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Student Welcome Guide
Welcome to Volun-tees – the University programme to help you make the most out of
volunteering while at University. We are here to support current University students,
recent graduates and members of staff to get involved in volunteering. With many
ways in which to get involved, we’re sure we have an opportunity for you!
There are many reasons why people choose to volunteer – to help and inspire others,
to gain skills and experience or just to have fun and meet people. Whatever your
reason, we’ll show you how to make the most of your time and make sure you enjoy
your volunteering experience.
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Things to consider...................................................................................................................3
The opportunity..........................................................................................................................3
Time commitment......................................................................................................................3
Location..........................................................................................................................................3
What can you do?....................................................................................................................4
One-off events..................................................................................................................................4
Short-term volunteering.................................................................................................................4
Long-term volunteering..................................................................................................................4
The volunteer action plan.....................................................................................................5
Applying for an opportunity...........................................................................................................5
What happens next?........................................................................................................................6
About me examples.................................................................................................................6
Example 1.........................................................................................................................................6
Example 2.........................................................................................................................................7
Example 3.........................................................................................................................................7
Role application examples....................................................................................................7
Example 1.........................................................................................................................................7
Example 2.........................................................................................................................................8
Recognition for volunteering...............................................................................................8
Recording your hours......................................................................................................................9
Organisation approval/endorsements............................................................................10
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Things to consider
The opportunity Is this something that you really want to do? Is this something you are passionate about? There are many opportunities available so choosing the right one for you may take some time. Remember though – it’s not all about you. Organisations invest a lot of time and effort into supporting volunteers and you need to make sure you have something to give back to them and you will be committed to the role.
Time commitment Would you prefer a short term opportunity, a one day event or a more regular activity? Can you volunteer throughout the year, including holidays? Think about what you are able to offer an organisation and check the details of the opportunity to see what commitment they need and if you can match it.
Location Where is the opportunity? Can you get to it? Use the google maps to find out where it is. The voluntary organisation will be able to answer all these questions and more so don't be afraid to ask. Find out as much information as you can.
What to do
You may have a very clear idea about the sort of opportunity you're looking for. However, try to keep your options open as far as possible. You may find an ideal opportunity in the most unlikely of places. You can also talk to a Careers Adviser, course tutor or the Volun-tees staff who can provide advice and support to help you decide what to do.
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What can you do?
There are many different ways to volunteer and you can start your volunteering experience at any stage.
Long-term volunteering This involves engaging in a volunteering role with an organisation/project that may last the length of your course. This usually requires a regular scheduled commitment. Each organisation/project works differently, and you may need to complete an application form, and in some cases have an interview. Volunteering for popular opportunities can be competitive, so you need to make sure you submit the best application that you can.
Short-term volunteering An activity that takes place over a number of weeks, with a specific timescale and task to be completed. This could be a University opportunity such as a MAD project or a short-term community-based activity (such as planning an event/delivering a set project with a deadline). A longer commitment, but a project to really help develop your skills.
One-off events A brief introduction to volunteering which enables you to get involved in a one-off activity such as a Make a Difference Day (MAD). These could be University or community based and give you an insight into what the organisation/project involves.
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Getting started
1 Register on Volun-tees voluntees.co.uk.
2 Complete the UPDATE PROFILE section to help us recommend specific
opportunities to you.
3 Complete the ABOUT ME section. This is an introduction to
organisations/projects that you are looking to volunteer with, so it’s important
to use this as an opportunity to tell them about yourself – your interests, any
previous experience, what interests you in this role
4 Add a photograph of yourself so we know who you are.
The extra information helps us to match you to any specific opportunities on the
website. Examples of ABOUT ME sections are in this guide.
If you have already written your ABOUT ME, or want to update it with new
information, you can edit this through your profile page.
The volunteer action plan
As part of the registration process for Volun-tees you can complete an action plan, this
enables us to help you find the right opportunity and help with any volunteering ideas
you may have.
Applying for an opportunity
Please provide information such as any relevant previous experience, why you think
you are suitable for the position, and what skills you can bring to the role.
Volunteering roles are competitive so there is every chance that other volunteers are
applying for the same position – make sure your application stands out. Examples of
applications other volunteers have made are included at the end of this document.
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What happens next?
The Volun-tees team checks your application – if you have not submitted enough
information, we will reject this and ask you to submit again. You should choose a
maximum of three community-based volunteering roles that you wish to apply for.
This is to ensure that you are fully committed to the opportunity. We will reject
your applications if you apply for too many.
