Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know that you are a volunteer if you are any of the following within Queen’s?

• Club/Society Committee member
• Voluntary or Charitable Club/Society Member
• Peer Mentor
• Academic Rep
• Student Association Commitee Member 
• Homework Clubs volunteer
• Handy Helper
• Student Councillor
• Green Impact Project Assistant / Auditor
• Helping out in a chaplaincy
• Active member of RAG

How do I get certificates to recognise my volunteering?

Prestige Volunteers is endorsed by Queen’s Students’ Union and provides recognition for the volunteering efforts of students.  If you are already volunteering, or would like to start you can sign up to the award scheme. Your volunteering can be recognised if it takes place within Queen’s (e.g. if you are a committee member of a club or society) and/or if you are volunteering independently within an external organisation.  Once you register, you will receive a log book which you use to record your volunteering hours.  You can submit your log book when you reach 50, 100, and 200 hours where you'll receive a certificate which recognises the valuable efforts you are making in your community as well as the training and skills you've gained. Fill in the form below to register. 

Prestige Volunteers Registration Form

How do I find a volunteering opportunity?

We run a range of events (e.g. fairs, taster sessions, workshops) throughout the year where you can explore a range of volunteering opportunities with external organisations.  Check out our What's On page to see what events/activities are being held.

You can sign up to our monthly newsletter so you can keep up to date on all the latest volunteering opportunities available.

You can browse the latest local and remote opportunities with external organisations, on our website.

Or you can tell us what you are specifically looking for by emailing su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk ....we will make some suitable suggestions and you can go ahead and link you in with your chosen organisation. Also, it’s ok if you’re not quite sure what you’d like to do, just tell us that and we will show you a range of opportunities.

You can also search for volunteering opportunities on MyFuture:

• Log in to MyFuture
• Select ‘Jobs’ from the top panel and click on 'Search Jobs' from the drop-down menu
• Refine your search by clicking ‘Advanced search’ and under the ‘Position type’ drop down box click ‘Voluntary’
• Select ‘Search’ and find your perfect volunteering role!

I want to volunteer but I don’t have a lot of time.

Sounds like Handy Helpers could be right up your street. This initiative hosts a variety of one-off volunteering initiatives to help the community and you just attend the sessions that suit you. Register and find out more here! Oh, and did we mention you can achieve the Future-Ready Award by taking part?

How do I achieve the Future-Ready Award through my volunteering?

Prestige Volunteers recognises volunteering efforts of students through certificates, endorsed by Queen’s Students’ Union, for 50, 100 and 200 hours of volunteering.  Students must register for Prestige Volunteers.  They will then be given access to a record book allowing them to record their volunteering hours.  Students must complete 50 hours of Prestige Volunteers (these hours will be verified by a volunteering supervisor) over the course of their studies.  Upon successfully verified completion of 50 hours, students must submit a 500 word essay to su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk detailing how volunteering has impacted on their personal and professional development.  Both the 50 hours and the essay elements must be completed by 1 April (summer graduation) or 1 November (winter graduation) on the students’ year of graduation.

Combined Experience If you are volunteer and involved in at least one other extracurricular activity like a part-time job or being a course rep (see here for the many different options) you can make a Combined Route application for the Future-Ready Award using the application Step-by-Step in MyFuture (the link to this is on the Future-Ready Award Homepage). Apply before 1st November (for those graduating in winter) or 1st March (for summer graduates).

I volunteer in a leadership role (e.g Academic Rep / Club & Society Committee Member) with significant responsibility. Is there any way I can further develop my skills?

Absolutely! If managing other volunteers is part of your role, we can give you lots of pointers and tips.

Keep an eye on What's On for training options too!

Talk to us about what type of training you feel you need and we might be able to support you to access this.

If you have got a charitable or voluntary idea of your own, we can provide you with the guidance you need to set up and structure your project for maximum impact. We can also introduce you to key contacts that can help your project succeed.

Drop us an email on su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk to arrange a chat!

I want to set up a volunteering initiative, what do I need to do?

We are always happy to hear from students who have voluntary/charitable ideas and can provide plenty of information to get you started.  We can also link you in with relevant contacts in our network of over 500 not-for -profit organisations for further specialised guidance/advice. Drop us an email on su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk to arrange a chat.

I am encountering a particular challenge around my volunteering role/journey, can SU Volunteer help?

Yes! Please email su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk for a chat.  We are more than happy to provide advice/guidance around any volunteering-related topics.

I signed up the SU Volunteer Monthly Newsletter but I haven’t received it.

This is a monthly newsletter and is circulated the first week of the month (October - May), if you signed up more than a month ago please let us know on su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk and we will double check the sign-up was processed.

If you are using MS Outlook, please make sure you check your ‘Other’ inbox by clicking on the ‘Other’ tab at the top left corner of the main navigation menu. To add SU Volunteer newsletter to your ‘Focused’ inbox, right-click on any Volunteer SU newsletter in your 'other' inbox, then select ‘Move’ - ‘Focused inbox’. This way any future newsletters from SU Volunteer will automatically appear in your main inbox.

