STUDENT VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Nominations have now closed.

“Volunteering is about addressing the needs of the present while working towards the future.”
Conor McGlacken — 2015 winner

Conor McGlacken (centre), Student Volunteer of the Year 2015

Do you know a student who is passionate about and committed to making a positive impact in their community through volunteering?

If so, nominations are now open for the Student Volunteer of the Year Award — and once again we are celebrating the impact of student volunteering by shortlisting five inspirational student volunteers and choosing one overall winner.

Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 15th December 2015 so don’t miss this opportunity to give a student volunteer the national recognition they deserve.

Read our top tips for writing a nomination.

To meet last year’s shortlist and winner, and find out more about the Celebration Event, click here.

“There is no better way to say ‘thank you’ to your hard working students then to nominate them for a prestigious award.”
David Coles - LSE

FAQs

1. How do I nominate a student?

Nominations closed on 15th December 2015. The timeline for the award is as follows:

12th October — 15th December 2015: Nominations are open
18th December 2015: Longlist of 10 announced via social media, SVW website and wider press
Early January 2016: The judges choose a shortlist of 5 and an overall winner. The shortlist is announced.
22nd February 2016: The five shortlisted students attend the Celebration Event at London’s City Hall, and the winner is announced

2. What are the criteria for submitting a nomination?

The nominee must have been a HE or FE student in the academic year 2014-15 or be a current student in the academic year 2015-16.
All activity must have been done on a voluntary/unpaid basis during their time as a student.

3. What do the judges look for in a nominee?

Commitment — sustained involvement with one or more volunteering project(s) over the course of an academic year.
Impact — clear evidence that the nominee’s work with their volunteering project(s) has led to improved outcomes within the community.
Leadership — a track record of motivating and encouraging others to volunteer.

4. When’s the deadline for submitting a nomination?

5pm on 15th December 2015

5. What does the winner receive?

£1,000 to be donated to a charity or volunteering project of their choice.
Recognition of their volunteering activities with a high-profile national award, presented at the Student Volunteering Week Celebration Event, taking place in London’s City Hall, 4-6pm on Monday 22nd February 2016.

6. Why should I nominate someone?

Reward and recognise the impact and achievements of a student you have worked with.
Inspire other students to get involved with volunteering projects.
Gain national recognition for the work of your volunteering centre or charity.

7. I’m a student and I think I can demonstrate the three criteria listed above. Can I nominate myself?

Yes! All you need to do is provide a referee when you nominate yourself.

8. I’m really busy, is the nomination process long?

Not at all, we’ve made it quick and easy for you to nominate using our online form.

Simply fill in your details, your nominee’s details, and then tell us about their volunteering and what makes them an inspiring volunteer.

9. How is the winner announced?

The five shortlisted volunteers are invited to our Celebration Event in London’s City Hall on Monday 22nd February. The winner is announced at this event in front of volunteering staff, students, and representatives from charities, business and government. You can see photos from last year’s event here.

10. I work for a charity which involves student volunteers. Can I nominate one or more of them?

Yes. We welcome nominations from anyone who works with student volunteers, whether that volunteering is done through their university/college or an external organisation.