What is the Volunteering platform for?
The volunteering platform is a service that connects students with local charities, community groups, and university-led projects.
We make it easier for you to find flexible, rewarding volunteering opportunities that fit your interests and schedule.
Do I need previous volunteering experience?
Not at all! Many opportunities are designed for beginners and full training is provided. Enthusiasm and reliability are the most important qualities.
How much time do I need to commit?
It’s completely flexible. Some roles are one-off events, while others ask for a regular commitment (e.g., 1–2 hours a week).
You choose what works for you.
Are all the roles in-person volunteering?
No, some roles you can work from home after you have completed initial training.
How do I sign up?
Browse current opportunities through our online platform, then register your interest.
We’ll connect you with the organisation, and they’ll guide you through next steps such as training or DBS checks if needed.
What if i have applied and not heard back from the organisation about starting?
We suggest giving them a call. Volunteer managers are often understaffed with overflowing email accounts.
Give the organisation a call, ask for the volunteer manager and ask how you can move your application along.
Will volunteering cost me anything?
No. Volunteering should never cost you money.
Some organisations will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, and any training is usually free.
What kind of volunteering can I do?
Opportunities range from mentoring young people, supporting environmental projects, and helping at cultural events, to using your academic skills in tutoring or research support.
There’s something for every interest.
How will volunteering benefit me?
Volunteering is a great way to:
- Meet new people and feel part of the community
- Develop transferable skills (e.g., teamwork, communication, leadership)
- Boost your CV and employability
- Improve wellbeing through giving back
What do I need to do to be awarded a student volunteering award?
Log your hours!
If you log your hours (and the skills achieved through your volunteering) and reach one of the benchmarks below, you will be awarded a CCCU Student Volunteering Award.
- Bronze (50hrs and 2 transferable employability skills)
- Silver (100hrs and 5 transferable employability skills)
- Gold (150hrs and 8 transferable employability skills)
- Platinum (250hrs and 12 transferable employability skills)
- Diamond (350hrs and 15 transferable employability skills)
What support will I get?
Our team will help you choose a suitable role, prepare for your first steps, and stay in touch if you need advice.
The organisation you volunteer with will also provide training and ongoing support.
Can international students volunteer?
Yes, but do check your visa requirements. You are often allowed to work a maximum of 20hrs per week on a student visa and this includes paid work and volunteering.
What if my university timetable changes and I can no longer volunteer?
That’s fine. Life as a student is busy, and organisations understand that.
Just let your volunteering contact know as early as possible so they can plan ahead, and they may be able to find new shifts/availability that suits your new timetable.
Do employers look for candidates who volunteer?
Yes! A Deloitte study in 2016 found that 82% of employers and hiring managers are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience when faced with two similar applicants.
85% of those said they were willing to look past CV, and application flaws a candidate includes volunteer work.
Can I still log my hours if i found a volunteering role myself?
If you currently volunteer, yes you can log any hours from the 1st of September each academic year.
It does not matter if you found an opportunity not through the platform, all volunteer work is amazing!
However, you can only log hours completed during the current academic year, you cannot backdate past volunteering.
What counts as Volunteering?
Volunteering must be unpaid, and for an officially recognised non-profit or charitable organisation.
Volunteering with the University and for the Student Union is also volunteering and includes being a course representative, holding a society committee post or working with our Library/Sustainability/Sport departments.
Still have questions?
Check our website, drop into the Careers and Enterprise Hub on campus, or email us directly at volunteering@canterbury.ac.uk. We’re happy to talk through your interests and help you get started.