Champions, or you are interested in our volunteering opportunities - you’ll hopefully find the answers to any questions about volunteering below.
However, if you still have questions, please do contact us at literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk
Becoming a Literacy Champion
Who can become a Literacy Champion?
If you live or work in our specific National Literacy Trust Hub areas our local team will be in touch to see if there is an opportunity for you to volunteer. You don’t need any specific training or qualifications to become a Literacy Champion, you just need to be self-motivated, passionate about helping your local community, and have strong people skills.
There’s a National Literacy Trust Hub near me, but I haven’t heard from them about further volunteering opportunities.
There could be a few reasons you haven’t heard from your local Hub Manager yet. They may not currently be recruiting for volunteers, you might be outside the Hub’s key volunteering areas, or they may be planning to contact new sign-ups at a point in the near future. If you have any questions, please do contact us at literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk
I’m not near a National Literacy Trust Hub but would still like to volunteer.
If you don’t live or work in one of our designated National Literacy Trust Hub areas, you can still share the joy of reading in your local area. Explore volunteer opportunities throughout 2026 to support of the National Year of Reading here.
Can I still be a Literacy Champion if I’m not very good at reading or writing?
Of course. Being a Literacy Champion is about empowering and supporting those around you on their literacy journey and maybe even sharing your own. There are a range of things you can do as a Literacy Champion, like sharing National Literacy Trust posts on social media, or organising a book swap.
How much time do I need to commit to being a Literacy Champion?
You can commit as little or as much time as you like.
Can I volunteer as part of a group or with family and friends?
Of course! Encourage your friends or family to register as Literacy Champions too using our sign up form. You can then use our guidance documents to organise activities together.
My company encourages me to volunteer. Can you help?
Visit our Corporate Support page to see how your company can support the work of the National Literacy Trust or take a look at opportunities available as part of the National Year of Reading.
Do I need to get a DBS check?
For safeguarding reasons, you will be subject to a DBS check if you are volunteering regularly with children, young people or vulnerable adults. The DBS check will be organised by our local team.
I’ve got a criminal record – can I still volunteer?
Yes, you can. Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering, however your volunteering role will depend on the type of offence and its relevance. You should follow the guidance in the Literacy Champion Handbook you receive after sign-up.
What happens after I sign up to become a Literacy Champion?
Once you have signed up to become a Literacy Champion you will need to provide the additional information needed to volunteer safely, then our local team member will be in touch to arrange your induction session. Once you’ve had this session, you’ll receive our Volunteer Handbook and will be ready to start volunteering!
You’ll be able to see upcoming opportunities through our volunteer portal and our local team member will be on hand for support.
Being a Literacy Champion
How do I find out about other Literacy Champions doing the same role as me?
We will be sharing news and updates in our monthly newsletter, as well as featuring some of our Literacy Champions on our website. Once you’ve signed up to become a Literacy Champion, we’ll add you to our mailing list, where you can find out how others across the country are supporting their local community. You can also check out the hashtag #LiteracyChampions to see what other Literacy Champions are posting on their social media.
Can the National Literacy Trust support my activity on social media?
We can’t promise that we’ll be able to share everything we’re tagged in on social media, but we always want to see how people are getting involved with promoting literacy in their community! We have local Facebook pages and have national social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Can I blog/write about my experience as a Literacy Champion?
You are welcome to share your experience on your own social media channels, which may include a personal blog. However, if you would like to submit a write-up for our website or monthly newsletter for consideration, please speak with your local National Literacy Trust staff member or email email literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk
Can I use the National Literacy Trust logo?
Please do not use the National Literacy Trust logo in any materials you have created to promote your activity without speaking to our local team member first.
Can I claim expenses?
We will reimburse for reasonable travel expenses as agreed with our local team member.
I have forgotten which email I used to sign up to become a Literacy Champion, what do I do?
Please email us at literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk with your full name and postcode. We’ll reply letting you know which email you have signed up with.
Can I change my mind about becoming a Literacy Champion?
Of course. Just let our local team member know or email us at literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk
Fundraising
Does being a Literacy Champion mean I have to fundraise for you?
Not at all. Whilst we gratefully accept individual donations, being a Literacy Champion is about encouraging the people around you to develop their literacy skills and raising awareness of the importance of literacy.
I want to fundraise for the National Literacy Trust, but I'm not sure what to do. How can I get involved?
To find some of the fun and impactful ways you can support us, please visit our fundraising webpage. There you’ll find ideas, guides and inspiration to support your fundraising plans. If you have any questions about fundraising for the National Literacy Trust, please do contact us.
Safety and safeguarding
How can I report a safeguarding issue?
In an emergency, please dial 999.
We take safeguarding very seriously and our self-led Literacy Champions should not plan activities with children or vulnerable adults they do not already work with or care for.
Literacy Champions who work with children and vulnerable people as part of official National Literacy Trust ‘Hubs’ will have valid DBS certificates and be able to provide identification when required.
If any Literacy Champion activity appears suspicious or concerning, please let us know immediately by contacting our local team member or emailing literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk.
You can find more information about our safeguarding policy here.
How do I make sure my activity is safe and legal?
With support of our local team member, you are responsible for ensuring the activities you organise are safe. Follow the policy of the organisation you’re working with, if applicable, or the professional advice of staff supervising any facilities or buildings you’re using.
Feedback
How can I give/receive feedback? Can I make a complaint?
No one is better placed to help improve the experience of volunteering than you. Please email our team at literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk with any questions or feedback. If you wish to make a complaint, you can use our complaints policy at www.literacytrust.org.uk/complaints.