Student Volunteer Research - HEIs required to participate in National Research Programme

Ever wondered what motivates your students to get involved in volunteering?

Are you in need of some evidence on what difference volunteering makes?

Are you willing to put in some time to find answers to these questions or help in doing so?

 

vinspired students has commissioned the Institute for Volunteering Research (IVR), in partnership with Dr Clare Holdsworth at the University of Liverpool, to conduct a piece of research into the motivations for and outcomes of student volunteering.

We are looking to work with six universities and/or Students’ Unions to help us deliver this work and effectively become case studies that inform the overall research picture.  Throughout the process the selected universities will receive practical support from IVR with clear guidance given to participating HEIs and training provided for the students. 

What will you get out of being a case study?

  • The opportunity to be part of a nationwide student volunteering research study.
  • The opportunity to explore a range of questions about student volunteering and its value.
  • Evidence of who is volunteering, the range of activities they are involved in and the perceived benefits of volunteering among students in your institution.  
  • Support, training and guidance to undertake an assessment and exploration of student volunteering.
  • The chance for students to be trained and gain experience in planning, conducting and analysing research, with the potential for this to be linked to course study.

How to get involved

Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Jennifer Russell, Research Officer at IVR, to discuss the research or your potential involvement. Jen’s phone number is: 020 7520 8933, and her email address is below.

Download the case study information sheet (90.5 KB) for further details. If you are interested in taking part in this research please complete the expression of interest form (78 KB) and return to Jennifer.russell@volunteeringengland.org, no later than Friday 18th December 2009.

We will be in touch with everyone that we receive expressions of interest from in early January and then will let you know which HEI’s have been selected to become case studies by mid-January.