Volunteer resources

Good Practice Guidelines

Incident Report Form

Disclosure v's Concern

Record disclosures or concerns accurately, as soon as possible after the event using the Safeguarding Incident Report Form. Volunteers contact your designated staff support within SHSU as soon as possible. If you are volunteering with an external organisation contact your staff support within that organisation and then report the incident to SHSU Staff Support.

Sheffield Hallam Students' Union is committed to equality of opportunity for all and all student volunteers should feel safe, welcomed and respected throughout their volunteering. This could be with a Student led project, in the community, with a charity or through a One-Off volunteering opportunity. The Students' Union recognises that it has the power to reduce the disadvantages experienced by individuals by making our services responsive to the different needs of individuals and groups. The Students' Union wants its services, facilities and resources to be accessible and useful to every student regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious belief, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or any other individual characteristic which may unfairly affect a person's opportunities in life. If you ever feel that you or a fellow student has experienced discrimination at any level please inform the Activities Officer or a member of the Volunteering Team. Please note that as per our Articles of Governance, any formal complaints must be submitted in writing to the President of SHSU.

Expenses claim form

Project Grant application form

DBS checks advice and guidance

Volunteering can be a great way to keep you feeling good whilst you are studying at University. Evidence shows that helping others is beneficial for your own mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, improve your emotional wellbeing and even benefit your physical health. When you help others, it promotes positive physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. These rushes are often followed by longer periods of calm and can eventually lead to better wellbeing. But what if it all starts to feel like too much?

• Make sure you don't overdo it! Giving too much or giving beyond your means is bad for your health and wellbeing. It is important to begin small. Click here for more information.
• Remember to contact your Volunteering Coordinator if you have any concerns about your volunteering, if you need to you can always take a break or change to a different project.
• If you have mental health difficulties, Student Wellbeing practitioners can support you.
• At Sheffield Hallam Students' Union we have an Advice Service that is here to help you with any queries or problems you may have while you are at University.

We are currently updating our training offer, watch this space for updates.

If your Society or Sports Team are interested in showcasing your sport to local groups, taking part in a fun One-Off Volunteering day, setting up your very own project or even just having a team building social; please let the volunteering team know. The Volunteering and Community Engagement Team can provide:

• Support from a Volunteering Coordinator who can help you to get your project, event or session off the ground. This will include training and putting you in contact with the organisations you would like to work with.

How to apply

Just get in contact with the Volunteering team on volunteering@shu.ac.uk. In the past Sports Teams and Societies have: Walked dogs at rescue homes, painted and decorated in community centres, put on sports sessions in local schools, arrange group blood donations, community clean up days, cooked at homeless shelters and much more.

Risk Assessment template

Risk Assessment example

Session plan example

Session plan template

Risk Assessment template