2022 volunteer of the month winners

1. What is your current role?

I am a Risk Analyst at China Aviation Oil (Singapore) – one of the largest physical jet fuel trading companies in the Asia Pacific region. As a risk analyst, my main responsibility is to identify and analyse the areas of potential risk threatening the success of the organisation and propose appropriate measures to mitigate such risks. Currently, I am actively involved in both enterprise and market risk management.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I was honoured to be invited by my year 3 lecturer from the University to share my past internship and work-related experience with the students. Securing an internship and getting the first full time job are major milestones in life, and I am so glad that I get to share my job finding processes, interview tips and other recruitment related topics with many current students in different occasions. As I am currently based in Singapore, I have had the great opportunity to speak and interact with students from Singapore Institute of Management programmes as well. I sincerely hope the students will learn from my past experience, avoid all the mistakes I made and use the shortcuts I discovered to achieve greater heights after graduating from the University.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University and what did you enjoy most?

I had an amazing three years in the University of Birmingham as an undergraduate student, the lecturers and school staff were really friendly and supportive. Offering my time, skill and knowledge is my way of expressing how grateful I am for all the great help and opportunities I was given when I was a student at the University.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Offering one’s time and effort to help others is truly meaningful, it may be a small gesture to you but it may have a great impact on the recipients. I really enjoyed it and I think you will like it too! There are many ways to help student and researcher communities, reach out and you will not regret it!

5. Is there anything else you would like to add?

To those students who are struggling to secure an internship or a full-time job – do not be afraid or discouraged, keep your chest up and try harder. Be patient with yourself, you will get there.

1. What is your current role?

I am a Development Team Lead at Gen – a world leader in cybersecurity. Our mission is focused on powering digital freedom for everyone. Day to day, I primarily look after the engineering of CCleaner Cloud in the CCleaner unit of Gen.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to support the engineering graduation ceremonies over the summer. Although volunteering, it was a great experience to be back on campus and celebrating the achievements of UoB’s latest graduates and their guests. I was recently involved in providing input and feedback toward the development of the new university home page, which I am looking forward to seeing develop. This autumn, I’ll be involved in a panel session with other alumni discussing and giving experienced accounts of having difficult conversations in the work environment.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University and what did you enjoy most?

I wanted to be able to offer my time and apply my knowledge and skills outside of the workplace. The idea of doing this in a way that others can benefit is exciting and incredibly rewarding. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be a beneficiary of a number of volunteer-supported programmes and I have always wanted to be able to come full circle and provide my support where I can. I particularly enjoyed supporting the graduation days on campus in the summer because it was such an incredible time, not just for those who have worked so hard to earn their qualifications, but also for their friends and families who have watched them grow and achieve great things. For me, it was heart-warming to see the looks on the faces of the proud guests.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

We all have skills, gifts and experiences we can contribute to support others and volunteering is a very rewarding and fun way of using those. Even if you feel that you may not have much to contribute, remember that you are incredible and even giving up a small portion of your time can have a big impact on a number of people. You can even support remotely! If there’s something you feel like you can offer but you’re not sure of, do reach out – you’ll enjoy it!

5. Is there anything else you would like to add?

The University of Birmingham has been a big part of my life, right back to when I was in secondary school. I visited the campus on a number of occasions for extracurricular events – some of which will have been volunteer-supported. This continued through sixth form before starting my engineering degree in the Gisbert Kapp building, finally moving on campus and becoming a student ambassador. Over the years, I have seen and experienced first-hand the amazing and inspiring work of the staff and volunteers and couldn’t be prouder to be supporting the University and my fellow alumni.

1. What is your current role?

I am Director of Angela Mortimer, a recruitment business, and currently run teams in our Birmingham office, Katie Bard, as well as London under the Angela Mortimer brand. We work with a broad portfolio of businesses across the Midlands and South East region and our clients range from blue chip multinationals to start-ups. As an active recruiter, I still love meeting new candidates and clients and this gives me real time knowledge of what is happening in the employment market.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I have been really lucky to have been invited back on to campus on a number of occasions over the last 15 years. Primarily we work with the University across a number of departments, helping to support students, both undergrads and postgrads, with their employability and career opportunities post study. This might be through 1:1 coaching, group sessions, as well as providing placement opportunities with firms across our portfolio. Last year I was also invited by Professor Elaine Fulton to join the group of academics reviewing the Subject Benchmark Statement for BA History which, amongst many other aspects, enabled us to look at the unique way in which a History degree equips a graduate for their career after uni – a really interesting project!