I no longer want to receive the SU Volunteer Monthly Newsletter.

Just drop us an email on su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk and we will remove your email address from our mailing list.

I am on a Tier 4 visa. Can I volunteer? 

Students who are a Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national must ensure that they are not working or completing voluntary work more than what their visa permits. For example, students who are studying at degree level or above on a Tier 4 Student visa cannot work more than 20 hours per week during term time (term time can vary depending on the level of study or research).  Queen’s University applies this term time restriction throughout the academic year – any variation in policy will require the Tier 4 student to obtain written permission from International Student Support.

There is a difference between unpaid employment (voluntary work) and volunteering, and students should check with the organisation which offers them a volunteering opportunity, whether it can be regarded as unpaid employment. This is because time spent doing unpaid employment counts towards a students’ maximum number of hours of work a week.  Students can volunteer only, providing it meets the definition outlined on pg.13 here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/810901/short-term-students-v10.0-ext.pdf

A breach of working conditions or work prohibition is treated very seriously by the Home Office and can result in a students’ visa being curtailed (cut short) and future applications being declined. 

If in doubt, students can contact International Student Support at iss@qub.ac.uk for advice.

How do I apply?

You can find out more information here. 

When do applications open/close?

Applications will re-open again at the beginning of Semester 2. 

I would like to become a volunteer with Homework Clubs, however can’t attend the Induction Training, can I still apply?

Homework Clubs Induction Training is mandatory and if you cannot attend, unfortunately, we would be unable to match you to a Homework Club. Don’t worry though, as there will be another chance to apply and attend Induction Training at the beginning of Semester 2. 

What happens if I am late in joining the Homework Clubs Induction Training?

We do understand that some students may have class/other commitments which may result in them being late to join the Induction Training. In such circumstances, we ask that students contact us to let us know on su.homeworkclubs@qub.ac.uk. However students must attend Induction no later than 15 minutes after the start of training.

I volunteered with Homework Clubs last Semester and want to return to the same club, do I have to reapply and attend training?

You are not required to reapply or attend induction training again, although we would recommend that you join for an update, if you're available.

Please do let us know on su.homeworkclubs@qub.ac.uk if you are planning to return to the club you volunteered with last Semester, so that we can keep you up to date on recognition and training opportunities over the next academic year.  

I volunteered with Homework Clubs last year, can I join a different club this semester?

You need to complete a new application so we can match you to a club which suits your availability and location. You may also be asked to undertake an Access NI (criminal record) check by your newly allocated club. You do not have to attend full induction training again (although we would recommend that you join for an update, if available). We would however ask that you do attend the last part of the training at 4pm to meet your new club coordinator and hear about your new club

I am currently volunteering with Homework Clubs but my club times no longer suit me, what can I do?

If your club holds homework sessions on other days during the week, you could ask your coordinator if it’s possible to switch. If this is not an option, please contact us on su.homeworkclubs@qub.ac.uk to discuss other options.

How do I achieve Homework Clubs: Future-Ready Award?

To achieve Homework Clubs: Future-Ready Award, volunteers must complete the following:

• Attend the Homework Clubs Induction Training organised by SU Volunteer
• Volunteer at a minimum of 5 sessions with your allocated Homework Club
• Participate in at least 2 specialised workshops
• Complete and submit a record book, which includes a 500 word reflective journal about your experience as a Homework Clubs volunteer, as well as a log of your hours spent on Homework Clubs volunteering.

The Homework Clubs team will contact you via your Queen’s email address to circulate the Future-Ready Award application, let you know when the specialised workshops are being held, and confirm the submission date for completed application.

I have a class on the day of a specialised workshop, can I come late?

If you wish to achieve Homework Clubs: Future Ready Award, we ask that you attend the whole session, so please register for 2 workshops which you are available for. If you have class/other commitments which may result in late attendance, please contact us on su.homeworkclubs@qub.ac.uk as we do allow a 15-minute (maximum) grace period at the start or end of the session.

I could only attend one specialised workshop as I had class. I have had separate training in my own club, can I substitute this for attendance in the workshop?

Unfortunately not, in order to achieve Future-Ready Award, you must attend two workshops organised by SU Volunteer.

If my allocated club asks me to nominate two referees, who should I nominate?

The referees you nominate can be personal and/or professional and should know you well enough to be able to comment on your suitability to volunteer in this role e.g. past teacher, friend, employer, tutor, studies advisor, lecturer, colleague, housemate, neighbour, a peer from a club or society, a sports teammate or supervisor from a volunteering role. Remember to ask if they are happy to give you a reference before nominating them. Family members/relatives generally cannot be nominated as referees.

If my allocated club requires an Access NI check, what types of Identification will I need to produce?

