Volunteering FAQs
Thinking about joining the Invictus Games Spirit 27? We know you'll have questions before applying, and we've put together this FAQ section to help.
Whether you're curious about the application process, time commitments, training, or what it's like to be part of the team, you'll hopefully find the answers you're looking for below. If you're ready to be part of something special, click through to learn more and start your journey.
APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY
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Known as Invictus Games Spirit 27, volunteers will be at the heart of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. As a volunteer, you will help welcome thousands of supporters, support competitors and contribute to the successful delivery of the Games.
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You will need to be 18 years or older at the point of application to be able to meet our safeguarding commitments.
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To apply to become a member of Invictus Games Spirit 27 complete the application form and read the information on our volunteer page.
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Yes. Applications from outside the UK will be welcomed.
If you do not have the Right to Work (RTW) in the UK, you will be required under UK government law to have either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visitor visa to enter the country. Please refer to the rules for your own country on which applies to you. With this you will be permitted to undertake volunteering in the UK for up to 30 days for a charity registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is a registered charity.
Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 cannot provide immigration advice or support individual applications or cover any financial costs.
If your volunteering application is successful, we will supply a letter confirming this to support your ETA/Visa application, for you to show on entry to the UK. This will be in line with the advised volunteer application process timeline. Applicants are responsible for confirming that they have the appropriate permission to volunteer in the UK and for arranging their own travel and accommodation.
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Yes, anyone with UK citizenship, living in the UK, or abroad, can apply to be a volunteer. If you hold dual citizenship and are asked to supply ID documentation, please supply your British passport.
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No, anyone can apply to be a volunteer. We actively encourage those new to volunteering to apply and become part of the community. We will ask you about your personal experience throughout your application, this can be from previous volunteer experience, work, or life in general!
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No. You will need to be 18 years or older at the point of application to be able to meet our safeguarding commitments.
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As part of the selection process, all applications will be reviewed individually. Roles will be allocated based on skills and experience. We encourage all volunteers to meet new people, share stories and make new friends for life.
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After applications close, the team will review each application and match applicants’ skills, experience, availability and requirements to suitable roles. Applicants will be notified in February and March 2027 whether they have been selected and, if successful, which role they have been offered.
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Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will be giving the opportunity for close to 2000 individuals to volunteer. In line with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 impact strategy we will be aiming to recruit at least 25% of our volunteers from the local region and at least 25% from the Armed Forces Community.
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This is often a common requirement for major events. Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will ask for personal details as part of the application process, and if required these will be used to carry out secure background checks. This is all part of our security risk assessment and will ensure a safe games for everyone.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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Your application is done in two stages. First you will create your account, once this is done your application is not complete, but once your account is created you can complete step two at a later date. Step two, to complete your application, this needs to completed in one go, you can not save your progress and return. We recommend allowing around 15-20 minutes to complete your application in one go.
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Some of the questions in your application will be based on the volunteer roles you select. This helps us understand a little more about your skills, experience and preferences relevant to those roles.
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Not yet. Creating an account is the first step. You'll need to complete the full volunteer application to submit it.
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If you have been given an organiser code, enter it in this section of your application. If you haven't been given one, you can continue your application without one.
ACCESSIBILITY & ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
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Yes. We aim to make volunteer roles accessible wherever possible. Role descriptions will explain what each role involves, and you will be able to tell us about any accessibility requirements in your application. We will use this information when matching your strengths and skills to an appropriate role and when considering reasonable support.
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Yes. If this is something you require there will be a place in the application for you to make us aware of this, and any requirements you may need.
TIME COMMITMENT & AVAILABILITY
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Volunteers will be asked to complete a suggested minimum of 5 rostered sessions. The majority of roles will take place within our core event dates, 10th-17th July. Some roles will be required in advance of our core days. We will ask for your availability for these additional days as part of your application.
In addition to this you will be asked to attend one in person venue specific training session, and one online role specific training session. There will also be online training available to read through in your own time. More details will be provided once selected.
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Yes, as well as needing volunteers for our core event days, 10th-17th July we will need your help in the build up. Some of our roles are vital in advance to help us get everything ready! You can select if you would like to be considered for these roles and are available as part of the application process.
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Volunteers will be required across our venues; NEC, BP Pulse LIVE Arena at the NEC and Sandwell Aquatics Centre. We will also have volunteers supporting at dedicated competitor hotels and transport hubs.
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Depending on the role you are selected for sessions will vary in length. An average session length will be between 6 and 8 hours. Some specific roles of team leader roles may be a little longer to ensure volunteers are confident with the roles they are carrying out.
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Volunteers must be able to speak and read English or communicate using British Sign Language (BSL), although English does not need to be your first language.
As we are an international event, we welcome volunteers to let us know if you speak other languages, this information can be included in your application.
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The Venue Operations team are responsible for the smooth running of the venue, all the people and activities within it, collaborating across departments, partners and clients to ensure a safe, successful event is vital. Assisting with things like logistics, responding to incidents, supporting others in busy areas, assisting with equipment moves. This is a very hands on role, suitable for people who like to be on their feet, with a can do attitude.
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Where possible, if you have already purchased tickets we will work with you to try and schedule your rostered sessions around the events you have tickets for. However, this may not be possible, and you will be asked to commit to a number of rostered sessions. You can find more information on the ticket refund and exchange policy HERE
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
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Volunteering at the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, build new skills, grow in confidence and become part of a welcoming volunteer community. You will contribute to a unique and inspiring international event and create memories that can last a lifetime.
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You will receive a meal during your rostered session, and refreshments will be available during your allocated breaks. Please bring a reusable water bottle to your session to help us reduce waste.
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Yes, all volunteers will be provided with a uniform which you get to keep. Details of the uniform will be revealed closer to the event!
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We will do everything possible to cater for individual requirements, you can tell us more about this as part of the application.
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Volunteers will be based in a range of locations, there won't be any guarantees of watching the sport or ceremonies, however, if possible, we will do what we can to get all volunteers to experience some of the action.
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION & EXPENSES
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Accommodation will not be provided for volunteers. Volunteers will be responsible for arranging, if required, their own accommodation.
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Travel expenses will not be provided for volunteers. Volunteers will be responsible for arranging, if required, their own transport. More information relating to volunteer travel will be provided once selected.
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A provision for parking at each venue will be available for volunteers, including those with accessible parking requirements. More information relating to volunteer travel will be provided if successful.
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Volunteers will not receive any financial payment in exchange for their participation in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 programme.
FAITH & RELIGION
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We welcome volunteers from all background and faiths. We will have facilities to cater for prayers and observations at every venue.
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Yes, volunteers can wear their own headscarves or other religious clothing. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
TRAINING & ACCREDITATION
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Yes, all volunteers will receive training to ensure you are confident in carrying out your role. Training will be a mix of online training and an in-person orientation session. There will be mandatory role specific training and venue specific training. There will also be a range of optional training materials available should you wish to learn even more.
More details relating to training will be shared once volunteers have been selected.
If you are an international volunteer, we will contact you separately to make training arrangements.
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Yes, all volunteers will be accredited. This is your access pass to get you into the venue and the areas you are operating from. An accreditation pass is a security device and should be looked after at all times and never shared online.
CONTACT US
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There is a volunteer specific email address which can be used for any questions not already answered. Please contact us on InvictusGames27Volunteers@unitedby2022.com