Making the most of your experience

As an international student, it is important that you understand the difference between unpaid work (which counts as part of your permitted 20 hours) and genuine volunteering (which doesn't).

The University of York uses this definition of volunteering:

Volunteering is any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims primarily to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than close relatives.

As a student visa holder, your role is classed as volunteering rather than voluntary work if you:

• do not have a contract of employment
• do not take the place of an employee
• do not receive payment in kind (reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence expenses is allowed)
• usually help a charity, voluntary or public sector organisation

For further information, please see the guidance on working in the UK during your studies. 

Get a sense of what the organisation does by taking a look at their website or social media. 

• It’s helpful to research the organisation’s requirements for volunteers - some roles may require specific availability or technical skills. 
• If your role involves working with children or vulnerable adults, you may need to complete a DBS check. A Disclosure and Barring Service check allows organisations to check criminal records, and make sure you are safe to work with children or vulnerable adults. 
• Being well informed about the organisation you’re supporting can boost your confidence and help you feel prepared to start volunteering.

After you’ve applied, you will often have an informal interview or conversation with a member of the organisation you’ve applied to volunteer with. This is an opportunity for you to learn a bit more about the role and the organisation and for them to learn about you. It’s a good idea to think about any questions you might have about the role - here are some suggestions for you to consider: 

• Is there a dress code? Some larger organisations may provide volunteers with a uniform, or if the role is outdoors, for example, you may need to wear specific clothing. 
• What is the best way to contact the organisation?
• What is the organisation’s expenses policy? It is important to check this before incurring any out-of-pocket expenses, as you may not be able to claim money back. Some organisations may be able to reimburse you for travel, subsistence or equipment, but it’s important to check their policy first. 
• Does the organisation have a specific policy on social media use? The organisation may have guidance as to how you talk about your involvement with their work.
• Is the location where you will carry out your volunteering accessible? If you have a disability or health condition and would benefit from reasonable adjustments to access the voluntary role, it is helpful to discuss these before you start volunteering.
• How flexible is the role? It is good practice to let the organisation know of any times that you’re unavailable, for example due to work commitments or holidays.

If your role requires a DBS check, there will be certain documents that you’ll need to provide before you’re able to start volunteering. Providing your documents promptly will allow you to focus on enjoying your role and avoid delays in getting started. 

Likewise, if you’ve been asked to supply references, request these swiftly and politely to ensure that your contacts have time to fill these in.

Thinking about what you would like to take away from your volunteering experience is a great way to make the most of your opportunity

• Would you like to develop a particular skill? Learn something new? 
• Making a note of your goals at the very start of your experience will help you to reflect on your progress, as well as helping you to organise your thoughts and foster a sense of achievement

You can download a simple action planning template to help you get started.  

• GOAL Action Planning Template (PDF , 29kb)

While volunteering for an organisation, it's reasonable to expect a certain level of support and guidance. Here are some things you can expect as standard: 

• A written role description or outline of your responsibilities
• Training and guidance on your role 
• Support and supervision from an experienced volunteer or member of staff 
• To volunteer in a safe environment, and be covered by insurance to carry out your role 
• To be made aware of the organisation’s policies and procedures 

If you have any concerns, speak to a member of the team by emailing us at volunteering@york.ac.uk 

We will not approve roles that require the volunteering to take place in an individual's home. Some opportunities may require you to collect a service user from their home, this is fine but make sure you stay outside and follow the principles below:

Before you start volunteering, make sure someone knows your plans and who to contact if they have any concerns. This could be a friend, a family member, or a housemate. Tell them where you'll be and what time you expect to be finished and back home and message them when you are home. If you are volunteering on your own, the organisation you're volunteering with should also have a specific lone working policy that you need to follow.

You can use the safezone app when you are volunteering. You will need to check in using the app when you begin volunteering and check out once you have finished. It is important to remember to check out; otherwise, Campus Safety will contact you to ensure you are safe.

If your role involves travel, such as accompanying a service user, always use public transport. Most organisations typically cover your travel expenses but it’s worth checking this out before you start to volunteer. Using public transport is generally a safer method of getting around than using your own vehicle. If an organisation does allow you to use your own car, you must check your car insurance policy to make sure you are covered, you may need to have commuting and/or business insurance.