As this role involves activity with children and young people, your allocated Homework Club may ask you to complete an Access NI (criminal record) check. As part of this process, you will be asked to show original identification (see page 2 to view acceptable ID) & copies.

Three documents must be provided in the name of the applicant; one from Group 1 and a further two from any Group. At least one document must show the applicant’s current address.

(If this is not possible, then four documents from Group 2a and 2b should be produced, one of which being a birth certificate issued after the time of birth. One document must show the applicant’s current address).

If you are having difficulty finding relevant identification, please show originals & copies of what you feel best meets the list and your allocated club coordinator will provide further guidance.

I have already completed an Access NI check with a different organisation, do I have to repeat the process?

Yes, if your allocated club requires an Access NI check, you must complete it again.

I am interested in Handy Helpers, but I am unable to attend all activities. Can I still be part of the initiative?

Of course, that’s the beauty of Handy Helpers – you only attend the activities that suit your availability and interests.

I missed an activity. Am I allowed to come to the next one?

Absolutely! You can come to as many or as few activities you want to. Please note: If you are aiming to achieve the Future-Ready Award through Handy Helpers, you need to attend at least 7 Handy Helpers activities.

What does being a Handy Helper entail?

As a Handy Helper, you will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of one-off volunteering activities, including anything from planting flowers in a community garden to making Valentine’s cards for charity shops to sell, to decorating a cats’ shelter. This will allow you to get a taste of different volunteering roles without making any long-term commitment. You will also have access to a number of relevant training sessions, which will help you further develop the skills you have gained through your volunteering as a Handy Helper.

How do I achieve the Future-Ready Award through Handy Helpers?

Handy Helpers aims to respond to the immediate needs of the local community through a diverse range of one-off volunteering activities, such as community gardening, litter-picks, supporting local residents’ community projects and assisting local charities with one-off projects. The initiative is a great way for students, who do not have the time to make a regular commitment to volunteering, to make new friends, gain new skills and have fun while actively supporting their local community.

The diverse range of opportunities on offer combined with the short-term/episodic nature of the projects ensures that there is a Handy Helpers activity for everyone, whatever their interests and time-commitments. The programme also allows students to try out new activities, giving them a taste of volunteering in different charities without committing to them long-term.

To obtain Future-Ready Award through Handy Helpers, students must complete the following:

• Participate in a minimum of 7 Handy Helpers community volunteering activities.
• Participate in at least 2 out of 4 specialised training sessions.
• Write a 500-word reflective blog post about their experience participating in the Handy Helpers initiative.
• Submit Volunteering Logbook as evidence of the hours they have committed to volunteering as a Handy Helper.

Students can contact su.handyhelpers@qub.ac.uk for more information.

Do I need to prepare anything before I attend a Handy Helpers activity?

Prior to the activity, you will be sent a detailed itinerary, which will give you all the necessary information, including descriptions of the tasks you will be required to do during the activity. Any necessary equipment will be provided for you. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you wear suitable and comfortable clothing/shoe wear for the weather conditions and tasks involved.

How do I find out about current Handy Helpers opportunities?

After you register as a Handy Helper you will start receiving our exclusive bi-monthly newsletter (different from the SU Volunteer newsletter) which will keep you informed about upcoming Handy Helpers volunteering activities and training sessions. All opportunities are also listed on our website, but you will only be able to register through the newsletter. If you have registered but not received our newsletter yet, make sure you let us know on su.handyhelpers@qub.ac.uk

If you are using MS Outlook, please make sure you check your ‘Other’ inbox by clicking on the ‘Other’ tab at the top left corner of the main navigation menu. To add SU Volunteer newsletter to your ‘Focused’ inbox, right-click on any Volunteer SU newsletter in your 'other' inbox, then select ‘Move’ - ‘Focused inbox’. This way any future newsletters from SU Volunteer will automatically appear in your main inbox.

When does registration open?

Registration is on-going throughout the academic year (September-June), so you are welcome to join anytime. However, if you want to achieve the Future-Ready Award through Handy Helpers, it is advisable to register early to allow yourself enough time to complete the required number of volunteering activities.

Where are Handy Helpers activities held?

Handy Helpers activities are held at different locations, many within walking distance from the main Queen’s campus. If a certain activity requires transport, it will be provided for you free of charge. When you register for an activity, you will receive full information about the location and transportation arrangements well in advance.

How long in advance do I need to register for an activity?

We aim to inform Handy Helpers about upcoming opportunities at least 2 weeks in advance, so you are welcome to join as soon as registration is open. Please be aware that the number of Handy Helpers participants for each activity is capped, depending on the nature of the tasks involved and health and safety regulations. The short answer is – if the Eventbrite for the activity is open, then you can still register. If the Eventbrite is closed, all spaces have been booked. If registration for an activity is closed, but you are still keen to participate, you can join the Eventbrite Waitlist or contact su.handyhelpers@qub.ac.uk and we can inform you if a space becomes available.