Volunteering FAQs

This isn't a problem.  The nearest bus and train station is Swindon and we can arrange to collect/return you to the station.  Volunteers must notify their manager in advance to arrange this.

We offer a volunteer campsite with no charge and this is a popular choice.  We can provide accommodation, free of charge, for those volunteers who do not live locally.

The types of accommodation we offer can differ each year, depending on what is available to us.  Accommodation is basic and on a shared basis, with a minimum of 2 people to a room.  The maximum number of people in a room will depend on what type of accommodation is available/booked.  Bedding is not provided in any of the types of accommodation, therefore we ask volunteers to bring a single bed sheet, duvet or sleeping bag and a pillow with them.

Our accommodation is free of charge to our volunteers.

Due to accommodation being limited, all volunteers are required to share, based on a minimum of 2 people to a room.  The maximum number of people in a room will depend on what type of accommodation is available to us/booked.

Washroom facilities are available for all types of accommodation.

We provide volunteers with 3 meals a day on days they are volunteering.  All meals are served in the Airfield Diner and opening times will be provided in the volunteer handbook.  You will find the volunteer handbook in 'MyDocuments' on your volunteer portal, closer to the show.

Managers will provide volunteers with a rota, detailing start and end dates and day to day timings.

Volunteers can arrive on their first day of volunteering or the evening before.

Volunteers can depart on their last day of volunteering or the morning after.

Please note, if volunteers arrive the day before their first day of volunteering, they may have an evening meal in the Airfield Diner.  No other meals will be provided on this day.

If volunteers depart the day after their last day of volunteering, they may have breakfast in the Airfield Diner.  No other meals will be provided on this day.

Volunteers must not arrive any earlier than the day prior to their volunteering start date.  RIAT is a secure site and therefore we may be required to turn volunteers away who arrive too early.

We can cater for dietary requirements if we are given notice.  Volunteers should report any dietary requirements to their manager or contact volunteers@rafcte.com.

This is team and role dependent.  Volunteers should ask managers if they are due to receive uniform upon check-in.

Volunteering hours vary depending on the team and the role.  Once your application form is sent to a team manager for interview, you will have an opportunity to ask this question.

Volunteers may park in the 'staff' car park, this is signposted from check-in at team reception.

All volunteers must report to team reception on arrival to obtain their ID cards and welcome information. All volunteers who are required to arrive prior to the Tuesday before the show must visit site reception via gate G.

Team reception is located opposite Douglas Bader House, Fairford, in what is known as the ‘Crows Nest’. Team reception opening times will be detailed in the volunteer handbook. You will find the volunteer handbook in ‘MyDocuments’ on your volunteer portal, closer to the show. 

All volunteers will be sent a volunteer handbook prior to the show, detailing timings for team reception. This will be readily available on the volunteer portal, along with other helpful documentation. 

Please note that our Night Duty Officers (NDOs) are also available outside of team reception hours.

NDOs are located in Douglas Bader House reception desk

Once you have checked in at team reception, you may drop off your belongings at site 14 (if you are accommodated onsite). If you haven’t been given arrival instructions prior, please contact your manager to find out what to do next.

The volunteer village, also known as the volunteer social area, is located on site 14 and is available in the evenings to all volunteers from 1800 - 2300. Volunteers come here after a long day to socialise and wind down. There is a self-pay bar and a street food vendor, accepting both cash and card payments. Entertainment is also arranged for volunteers to enjoy.

After our show was cancelled due to heavy rain in 2008 provisions have since been made where this will not happen again. 

The British weather is unpredictable so please ensure you bring clothing which is appropriate for all weathers including a heatwave as well as heavy rain.

Yes. Volunteers may bring what they require to help with their stay, however RAFCTE does not accept any responsibility for any lost/stolen personal items that volunteers may bring.

It is highly recommended that volunteers bring a lockable case to store away anything they need to.

Please note, no photography is permitted Northside. This is a serious offence and could lead to removal of volunteers.

It is highly recommended that volunteers bring a lockable case to store away belongings. RAFCTE does not accept any responsibility for any lost/stolen personal items that volunteers may bring

In the first instance, please submit any claims to your manager using the expense claim form. The expense claim form and policy can be found in MyDocuments on the volunteer portal.

We have a dedicated medical centre, run by trained medical staff, where you can seek medical help should it be necessary. Please speak with your manager if you are feeling unwell.

We have an official volunteer Facebook page where you can see and hear from other volunteers. Volunteers can join the Facebook page as soon as their volunteer application has been approved.

Since 2013, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, has been gifted over £6.5 million by its trading company, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises. Full details about our mission to Promote, Support and Inspire, and where the money goes can be found here.

Throughout the year, volunteer engagement (VE) are here to support volunteers throughout their journey. VE can be contacted via volunteers@rafcte.com.

All teams have a manager, this is a permanent member of staff who is there to support and guide volunteers within their teams. Most teams also then have a volunteer manager/supervisor, who is there to help, support and encourage both the team and the manager.

Regular newsletters are sent to volunteers to keep them informed and updated on various aspects of volunteering and RAFCT/RAFCTE.

Our website is a good source of information as well as the volunteer Facebook page.

Prior to the show, various documentation will be uploaded to the volunteer portal under MyDocuments. This will include the volunteer handbook, which contains lots of useful information to help you whilst you are with us.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please reach out to volunteer engagement (VE) via volunteers@rafcte.com.