Frequently Asked Questions and your Volunteering

We want you to be confident when you volunteer. With so many opportunities available on our directory and so many options to volunteer during your time at university we want to ensure you're supported and making the most out of your volunteering.

Every opportunity you find through us will provide training, expenses and an excellent opportunity to develop your skills.

We carefully curate our list of volunteering opportunities: our team has approved each role that we advertise and all of our community partners have signed up to our recruiter Service Standards.

Here we've collated our most-common student questions - take a look and let us know if there's anything you're still unsure of - we're here to help.

How can I find an opportunity specific to my interest?

To find an opportunity specific to your interest, you should head over to our directory where you can filter the opportunities according to category, time commitment, location, or a skill you are interested in developing. You can also filter by your course and view opportunities on a map.

I do not know if I will be in London during the summer. Can I still commit to a regular role?

You should always ask your supervisor at your organisation. If it is early in the year they will certainly be happy to have you, but even if it is closer to summer, special arrangements might be made.

Are there organisations that are flexible with regards to timings if my schedule changes every week?

Yes. There are many organisations and opportunities in our directory that do not require you to commit to a specific time every week and that offer flexible schedules. On the directory, under Time commitment choose Flexible, Short Task, Short Term, or One-Off to browse roles that can accommodate a changing timetable.

Where do I find One-Off opportunities?

One-Off opportunities are a great way to get introduced to volunteering and try out many different roles. In the directory, under Time commitment, choose One-Off to browse our selection of special volunteering events. One-off events also appear in the What’s On Calendar, and you can get a great overview of them by clicking Volunteering to filter for our events.

I am under 18. Can I still volunteer?

Yes. For various reasons, there are some roles that only take volunteers over 18, however, there are plenty of roles suitable for those under 18. On each opportunity page, there will be a compulsory question ‘Accepts volunteers under 18?’ where you can check the specific organisation's policy.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the year if I volunteer? How do I sign up for one?

If you need a certificate that proves your volunteering, we can certainly give you one. Just email [email protected] and ask for one. At the end of each year, we also circulate a form to all registered volunteers where you can sign up for a certificate. If you have volunteered for an extended period of time, your volunteering will also be included in your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) when you finish your studies.

I am volunteering outside of UCL. Can I still get it included in my HEAR?

Unfortunately, we can only verify and include volunteering that has been done with one of our community partners on your HEAR. However, you could always ask your supervisor at the organisation you volunteer for to partner with us. Send them our Info for Recruiters page or have them email us at [email protected].

I am already a volunteer and would love my organisation’s opportunities to be featured on the UCL website. What do I need to do?

This is great. We would love to have a chat with your Volunteering Supervisor and see if we're able to promote their opportunities. Send them our Info for Recruiters page to see if they are eligible, or have them email us at [email protected].

I had a great time volunteering and would love to write a feature on it. Who do I contact?

This is great. We love to hear your experiences and are always looking for students’ stories on their volunteering. If you would like to give us an interview either verbally, or in writing, contact [email protected] and let us know where you volunteered and that you would like to share your experience. Read other students’ stories to get inspired here. If you would like to share your story in another format, do share your ideas through [email protected].

 Where do I sign up for the newsletter?

Really glad you're interested in regular updates about the latest in volunteering! Sign up to our newsletter here.

I clicked on a link in a newsletter but I am unable to access the page.

Sorry about that. Chances are, the opportunity that you clicked on has already expired since the newsletter was sent out, or the link was faulty. In any case, do email us at [email protected] so that we can investigate.

Do you also have international volunteering opportunities for students?

The Students’ Union UCL cannot recommend any particular international volunteering opportunities, as we are unable to verify the quality of the placements offered or the soundness of the management. To find out more about where we stand on international volunteering and what you should consider before applying, head over to our International Volunteering Page.

I am an external student interested in one of the opportunities Students' Union UCL is advertising. Can I apply?

Our service caters for current UCL students only. We cannot share any details with you, however, the information that is publicly available on our webpage is yours to use. We suggest going directly to the website of the organisation you are interested in and getting in touch with them from there. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions - Before and on Placement

 I found an opportunity I like - how do I apply?

