All Duke of Edinburgh spaces are now taken for the Spring 2026 term.

We're always happy to provide Duke of Edinburgh placements if we can, but there are a limited number of spaces. Your first contact should be as below; you do NOT need to fill in the online application form at this stage.

• If you are interested in a specific library, please contact that library directly to see if they are able to accommodate you. They'll be able to tell you if they have any possible openings and dates. You can check the opening times and details of all our libraries here.
   
• If you're interested in volunteering at Central Library, please email library.volunteers@milton-keynes.gov.uk making it clear that you are interested in a Duke of Edinburgh award, and include you age, award level and which days of the week you are available.

Milton Keynes City Council expects employees and volunteers to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of any child or adult using our services.

Any person responsible for or working with children or vulnerable adults (whether paid or unpaid) is considered both legally and morally, to owe them a duty of care. This includes behaving in a manner that doesn't threaten, harm or put people at risk from others. All employees working for or on behalf of the council must report any child or vulnerable adult protection or welfare concerns.

This Volunteer Policy describes the arrangement between Milton Keynes City Council Libraries (MKCCL) and its volunteers. This policy sets out the minimum standards for recruitment, induction and the ongoing work of volunteers to ensure the expectations of both volunteer and MKCCL are met.

There are ten Milton Keynes City Council libraries and 92% of households live within two miles of a library. MKCCL aims to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or studies in Milton Keynes, by providing safe and welcoming spaces. MKCCL aims to promote and support reading for pleasure and lifelong learning through a range of resources, activities and events.

Volunteer roles have been created to support these aims. The work of our volunteers helps to enhance and enrich the customer experience and to support, and not replace, paid staff in providing quality services. In line with current legislation both training and attendance is not mandatory for a volunteer role.

1. Recruitment

• Volunteer roles will be advertised on the library website, social media, posters and in response to personal enquiries.
• Applicants are asked to complete an application form and will be given information about the role.
• Volunteers meeting the required criteria will be invited for an interview.
• Acceptance is subject to two satisfactory references, and there is a 4-week trial period. If relevant to the post, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks will be required.

2. Induction and Training

• Volunteers will be provided with an induction on the work of Milton Keynes City Council Libraries, its staff, and the volunteer role.
• Volunteers will be asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement which outlines what is expected from volunteers and what they can expect from MKCCL. In commencing the role, the volunteer commits to delivering the key tasks as outlined in the relevant role description. This volunteer agreement is binding in honour only and there is no intention to create a contract of employment between MKCCL and its volunteers. 

3. Supervision and Support

• Every volunteer will be assigned a named member of library staff who will meet with them at regular intervals to discuss their volunteering and any successes or problems arising.
• Supervising staff will explain the service standards expected and then encourage and support volunteers to achieve and maintain them.

4. Equality and Diversity

• MKCCL is committed to building a diverse organisation that is responsive to the needs of our community.
• MKCCL is committed to equal opportunities at all stages of volunteer recruitment.
• Short-listing, interviewing and selection of volunteers will always be carried out without regard to protected characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.

5. Health and Safety

• Volunteers will be provided with adequate training in compliance with the library’s health and safety policy, a copy of which is available from the Volunteer Coordinator.

6. Insurance and Expenses

• The library service will provide adequate insurance to cover volunteers while they undertake approved and authorised voluntary tasks. However, volunteers will be responsible for ensuring adequate vehicle insurance cover for voluntary work if this is required by their insurer.
• Volunteers will be reimbursed expenses when applicable and agreed in advance.

7. Problems

• Any problems or difficulties volunteers may have while volunteering in the library service should be directed to the key staff contact or to the Volunteer Coordinator, who will aim to resolve the issues quickly and fairly.

8. Confidentiality

• Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements as paid staff to maintain the confidentiality of information within the organisation.

9. Leaving Milton Keynes Libraries

• Volunteers are free to cease volunteering with MKCCL at any time.
• Where possible it is helpful to give as much notice as possible.
• There may also be times when MKCCL will ask a volunteer to cease volunteering for various reasons.
• MKCCL may be able to offer a character reference for future employment or applications, subject to a minimum of six months regular volunteering. This is not always possible, and volunteers must get agreement from their named contact or the volunteer coordinator before sharing any contact details.