This is a fast, fun way to volunteer that is usually activity based, meaning you can see the impact of your volunteering on the day itself. ‘One-offs’ last from a few hours to one day and all training is provided on the day. At most you will need to fill out a simple application form beforehand. The LSE Volunteer Centre team meets any students wishing to travel to the volunteering location as a group on campus: the train or bus ride offers a perfect opportunity to chat to like-minded students from a wide cross section of the School. 

‘One-offs’ allow you to try out volunteering if you’ve never done it before, see how a charity works on the inside, make friends, and try something new. So far LSE students have been involved in a wide range of one-off tasks: they have painted, transcribed, sorted, conserved, collected, gardened, picked, and sung. 

There are plenty more projects on the horizon so keep an eye on our events page (link to events) and sign up with a few friends! 

These are the most typical types of role available and therefore make up the majority of the roles promoted by the LSE Volunteer Centre.

Ongoing opportunities offer a chance to develop your own skills and build relationships with a charity, allowing you to become a real part of the team. It can offer a window in your week where you step outside of your usual bubble and have conversations with people you might not otherwise cross paths with. 

The amount of time you would commit to an on-going role varies greatly from opportunity to opportunity. Time commitments can range from ad-hoc arrangements, a few hours a week, a few days a week or perhaps a few times a month. Most charities will ask for a commitment of at least a few months to allow them to train you in the role before you move on. Some roles which involve helping with a particular piece of work, or building relationships (for example with vulnerable adults or children) might ask for a commitment over a 6/12 month period. 

Application processes for on-going roles will be more comprehensive than those for one-offs. Filling in an application form and meeting the organisation ahead of your volunteering for an informal interview is quite common, and demonstrates that the organisation makes time to select the right volunteers – a great sign of good volunteer management! While this can take a little time – don’t be put off.

Offers a way to contribute to an overseas project or cause. Sustainable overseas volunteering opportunities will usually last from at least a month, all the way up to two years (although usually a few months is typical). Overseas volunteering allows you to use your existing skills whilst immersing yourself in a difficult culture and the benefits to both local communities and volunteer can be vast. 

Like with on-going volunteer roles, you should expect to fill in an application form and undergo any necessary checks if working with vulnerable adults or children. Some organisations might ask you to fundraise in order to cover the cost of your accommodation, food or travel while on the project itself. 

There are many excellently run projects, charities and NGOs worldwide but there are also many which are poorly run, that do more harm than good to local communities. To make sure you make the right decision, and to insure your overseas project has the positive impact you are aiming for, make sure to do your research.