DSU volunteers have access to loads of unique and exciting volunteering opportunities.
Browse through our volunteering opportunities to see which ones you would like to be involved in.
If you're feeling nervous about getting started, you can email us @ dsuopportunities@dmu.ac.uk and we can talk through your ideas or plan.
You can even choose to volunteer with a friend which means double the help for the amazing cause you're supporting.
All students can volunteer with a charity, or a voluntary sector organisation on their student visa. However, students need to be aware of the UK Visas and Immigration definition of ‘voluntary work’, as this will count towards the students’ total hours.
Volunteers:
- Do not have a contact of employment. There are no obligations to attend at particular times or carry out specific tasks.
- Must not receive payment in any kind, but reimbursement for reasonable travel is permitted.
Voluntary Workers:
- Often have a contract with their employer, providing work and the voluntary worker must attend at particular times to carry out specific tasks.
Volunteering and Visas
If you have the right to work in the UK without restrictions – for example, if you have an EU or EEA passport, then you will be able to volunteer or participate in voluntary work.
If you have the right to work with restrictions – for example, if you hold a Student (formerly Tier 4) Visa, you will be able to volunteer. However, any time spent on ‘voluntary work’ will count towards the total number of hours you are permitted to work during term-time.
If you are on a Short-Term Study Visa without the right to work in the UK – then you are allowed to volunteer but you are not permitted to undertake any voluntary work.
Most of our opportunities meet the definition of volunteering rather than ‘voluntary work’, so would not count towards the total number of hours you are permitted to work during term-time. However, if you’re in any doubt, please contact us before committing to a role.