- Staff to be given equivalent of two days’ paid annual leave to take part in volunteering activities in the local community
- Scheme launches with staff working alongside the students’ union to take part in the Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge to clean up Birmingham’s canals
- New scheme is part of Aston University’s ongoing commitment to its civic university agreement.
Aston University’s commitment to supporting its local community has been bolstered by the establishment of a new volunteering scheme that will encourage staff members to get involved in local charitable organisations.
Ahead of the launch, University staff donated their time to work with the students’ union to take part in the Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge, which encouraged people to clear Birmingham’s canals of litter. This activity is an example of the initiatives that will be covered by the scheme as the University works closely with its charitable partners to identify relevant volunteering opportunities to impact the local community and wider society.
The scheme is being coordinated by Aston University’s Student Projects Office, which engages students as part of their placement year to work on University projects. Launching the scheme, Peter Lakeland, head of the Student Projects Office at Aston University, said: ‘Volunteering makes a big difference to the communities we support, and Aston University is very proud to be able to help local charitable organisations.
The recent litter pick was a great example of the scheme in action: an excellent opportunity for our staff to connect with our local community while providing a fantastic service.’
Aston University’s new staff volunteering scheme allows employees to receive the equivalent of two days' paid leave to take part in volunteering activities with the University’s partner charities and other organisations throughout the region. The scheme is a vital part of the University’s commitment to serving its community and society.
Dr Angela Jeffery, director of regional strategy, said:
"The University has strong links with a number of Birmingham-based charitable organisations which need support in areas that align with our civic agreement.
"It is fantastic that staff can now volunteer to support those charities, learn new skills, have a real and valuable effect on people, whilst also having fun."
The launch of the scheme coincides with the United Nations’ International Volunteer Day (IVD) on Sunday 5 December, an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism.
- Notes to Editors
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Rebecca Hume, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7557 745416 or email: r.hume@aston.ac.uk
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