Volunteering

How long do I need to volunteer for? Is there a minimum time requirement?

This is completely up to you and depends on the type of volunteering you wish to do. Some of the organisations ask for a minimum of 2-4 hours per week. These can be long term placements that last a whole semester or the whole year, or just for a week or two. Other charities/organisations are happy for you to do as much or as little as you can. We also run one-off projects, usually at the weekends, which just require you to turn up for the one day. Internal volunteering such as RaG, Societies, Crush and Universe are all ongoing projects within the Student’s Union and allow you to dedicate as much time as you wish, but there are obviously busy and quiet times throughout the year. We want you to enjoy volunteering and make the most of your time at university, and therefore we don’t want you to feel that you are obligated to turn up every week, or let it interfere with your studies.

Will transport and lunch be provided?

For one-off projects the Volunteer Centre provides lunch and transport. For most external volunteering placements you will be required to get yourself to the organisation and provide your own food. However, a great number of them do reimburse your cost of lunch and transport. All organisations should tell you from the very beginning if they are able to do this.

What types of volunteering do you offer?

Opportunities are so varied - you can volunteer with conservation groups: IT, befriending, mentoring, sports, the Arts, Information and Advice, Schools, entertainment and festivals. They can also include working on Crush the Students' Union radio station, the Website, and Universe the Students' Union newspaper. It also includes Course Reps, elected positions in Clubs and Societies and of course RaG. Please have a look at our database, which will give you an idea of what we can offer you. We are also interested to hear of any ideas that you have for projects, or if you are already volunteering.

Will I have to volunteer on my own?

This depends on yourself and the type of volunteering you wish to do. For one off projects there will be a group of students, so you most certainly won’t be on your own. When volunteering for external organisations this can depend on the type of job you are doing. If you don’t want to work on your own, why not find a friend to come along with you.

Will my volunteer work be recognised in any form?

Yes, at the end of the academic year there will be a Volunteer Recognition Evening where everyone will be rewarded for his or her efforts and achievements. It is a celebration of the work done during the course of the year and our way of saying thank-you from the Volunteer Centre. At this award ceremony you will receive certificates that will show exactly what you have been involved in over the year. If you sign up to Vinvolved you will receive an additional certificate that is nationally recognised by all employers. Forms can be found in the Volunteer Centre or can be emailed to you on request. To make sure that you get recognition for all the volunteering you do, please fill in a V-inspired log-book to record each activity you are involved with and get it signed off by the Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Do I need to have any special skills or qualifications to volunteer?

No, you don't. The only thing you will require is a CRB check if you are looking to work with children or the elderly for example. CRB forms can be found in the Volunteer Centre.

Will I receive any training?

This again depends on the type of volunteering you will be participating in. Many external organisations will provide you with some training in order for to carry out your job effectively and this may include some specific training times. For all volunteer opportunities much of the training is likely to be on- the- job training.

How do I find a suitable volunteer placement?

It is our job to help you find an opportunity that is right for you. We want you to enjoy volunteering and get the most out of what you do. Just pop into the Volunteer Centre and let us know what you are looking for. We advertise for many organisations that are actively seeking volunteers, but if none of these are what you want, then we will try and find you something that is.

Will I be monitored or supervised by somebody from the UHSU?

We will be present at one-off projects, and somebody from the UHSU is usually at hand for projects within the university. For volunteers working in external organisations, the Volunteer centre likes to be kept updated of your progress. We will keep in contact with you and your organisation. If you have problems with your placement then you are more than welcome to come to us for advice and support.