Volunteering
In line with our strong commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement with the local community, we are proud to offer all University of Manchester colleagues three paid days of volunteering leave, per annual leave year (pro-rata for part-time colleagues).
For many employees, the local community will be Greater Manchester, but we recognise that for some colleagues, volunteering in their local community may take place beyond our city region. We understand the importance of ensuring our employees are able to give time to make wider contributions to social and civic life, and we value the knowledge and skills our employees bring back to their roles, and the wellbeing benefits associated with volunteering.
How do I volunteer?
- Check our Policy for more information and suggestions
- Identify an opportunity: this can be any cause related to the priorities in our social responsibility and civic engagement plan (social inclusion, prosperity, better health, environmental sustainability, and cultural engagement and enrichment)
- Seek line manager approval using our Employee Volunteering Application Form
- Send your completed application to employeevolunteeringapplications@manchester.ac.uk
- Check our FAQ's for further information
- Agree a time that works for everybody involved, and volunteer!
Ways to volunteer
University related activities
Within one of our Cultural Institutions:
Alternatively, opportunities can be sought within Faculty or via UoM Sport.
External partnership: The Access Project
The Access Project is a charity dedicated to supporting under-resourced young people to access top universities through their unique programme of mentoring, skills coaching and tuition.
The Access Project offers colleagues the opportunity to become a volunteer coach, or a volunteer tutor, both of which come with support and training.
External partnership: STEM Ambassadors
Our STEM Ambassador programme supports a network of thousands of amazing volunteers to bring real-life examples of STEM careers into schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. They help to break stereotypes and offer engaging activities to inspire the next generation into the infinite possibilities of STEM pathways.
The STEM Ambassador programme is powered by STEM Learning and funded by UK Research and Innovation.
Our volunteers do not need to have a background in education. We offer training and support to enable our Ambassadors to confidently deliver a range of activities to young people, including career talks.