University Centre for Employability and Engagement launch new volunteering service for staff and students

​The University Centre for Employability and Engagement (UCEE) is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new volunteering service for staff and students; Volunteering Plus.

This new venture is delivered in partnership with Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire (VIN) who have a long history of supporting volunteering across the county and developing the role of volunteering as a driver for change.

Volunteering Plus provides access to a wide range of volunteering opportunities in organisations across the county as well as regionally and nationally. Available through an online portal, Volunteering Plus enables students and staff to search and apply for voluntary roles that meet either their personal needs or enhance their studies or student experience.

In addition VIN will work with a team of student volunteers from the University to train then as Volunteering Champions; promoting the benefits of volunteering and offering peer-to- peer support to identify relevant roles. The Champions will also provide drop in volunteering clinics at both campuses where students can find out more about volunteering, the subject specific opportunities available, and how they can contribute towards developing their employability.

Jane Carr, CEO of VIN, commented; “We are really excited to be working with the University on this innovative new service. The Volunteering Champions will have a vital role in identifying  gaps in the types of roles available to students enabling us to source and develop a wider range of opportunities that not only support students but create better communities.”

Wray Irwin, Head of UCEE said; “The launch of this new service underlines the University’s commitment to supporting communities; underpinning our Changemaker Campus status and investment in the student experience.”

Recruitment for the Volunteering Champions is now open. This is a good opportunity for any student interested in recruitment or working with community organisations. If you know of any students who would be interested in volunteering in this role please ask them to email employability@northampton.ac.uk

The brokerage service is due to be launched on Monday 26 January 2015.