3. Why did you volunteer for the University and what did you enjoy most?

I was very lucky to have spent three amazing years studying at the University and, when I graduated, I was really keen to use the knowledge and connections I had gained through my post uni experience to help current students at the University. The experiences I gained whilst at university absolutely helped me to get to where I am today and I am super grateful for that opportunity - it is great to be able to help students who are in a similar place.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering is really rewarding, and all the more over time as you see the voluntary work reap real long term rewards for the individuals you’ve been able to work with. I can’t recommend it enough!

5. Is there anything else you would like to add?

The University has amazing networks to get involved with so don’t be a stranger and reach out!

1. What is your current role?

I am Head of School of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Midwifery. My team is responsible for student clinical placements and aims to offer students the best clinical placement experience we can. We have opened student led clinical learning environments where students work as part of a multidisciplinary team together and lead care. It’s proving very successful, and we won a Student Nursing Times Award this year for best hospital placement.

My team is also responsible for ensuring our qualified and unregistered staff have career and personal development opportunities. Our educators offer education alongside pastoral support to look after our newly qualified staff. Trainee Nursing Associates are employed, educated and developed within the School alongside their university education and we support the continuing professional development of our Nursing Associates.

The Clinical Academic Career team sits in the School and they promote experienced clinicians to engage in research and pre and post-doctoral study. The team delivers the Health Education England Integrated Clinical Academic programme for the West Midlands.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I was invited to deliver a lecture to nursing students about my career to date and the multiple career opportunities available to nurses and other healthcare professionals. I have worked clinically, in education and I am research active.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University and what did you enjoy most?

I am an alumna of the University of Birmingham and at one point in my career I was an alumna, member of staff and student, so I feel connected to the University. I enjoyed sharing my career journey with the nursing students as I think it’s important we share stories about leadership and demonstrate that you do not have to follow a linear career on a constantly upward trajectory. Sometimes the more interesting roles can be found adjacent to a traditional career pathway.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Don’t be nervous about sharing your experiences. Students are really interested in hearing other people’s stories and enjoy practical advice from experts.

Birmingham was the centre of attention for billions across the globe in August, as the city and University hosted the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

More than 170,000 visitors came to the Edgbaston campus to watch the hockey and squash tournaments and 3,500 competitors stayed at the main athletes' village on the Vale.

To help manage such a large-scale event, thousands of volunteers offered their help, including many alumni, staff and students. A massive thank you to everyone who played their part - here's just a few stories from some of those who gave their time.

Alumna Louise Penton (BSc Geography, 2000)

'I have been volunteering at major sporting events for years, so when I heard the Games were coming to Birmingham - and part of it was being hosted at the University - I thought all my Christmases had come at once!

'I volunteered as a cast member for the opening and closing ceremonies, which required a lot of rehearsals, all outside, and we had to deal with heavy rain, hail, wind and then extreme heat - we had the lot.

'I also volunteered as a Field of Play team member for the gymnastics at the NIA, making sure the gymnasts and coaches were all in the right place at the right time.

'It was hard work volunteering at the Games, but when you saw the smiles on the faces of the athletes, you knew your efforts have been appreciated and it makes it all worthwhile.'

Members of staff Rachel Eade MBE and Saroj Watton

Rachel (Business Engagement Manager, Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education) and Saroj (Senior Education Support Administrator, Birmingham International Academy) were Campus Ambassadors at the University, helping spectators find their way around.

‘It was fantastic to welcome such a wide spectrum of people to the University, from retired alumni returning to campus, local families enjoying the Games, all the way through to prospective students. We had visitors from New Zealand, Australia and Gambia here to support their hockey teams and squash players and even had athletes popping by on days off to soak up the atmosphere.

‘Having the chance to give something back to the University and city was enormously rewarding. The sense of community among all the volunteers and visitors was tremendous.’

Physiotherapy staff and students supporting the opening ceremony

A group of 30 student physiotherapists from the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences worked with performers as they prepared for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. The placements formed an important part of the students’ physiotherapy qualification and saw them treating performance-related aches and strains, as well as more chronic issues experienced by both performers and support staff.

