STATEMENT OF SERVICE FOR VOLUNTEERING
INTRODUCTION
This statement of service aims to provide information to those individuals who want to volunteer whilst
at the University of Bolton. It states the expectations and entitlements that are available through our
volunteering service.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for students to volunteer their time as they learn to
make positive contributions to their local community and causes that benefit the lives of others.
VOLUNTEERING GOALS
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To promote a wide range of volunteering opportunities to all students during their time at the
University of Bolton.
To provide information and support to people, to enable them to make suitable choices about
volunteering.
To promote the interest of and advocate on behalf of volunteers.
To ensure that all our volunteers access suitable opportunities within reputable organisations.
To collaborate more closely with academic and professional staff to raise the profile of
volunteering across the University.
To review the level of service that is provided on an ongoing basis.
To work with the local Volunteer Centre and networks to help raise participation in local
volunteering.
WHAT WE OFFER
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Free and impartial information about a range of volunteering opportunities.
Help to access information from a range of voluntary organisations.
Advice about your rights as a volunteer.
Invitations to regular University events such as the Volunteers Fair and the Volunteer Awards
Ceremony.
Signposting to a range of opportunities that may be more appropriate to your needs.
Additionally our service:
 Participates in relevant local events.
 Is regularly reviewed to ensure we are working effectively and for the benefit of our students.
 Works with and supports relevant groups, organisations and networks which look at issues
relevant to volunteering.
 Develops partnership work with members of the voluntary, community and statutory sectors of
Bolton and surrounding areas.
EXPECTATIONS AND ENTITLEMENT
We strive to provide a timely service which will equip you with the right information to make a decision
about the most suitable volunteering opportunity for you and your needs.
You are entitled to expect that the Service will be staffed by competent personnel who will assist in a
polite and courteous manner.
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We expect you to:
 Inform us if you are unable to keep any appointments we have arranged.
 Inform us if you are unhappy with your initial referral to an organisation. We can then support you
to find a more suitable opportunity.
 Be honest and disclose any personal information to the organisation(s) we refer you to which may
affect your volunteering. This includes criminal offences and / or health issues.
USING THE SERVICE
You can consult or take away the literature, obtain help to find relevant documents and information,
use the IT resources and arrange to see the Volunteering Coordinator on a 1-1 basis either by calling
into the centre or via a scheduled appointment.
SPECIAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES
Should you have any special requirements in accessing our service or resource materials then please
do let us know and we will make necessary alternative arrangements where appropriate.
COMPLIMENTS, COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS
Your opinions about the services provided will be sought on a regular basis, so that activities and
information can be adapted to meet your needs and requirements, as well as helping us to meet
quality standards.
If you like what you see, please say so! If you think there are improvements that could be made, we
would like to hear from you. This can be done via a suggestions box in the Careers Service and /or
Student Centre or by emailing us at the address below.
Both informal and formal feedback is welcomed. By discussing your concerns, issues can often be
resolved. However, for those which can’t, the University does have a formal complaints procedure.
Complaints about any aspect of the Service should be submitted via a complaint form, available from
the Student Centre.
Equal Opportunities
The University of Bolton’s is committed to promoting equality of access and treatment in education,
employment, training and guidance, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, marital status,
social class, age or sexual preference. Forms of unlawful direct or indirect discrimination or unequal
treatment or unethical behaviour will be challenged.
LOCATION AND CONTACT
Address: Volunteering Service, Student Centre, Chancellors Mall, University Way, Bolton, BL3 5AB
Telephone: 01204 903489 (an out of hours voice mail system is in operation)
Email: volunteering@bolton.ac.uk
Website: www.bolton.ac.uk/volunteering
Opening Times: 1.00 – 5.00pm, Mondays, and 1.30 – 5.00pm Tuesday to Fridays (times may vary
during holiday periods).
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