Boosting your Employability: Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and develop the skills employers are looking for, as well as giving you the chance to meet new people while supporting an organisation you feel passionate about.  

Although some work experience opportunities have been cancelled or shortened because of COVID-19, you still have the option to gain experience and develop your skills through volunteering. According to Do-It, 80% of employers value volunteering on a CV,  so it could ultimately help you secure your dream job.

Volunteering can be flexible to fit around your existing commitments. Work out how many hours a week you can comfortably commit to and search online for opportunities that match your availability.

Volunteering in the UK 

If you’re looking to do some volunteering here in the UK, check out the volunteering opportunities on our website and on MyCareer. 

Projects have been set up across the UK in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re looking for volunteering opportunities in the North East, Go Volunteer is a great place to start. They are currently advertising opportunities such as food parcel delivery drivers, telephone befrienders and warehouse support, as well as linking to a range of other initiatives across the North East. Citylife Line are also looking for volunteers to help support voluntary and community organisations. 

Virtual volunteering 

If you’re unable to leave home to volunteer, you can still get involved and make a difference virtually.  There are lots of virtual volunteering opportunities available from transcribing historical records, to sending letters to sick children in hospital, to running social media campaigns. 

See the Careers Service website, Do-it and Go Volunteer for links to organisations offering virtual volunteering. 

Volunteering Overseas

The opportunity to volunteer overseas will be limited in 2020, however, that doesn’t stop you researching options for the future. It can be an amazing experience, giving you the opportunity to explore new countries and cultures, while making a difference. Our website has links to organisations that offer volunteering opportunities overseas. 

London School of Economics has a useful guide to help you research the organisation you are considering volunteering with, make sure you find out what costs are involved and what support they offer. 

Charity Status 

The majority of charities in the UK are registered with the Charity Commission.  You might find that some very small charities may not be but are still legitimate – check with the Charity Commission if you aren’t sure.  It’s important to check this out before you start your volunteering, particularly if you are in receipt of certain benefits.  

With so many positives to volunteering, why not give it a go?  If you need advice about your volunteering options you can contact the Careers Service through MyCareer.

If you’re a current undergraduate student and will be volunteering over the 2021/22 academic year – why not register for the ncl+ Award? You’ll get the chance to take part in workshops, meet employers and gain recognition and credit on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) for the time and effort you put into your extra-curricular activities.