The programme is led by University of Birmingham teaching fellow, Judith Coe, who also worked as Physio for Team England. Judith spoke about her work ahead of the Opening Ceremony on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Students also volunteered in many other capacities, including volunteering at two GAPS training camps for para-athletes and coaches in the lead-up to the Games. GAPS is a unique programme focused on supporting the development of emerging para-athletes and coaches from the Commonwealth, and it forms part of the international legacy of Birmingham's hosting of the Games.

1. What is your current role?

I work as a senior scientist in the High Throughput Screening (HTS) group at AstraZeneca. In HTS, we work at the very start of the drug discovery pipeline, screening millions of compounds against biological targets in order to find hit compounds which then go on to be the starting point for new medicines.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I have been involved in several careers events with the college of Life and Environmental Sciences: I presented at the Careers with BioSciences event, was a panellist at the Insight into Science event and did an Explore your Options webinar, sharing my experience of doing a PhD and working in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University and what did you enjoy most?

When I was coming to the end of my PhD I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next, and attending careers events like these really helped me to realise the huge breadth of different careers that are out there and figure out what I wanted to do. The volunteers at these events were so generous with their time and really helped me understand what different jobs involve and what was best suited to my strengths and interests. I knew that once I was settled in my new career I wanted to be able to give back and help the next generation of students figure out what their next steps could be and help make what is a very stressful time a little easier!

4. What advice would you give someone thinking about volunteering?

If you are thinking at all about volunteering, just go for it! Reach out to the incredibly helpful team at Birmingham and they will help you figure out what sort of events suit you best. It really is such a rewarding thing to do, and you never know, you may just change someone’s life!

1. What is your current role?

Head of Policy (Data and Digital Technologies) at The Royal Society.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I helped with the University's Get Ahead in Government programme. Get Ahead in Government is a pilot programme that was created to help students from underrepresented backgrounds learn more about how to access policy careers in the Civil Service, Local Government and Think Tanks. The programme consisted of a series of skills workshops delivered by alumni volunteers who are also working in Policy or the Civil Service. The sessions were designed to improve students knowledge of Policy Roles, the application processes of the Civil Service, the range of roles available in the policy arena and how to build resilience.

I delivered a session called ‘Policy 101’, where the students learnt about the importance of relationships and influence in policy making and the realities of creating policy in both small and large organisations. They also participated in a policy creation exercise, where they had to present their policy solution to a social issue.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University and what did you enjoy most?

I volunteered to help simply because I've been in these students' shoes and I believe in the programme and its objectives. The policy world can sometimes look and feel completely detached from the population it seeks to serve. The programme is a great potential remedy to this, helping foster a new generation of bright and diverse policymakers. They will change the world for the better and I hope my participation will have helped them in some small way to do so.

4. What advice would you give someone thinking about volunteering?

My advice is to take yourself back in time and think about what you would have like to have known or been told about when you were a student.

1. What does RS do?

Founded in 1937, RS is a global omni-channel provider of product and service solutions for designers, engineers and maintainers of industrial equipment and operations. We offer 650,000 stocked and three million unstocked high-quality industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers.

2. Why did the team volunteer for the University?

Our Grass Roots Education team are committed to inspiring, nurturing and empowering the next generations of socially and environmentally responsible engineers and technologists. We work with student and young professional engineers and technologists and our university partners around the world to deliver initiatives that provide exciting opportunities for them to grow and develop themselves and their skillsets. One of the ways we do this is supporting them with their local STEM outreach activity. The Forge Your Future event was a perfect example of this and aligned perfectly with one of our core values of doing our bit to encourage a more diverse talent pipeline for the profession.

3. What did you all enjoy most?

It is always a joy for us to watch young faces brighten with excitement and witness that ‘lightbulb moment’ when they realise that engineering and technology is really about solving problems and could be a career for them. These young ladies were full of curiosity, questions and healthy challenges. We’d never miss an opportunity to dispel misconceptions about engineering and technology and we loved the reactions they had to our myth-busting quiz. Hearing them describe the mini-robots that we demonstrated as ‘cute’ and ‘adorable’ was heartening and we were delighted to be able to award them as prizes to the quiz winners!

4. What advice would you give to another organisation or individual thinking about volunteering their time?

Just do it! Never underestimate the power of your story and how it can affect change, no matter how small. Giving your time and energy to provide hope and inspiration to young people is so rewarding and necessary and does wonders for your company’s brand reputation – it’s a win win all round!