If you found an opportunity you like press the Express Interest button on the right side of the opportunity page. This will prompt you to login with your UCL details. When you have done this the page will load full details, including how to apply. Follow these steps to apply directly - and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions before you do on [email protected].

 How do I nail my application for a volunteering role?

A good application can help you land your dream volunteering role. Read the Students’ Union’s advice on how to nail an application and an interview.

 Some organisations require references. Who is an acceptable referee?

You should ask your organisation to specify this for you, however, acceptable referees normally include your personal tutor, any academic who taught you at UCL, and your previous/current supervisors at any volunteering or paid placement.

What if I take on a responsibility and then realise that I cannot commit?

When you have taken on a responsibility, the organisation is counting on you and you should let them know as early as possible that you will not be able to commit, so that they can look for someone new and minimise the operational impact.

Who is my first point of contact if I cannot make a volunteering appointment?

This should always be your supervisor directly at the organisation you volunteer for. Chances are if you have an appointment with a charity you will have already talked to them and have been assigned a supervisor. Let them know promptly so that they can work around the delay/fallout of a volunteer. If you only email us it might be too late by the time the information gets to the charity.

Will my travel costs be reimbursed when volunteering for a community organisation?

Yes. We require all of our Partner Organisations to agree to certain Service Standards before we advertise their roles, and this includes reimbursing travel expenses to and from placement, and lunch expenses if the volunteering is a full day. For some one-off events and regular opportunities we will cover your travel expenses. Please see details on how to claim back travel expenses here. We want to make sure that you are never out of pocket for the volunteering you find through us.

How am I protected when I volunteer with one of your community partners?

We require all of our Partner Organisations to agree to our recruiter Service Standards before we advertise their roles, and this includes accepting full liability for volunteers on placement and providing you with all necessary and appropriate training to confidently volunteer in their setting.

I have a problem with my organisation. Who do I turn to?

We are really sorry to hear that you have a problem with your organisation. You should flag this to us at the first instance so that we can investigate it further. If you have any concerns at all, please email [email protected].

How do I update my volunteering record?

We'd love to know how you're getting on with your volunteering - please let us know what you're up to so we can update your volunteering record and check in with you each term.

Frequently Asked Questions - DBS Check

What is a DBS check?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, and it is a government body responsible for checking people’s criminal records. A DBS Check might be needed if you are working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults. There are various types of DBS checks and your organisation or SLP will always tell you which one you need and how to get it. If they require you to get one, they will also pay for it.

 Do I need a DBS check?

It depends on the role you are volunteering in and whether your organisation needs you to get one. A DBS Check might be needed if you are working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults. There are various types of DBS checks and your organisation or SLP will always tell you which one you need and how to get it. If they require you to get one, they will also pay for it.

 How do I get a DBS check? Is a DBS check free?

If your organisation requires you to complete a DBS Check they should supply you with all the guidance on how to apply for one, and they should cover all expenses involved.

What do I need for a DBS check?

If you need to get a DBS Check you will need to provide identification documents. However, the number and type of documentation needed to get a DBS will depend on the type of Check you need. If you need a DBS Check, your organisation will know what type, and will be best placed to advise you on the details of what you need.

If you need a DBS for volunteering on a Student-Led Project, please read our guidance on how to obtain a DBS check and fill in this webform.

I need a DBS check, but only have one form of ID (e.g. I don’t have a driving licence, BRP, etc.). Can I still get a DBS?

The type and number of ID documents required for a DBS check will largely depend on the type of DBS you need, if you need one at all. The best thing to do is contact your supervisor at your organisation and ask about the details.

If you need a DBS for volunteering on a Student-Led Project, please read our guidance on how to obtain a DBS check and fill in this webform.

 Where do I book a DBS document check?

If you need a DBS for volunteering with a community organisation, your supervisor is best placed to advise you on where to obtain it. Please note that we do not normally handle DBS checks for volunteers with partner organisations.

If you need a DBS for volunteering on a Student-Led Project, please read our guidance on how to obtain a DBS check and fill in this webform.

Have a question related to your Student-Led Project that hasn't been answered here? Head over to our SLP FAQs page.

Are you looking for UCL students to volunteer with you? Check out our info for recruiters page.