International and EU Students

Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet people, improve your colloquial English and find out what living in Britain is really like.

To make it easier to volunteer in the UK it is worth thinking about the following before you arrive:

1. Get a copy of your police record from your home country

UK law requires anyone working with children, young people or vulnerable adults to produce evidence that they have no relevant criminal convictions. Therefore, if you are interested in volunteering, it would be a good idea to bring a copy of your record or a letter of conduct from your local police force.

2. Get contact details for referees

Most organisations require references for their volunteers. Before you come, ask three people you know well to act as referees. These should be people you've known in a professional capacity for at least two years, and who are easy to contact. You will need to bring an up to date postal and email address, phone and fax number with you for each referee.