The organisation representative will contact you directly. Please bear in mind that
some community organisations have part time members of staff, but if you do not hear
anything within seven working days, contact us and we will contact the organisation
on your behalf.
You must ensure that you respond to the organisation when they contact
you. We will not approve further applications until you have responded to
the organisation. If you are no longer interested in the opportunity, please
let the organisation know so that they can focus their time on other
applications.
About me examples
Example 1
I am about to commence the second year of a physiotherapy degree. Previously I have
volunteered for a year at Teesside Hospice on a Saturday. I have also spent some time
assisting the staff at Kirkleatham Hall School, working with children with learning
difficulties. My current hobbies include going to the gym and swimming, having been
a competitive swimmer for six years at Middlesbrough Amateur Swimming Club. I am
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interested in further developing the skills required by the profession, whilst gaining
additional experience
Example 2
I am a second year student studying early childhood studies, interested in looking for
a variety of experience around children and families. I have had previous experience
in playgroups and Girl Guiding UK as a young leader for Rainbows. I have hobbies
including keeping fit through jogging and experimenting with cooking. I’m interested
in picking up more hobbies relevant to my course and feeling as though I can
contribute to making children and families lives more positive.
Example 3
I am currently studying psychology and counselling. I have a passion for helping
people which is why I have chosen the career path that I am taking. I am highly
interested in mental health and what causes a person’s behaviour. I am a sociable and
approachable person, and I like to make people feel comfortable and at ease when they
are around me. Once graduated from University, my aim is to become a child
psychologist or a counsellor so I can make a life changing difference to a person’s life.
Role application examples
Example 1
Hello – I’d love the opportunity to help the riders at the Unicorn Centre. I’m currently
in the third year of early childhood studies at Teesside University with a view to
working with young children in a classroom setting. I am also a competent rider with
knowledge of tacking and untacking ponies and horses and preparing them for riding.
I have also had experience in leading horses on a guide rope and I am certainly open
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to helping with mucking out and general jobs around the Unicorn Centre. Please
consider me for a volunteering position as I would love to work with you.
Example 2
I am applying for the position of therapeutic care volunteer as I believe that it would
be an excellent opportunity for me to further develop the essential skills required by
the physiotherapy profession, whilst allowing me to gain valuable experience through
supporting patients. I believe I would be good for the role as I have personal experience
of benefitting from care, support and empathy during rehabilitation. Consequently, I
understand the importance of using these qualities, which I feel I possess, to benefit
patients during their treatment.
Recognition for volunteering Certificates of recognition are provided for students submitting their hours of volunteering through Volun-tees which are presented at the Volun-cheers Awards dinner which takes place in May.
The +Plus Award consists of: Volunteering experience – a minimum 50 hours (achieving the Bronze Award) +Plus award volunteering – an additional ten hours skill-based volunteering Reflection – review your volunteering experience with a one-to-one session with a Careers Advisor. Students recording 50 hours for the Bronze Award and ten additional skill-based volunteering hours will receive the Bronze +Plus Award.
Certificates of recognition are: Bronze Award 50 hours Silver Award 75 hours Gold Award 100 hours Platinum Award 250 hours
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Volun-cheers is the annual celebration awards night for students and organisations
who have been involved in Volunteering. All students who have achieved certificates
of recognition and Plus Awards are invited to attend.
The awards also provide recognition for those who have gone above and beyond their
role as a volunteer. Organisations and project leaders submit nominations for
outstanding volunteers. Volunteers can also nominate their mentor or host
organisation/project for an award too. A great way to say thank you for the support
you have received.
Recording your hours
Go to LOG YOUR HOURS on your homepage. Type in the name of the organisation
you are volunteering with. This should automatically appear in the box. If the
organisation is not registered with Volun-tees, type in the 0rganisation name along
with the contact details for the person who can verify your hours. Complete the
additional sections, and in particular think about the skills you have gained and reflect
on the activities you were involved with whilst volunteering. These recorded skills and
notes help you later on to reflect on what you have gained from your volunteering
experience. You can register any hours relating to your volunteering role including
travel time/preparation/training for volunteering role.
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Organisation approval/endorsements
Once you have completed your hour submission, this is sent to the organisation to
verify. They have the option to provide you with an additional endorsement – such as
recognising the contribution you have made to the organisation, skills developed or
just to say thanks. When you are nearing the end of your volunteering role with an
organisation/project – contact them and ask if they would be willing to provide you
with an endorsement on your Volunteering record. Great evidence to show future
employers.
