Getting recognition
Volunteering not only benefits the organisation and community you are dedicating your time to, but you, as a volunteer, will receive a number of benefits.
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How to demonstrate to employers
Volunteering is a key route into many sectors, especially the third sector. Most charities and NPOs will look at volunteering positively as it shows you are passionate about making a difference.
By gaining volunteering experience in a role that you’re interested in, it shows employers that you really want that experience and you’re serious about getting the role. You can use this to your advantage in CVs, covering letters and applications.
Be sure to show the impact you had. Volunteering is all about making a difference, so show how your work directly benefited the organisation and its cause.
Listing volunteering as an ‘interest’ on application forms shows that you are dedicated to making a difference. This will help you, especially when applying for companies who are charitable in nature.
HEAR
The Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) is the official transcript you will receive at graduation. As well as recording your academic results, it also includes your other achievements – co-curricular activities, university prizes and other awards.
This document can then be shared with potential employers to set yourself apart from the crowd and gain the job you want when you graduate.
To record Community Volunteering on your HEAR you must have completed at least 30 hours of volunteering in the local community or with an external charitable, voluntary or community organisation. You must then complete a Volunteering Log and submit it to the Volunteering Co-ordinator at volunteering (@gold.ac.uk) by the end of April.
The Gold Award
Volunteering can count towards your 40 hours of co-curricular activities that are required for The Gold Award.
The personal and professional development award increases your understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement, develop your attributes and skills which enables you to reflect on your experiences and what you want to do in the future. The Gold Award will also be recorded on your HEAR.
Any volunteering hours within your Gold Award can be used towards your 30 hours required for Community Volunteering on your HEAR.
Lewisham Local Card
Get discounts in local businesses by volunteering! The Lewisham Local Card help recognise people who give their time and volunteer in our communities in Lewisham.
Independent shops and businesses thank local volunteers by offering deals through the card.
Over 4,000 local volunteers, 150 local charities and 200 local businesses are part of the Lewisham Local Card.
Lewisham Local Cardholders can take advantage of the following great offers:
- 10% off Goldsmiths Student Union Café
- 10% off at Buster Mantis
- 10% off Albany Café
See Lewisham Local’s website for information on further discounts available and how to get your Lewisham Local card.
Volunteering Support
If you have any questions about volunteering you can contact the Volunteering Coordinator by emailing: volunteering (@gold.ac.uk).
You can also book a 1:1 drop-in/appointment with the Volunteering Coordinator to discuss and find relevant opportunities for you.