Volunteering

Do you have any questions about volunteering? Here are some frequently asked questions by previous volunteers.

General Questions:

How do I apply for volunteering?

It is simple to apply to volunteer. If you follow the link http://hallamunion.org/volunteering/apply-to-volunteer/ you will find the application form there. Once you have filled it in you can email it to volunteering@shu.ac.uk or come into the Activities Pod and hand it to a member of staff.

Where can I find the volunteering opportunities?

We have all of the opportunities available to view on our website http://hallamunion.org/volunteering/our-projects/

Do I get my travel covered?

Yes if you are traveling to and from a volunteering project or opportunity with Hallam Union you can claim back your travel.

How? – You need to keep all of your receipts from your travel. Then bring them into the HUBS and see your Volunteer Support Worker or another member of staff. We shall then ask you to fill in a claims form and you will be able to receive your money back from the finance office.

How do I claim back expenses such as travel and paying for resources?

You need to keep all of your receipts from your purchases and travel. Then bring them into the HUBS and see your Volunteer Support Worker or another member of staff. We shall then ask you to fill in a claims form and you will be able to receive your money back from the finance office.  

Can I get my lunch cost reimbursed if I volunteer a whole day?

If you volunteer for over 4 hours then you can claim back lunch up to £5.00. You shall need to keep all your receipts.

How? – You need to keep all of your receipts from your purchases. Then bring them into the HUBS and see your Volunteer Support Worker or another member of staff. We shall then ask you to fill in a claims form and you will be able to receive your money back from the finance office. 

How can I set up my own project/opportunity?

You can come into the Activities Pod in the HUBS and speak to a member of the volunteering team or look at the form on the website. Or visit http://hallamunion.org/volunteering/new-idea/ for more information.

How many volunteering opportunities or projects can I take part in?

We recommend you only take part in one team project or one individual project due to time commitments required.

When is the latest date I can apply to take part in volunteering?

You can apply all year round as we have a variety of opportunities arise throughout the year. However, we recommend you apply before 9th October to ensure you get on the project you want, due to demand some opportunities will be full by this date.

What resources are available for us to use?

In the Activities Pod we have a resources room full of pens, paper, craft material and a lot more for you to use whilst you are volunteering. You can also book to use the Mac and hire laptops.

What support is available to me?

As a volunteer with Hallam Union there is a number of ways you are supported. You have the support from your Project Coordinator, your Volunteer Support Workers, Volunteering Standing Committee, the Activities Officer and the Volunteer Rep.

What is the Volunteering Standing Committee?

The Volunteering Standing Committee is a group of student’s that have been voted in by fellow student’s to represent your point of view on volunteering. They also help to make decisions on policies and procedures throughout the year.  The committee are also there to help you whilst you volunteer and answer any questions you may have or deal with any issues you may be facing.

Team Projects Questions:

How do I become a Project Leader?

It is simple to become a Project Leader. You just need to fill in a Project Leader application form, which can be found http://hallamunion.org/volunteering/apply-to-volunteer/, then email it to a member of staff or come into the Activities Pod and hand it in.

What is a Project Leader?

A Project Leader is a student volunteer who oversees a team project from start to finish and inspires and motivates the team to organise, plan, fundraise for and deliver the project.

Responsibilities of a Team Project Volunteer?

As a team member on a project you are expected to turn up for team meetings, do additional research/gather resources for the project outside of the meetings. Communicate effectively with your Project Leader. Assist in planning and delivering all sessions.

When is the team project likely to start?

Most of the team projects sessions take place in semester two. However, you shall be expected to attend meetings in semester one to plan your session. Some of the projects only run for semester one.  

What if I am on a placement during semester two?        

If you are on a placement in semester two we recommend you taking part in a semester one project or joining an individual opportunity.

Do I have to fundraise for my project?

All volunteering projects are expected to fundraise to raise money to buy resources they need to ensure their project runs to its full potential.

What do I do if I have an issue with my Project Coordinator?

If you have a problem with your Project Coordinator you can come and speak to your Volunteer Support Worker, speak to one of the Volunteering Standing Committee reps or the Activities Officer.       

What do I do if I have an issue with a team member?

If you have a problem with another team member you can speak to your Project Coordinator, come and speak to your Volunteer Support Worker, speak to one of the Volunteering Standing Committee reps or the Activities Officer.