About

This page is here to answers all your questions, queries and worries. It outlines why you should volunteers, what is expected of you as a volunteer but also of us as an organisation, at the bottom there is also a F. A .Q section!

Office hours: 10am till 4pm.



Just click the link in the right hand side bar to go to our sign up form

Why do we do it?

‘Volunteer’ is defined by the dictionary as

1. To perform or offer to perform a service of one's own free will.

2. To do charitable or helpful work without pay:

While we believe this definition is, in its most basic form, true. We believe that there is so much more to this word that is not mentioned in this very simplistic definition.

Here at Student Action we know how important Volunteering is, not only for the people we help but for you as a volunteer.

“We must become the change we want to see in the world.” Gandhi

But don’t take our word for it…

"When recruiting we would look favorably on candidates who have volunteering experience in the charity sector. Nowadays employers are looking for the candidate who is prepared to go that little bit further and experience of volunteering can provide that evidence"

-Alan Jeffs, Head of HR, British Heart Foundation

"Volunteering provides graduates with an invaluable set of skills and competencies which cannot be rivaled by other experiences, even in the commercial sector"

-Rebecca Martin, Graduate manager, The Co-operative group

What you can expect from us...

• To always be treated equally. 
• Receive suitable training before going on projects.
• To be listened to if you have complaints or suggestions. Feel free to raise any points with either myself or the project managers.
• To feel safe when volunteering.
• To be able to say no at any time.
• To be confident that all personal information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Code of Conduct
This is a list of principles we expect you to uphold as a Student Action volunteer in order to maintain the quality of our service to the community.

We expect you to...

• Fulfil any commitment that you have made with us, or inform a project manager if you are unable to do so. If you do not attend a project after signing up, and do not let us know, this may lead to you not being allowed to volunteer on that project again. 
• If you are unable to attend a project, you MUST give at least 24 hours notice.
• Treat information disclosed to you by any service users as confidential, to be shared only with other Student Action members.
• Work in accordance with the Health and Safety policy of the University of Manchester’s Student Union and other organisations we work with. Project managers will take you through the relevant points and you have the right to see this policy if you wish, just ask.
• Treat both volunteers and clients equally, without discrimination of any form.

If you do not abide by these...
Or if we feel that you are not suitable, we have the right to bar you form volunteering on a particular project or even terminate your membership of Student Action.

Frequently Asked Questions about Student Action

1.   What is Student Action?

Student Action is a student led voluntary organisation that seeks to enhance the lives of the wider community.  We do this through a range of projects; we work with adults, woman who have suffered abuse or violence, children, refugees, people with learning difficulties, the homeless and the elderly. And also run environmental projects such as biko bikes and work on allotments.

2.     How I do I get involved in Student Action and sign up?

To get involved in Student Action, you need to sign up on our website www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk/action and choose the projects that you are interested in.  Each of the projects are explained fully in the ‘our projects’ or ‘what do we do’ section on the website.

3.     Do I need a CRB? Can I get a CRB? And does it cost me?

Yes, you do need a CRB for all our projects apart from the environmental projects and working with the homeless.  There is form (will be in a folder) that shows you the evidence you need and you will have to get Prabina, the CRB Counter signatory to assist you with this.  For the projects where you do need a CRB you have to attend training before you can apply to any projects. This information is sent out in the weekly email. No we will fund your CRB check but you have to take part in at least 4 projects to be eligible. 

5.     When do I sign up for projects?

Every Monday morning there will be a weekly email that is sent out telling you, which projects are running, and the number of spaces available.  Apply first thing to avoid disappointment.  You can apply from the link on that email or directly on our website. www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk/action

6.     I have applied but have heard nothing back?

There is a huge demand for all our volunteering positions thus unfortunately this means you have been unsuccessful but do try again next week or phone Prabina and she will try and make sure you are on a project next week.

7.     I need my hours signed off for MLP?

Please make sure you have the correct form which should have been handed out to you at the very start of your course (it can be found on our website www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk/action) and that it has been signed off after each volunteering session and then see Prabina regarding it being sent off and your hours awarded to you.

8.    Do I need to make a commitment?

You can volunteer as often or as little as you like. If you enjoy a project, why not apply to be a project manager it next year?! Just ask..

9.    How do I join?

Make sure you fill out the registration form on this site. All students and staff of any Manchester Universities are welcome to join. For some of our projects, you will have t undergo CRB disclosure checks and some training if you want to do kids projects. Again we provide this for you.


If you need anything or want to come and chat to me in person, please do!

Prabina Prabhakaran (Pea)

Student Action

University of Manchester Students’ Union,

Oxford road,

Manchester,

M13 9PR

0161 275 2948

action@umsu.manchester.ac.uk

prabina.prabhakaran@manchester.ac.uk