Volunteer Resources

Good practice guidelines

Incident report form

Disclosure vs concern

Record disclosures or concerns accurately and as soon as possible after the event using the safeguarding incident report form. Contact us as soon as possible. If you're volunteering with an external organisation, contact your staff support within that organisation and then report the incident to us.

We're committed to equality of opportunity for all and all student volunteers should feel safe, welcomed and respected throughout their volunteering. This could be in the community, with a charity, or through a one-off volunteering opportunity. We recognise it has the power to reduce the disadvantages experienced by individuals by making our services responsive to the different needs of individuals and groups.

We want our services, facilities and resources to be accessible and useful to every student regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or any other individual characteristic which may unfairly affect a person's opportunities in life. If you ever feel that you or a fellow student has experienced discrimination at any level, please inform us. Please note that as per our Articles of Governance, any formal complaints must be submitted in writing to our President.

Expenses claim form

Project grant application form

Volunteering can be a great way to keep you feeling good whilst you're studying. Evidence shows that helping others is beneficial for your own mental health and wellbeing; it promotes positive physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. These rushes are often followed by longer periods of calm and can eventually lead to better wellbeing. But what if it all starts to feel like too much?

• Make sure you don't overdo it! Giving too much or giving beyond your means is bad for your health and wellbeing. It is important to begin small.
• Remember to contact us if you have any concerns about your volunteering. You can always take a break or change to a different project if needed.
• If you have mental health difficulties, student wellbeing practitioners can support you.
• Our Advice Service is here to help you with any queries or problems you have while at uni.

We are currently updating our training offer, watch this space for updates.

If your society or sports team is interested in showcasing your sport to local groups, taking part in a fun one-off volunteering day, setting up your very own project, or even just having a team building social, please let us know. We can provide support to help you get your project, event, or session off the ground. This will include training and putting you in contact with the organisations you would like to work with.

In the past, societies and sports teams have: walked dogs at rescue homes, painted and decorated in community centres, ran sports sessions in local schools, arranged group blood donations, organised community clean up days, cooked at homeless shelters, and much more.

How to apply

Just drop us an email at volunteering@shu.ac.uk.

Risk assessment template

Risk assessment example