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Volunteer FAQs

How do I get started?

If you are an Oxford Brookes student, the best place to get started is to browse our current opportunities. You can also filter opportunities based upon your interests or availability.

Want to have an initial chat about volunteering? Email volunteering@brookes.ac.uk to schedule an appointment with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Where is the Volunteer Centre?

Usually we are based in Careers, in the John Henry Brookes Building (JHB) on Headington Campus on Thursdays.

Email us at volunteering@brookes.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.

I didn’t start volunteering at the beginning of the academic year - is it too late?

No, it’s never too late to start volunteering!

We have opportunities available all year round, so you can volunteer when it suits you. You can find the latest opportunities on our Volunteer Portal.

How much time do I need to commit to volunteer?

As much or as little as you would like! As we say: give a little, gain a lot.

We work hard to offer a wide range of opportunities to cater to all interests and timetables. Whether you only have a spare few hours or an afternoon free every week, there’s an opportunity for you. 

Do I need any previous experience or skills to volunteer?

Volunteering is accessible to everyone, most charities simply ask for enthusiasm and commitment. Some organisations, however, may ask for specific skills or previous experience. This should be stated in the role description.

What should I do if I apply for something but they don't get back to me?

Contact volunteering@brookes.ac.uk and we will get in touch with the community group on your behalf. We want to make sure that the providers on our platform have the capacity to support and welcome new volunteers, and if they can’t, we want to hear about it!

How long will it take until I can start volunteering?

It often takes longer than people think to organise volunteering. This is because volunteer managers are very busy and they will want to arrange suitable training and inductions for you. If you don’t hear back from the organisation after a few weeks, please email volunteering@brookes.ac.uk

Who can I ask to provide me with a reference?

It’s best to ask a tutor, lecturer, academic advisor or if you have volunteered or worked in the past, a supervisor or manager. The Volunteer Coordinator is unable to provide a reference.

Rights and responsibilities

As an Oxford Brookes student volunteer, you have the right to:

  • Know what is expected of you in your volunteering role
  • Be given appropriate training by your community partner
  • Be safe in your volunteering role and feel supported throughout
  • Have any concerns and questions answered promptly
  • Have your information kept in line with UK GDPR regulations.

We expect all Oxford Brookes student volunteers to:

  • Inform the Volunteer Coordinator and community partner of any change in circumstances that may affect volunteering
  • Comply with the community partners’ policies and procedures
  • Act as a positive role model for Oxford Brookes University
  • Complete any reflective material supplied

  • Volunteers are expected to act responsibly and take reasonable care to ensure that their own safety and the safety of others are not at risk whilst undertaking voluntary duties.

  • Volunteers must never be under the influence of, or carry, drugs or alcohol when volunteering.
  • Provide feedback to the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of volunteering.

Not answered your question?

We’re here to help and we want to hear from you! Drop us an email at volunteering@brookes.ac.uk.

Let us know about how you are volunteering and how it’s going!