1. What is your current role?

I might be a big advocate for Arts and Humanities education, but my real driver is social mobility. Because of this, I currently work as a Regional Programme Officer for In2scienceUK. As an organisation, we help underrepresented young people access science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers. It's my job to find students and volunteers, and to deliver a summer programme in my regions.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

This month I've helped by sharing my experience of studying History at the University of Birmingham, as well as my time as a Student Ambassador and on BurnFM, and how it shaped me into the person I am today. In particular, I'm hoping my story will help people considering an Arts and Humanities degree to go for it! I'm really looking forward to speaking to current undergraduates at future events on a similar topic.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University? What did you enjoy most?

It's certainly a cliche to say it, but I volunteered because I feel the university has given so much to me over the years and I always feel indebted. From the time I was in sixth-form and was an Access to Birmingham (A2B) student, through to the experiences in my undergraduate degree, to the networking opportunities as an alumnus, the University has always been there. For me, volunteering was just also a really good chance to get back onto campus and remember everything good that came with being there every day.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

If you're thinking about volunteering, I'd really advocate just going for it. You have literally nothing to lose by just going for it. The volunteering team are also very friendly and supportive through everything.

Charlotte Fearn

1. What is your current role?

I am staff nurse on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. I am privileged to look after preterm and term babies born unwell and support their journey towards home with their family.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I was a speaker for the University’s first Nursing Careers and Coffee event, allowing prospective and current students the opportunity to talk to alumni about their time at the University, the expectations of my role and my future career ambitions. I am also an alumni mentor, helping current students to find their way through job applications and networking opportunities.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University?

I graduated as a nurse in the summer of 2020 during the height of the pandemic, it was an abrupt end to my degree and an eye-opening start to my career. I wanted to be able to give students an insight into my personal experiences of being a newly qualified nurse as well as being able to offer encouragement about how far you can go if you wish to challenge yourself. It was great to be able to interact with like-minded people who had an interest in the experience and knowledge I had to offer.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

I would say try it! The thought of volunteering lots of time can be a bit daunting when you have a busy work schedule and home life. However, so much value can be given to others when you are able to commit a couple of hours a month. This experience so far has also allowed me to gain knowledge and experience to further enhance my own professional development.

Alice Neve

1. What is your current role?

I am a Staff Nurse in Paediatric Intensive Care.

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I helped host a Careers and Coffee event for aspiring and current nursing students. I was able to share my experiences that I had at the University of Birmingham and my career journey so far. I have also been involved in the alumni mentoring scheme, supporting a first year student nurse through their studies and placements.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University? What did you enjoy most?

I really enjoyed studying at the University of Birmingham and being involved with further responsibilities such as being Student Representative. Now that I am a qualified nurse, I miss helping students on a regular basis. Easing any worries students may have regarding the course and a career in nursing is invaluable to me. There was once a time when I was unsure of which specialty to pursue and my experiences may help anyone in that position.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

If you're considering volunteering as an alumni, I would definitely recommend it. It has been extremely rewarding! All the students are incredibly engaged and appreciative of our support.

1. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I have been volunteering with the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) as a research technician, based mainly at the University with the occasional opportunity working out in the field at the main site in Staffordshire. I have been tasked with processing a variety of leaf litter data collected at the Staffordshire site from over the last few years. I have also worked briefly with the FACE-underground project, particularly during the Soil Campaign where I was handling soil and root data. Besides this, I have worked directly with PhD students, mainly supporting them with their data collection.

Further to this, I have helped promote BIFoR on campus during Welcome Week, where I met with students all studying various subjects from Music to Literature to Law. Due to its highly interdisciplinary nature, I was able to incentivise these students into getting involved with BIFoR, particularly if they would later be looking to create a final year project merging their existing discipline with the environmental sciences; and could demonstrate how something similar had already been done through the Forest Edge projects launched in 2018.

2. Why did you volunteer? What did you enjoy the most?

During my final year at the University as an Environmental science student, there was an announcement that this really exciting large-scale project was in the works. It would be dedicated to putting resources into scientific research focused on the increasing challenges our environment is facing. I had just graduated, and was disappointed I would never get an opportunity to be a part of it, but, I would come back and volunteer if this changed in the future. I queried, and managed to find some laboratory work just before the start of the global pandemic, where I was working on leaf data that was being collected in participation with Lund University, who were looking specifically at herbivory patterns determined by tree species. It is no surprise that I enjoyed the work, and have tried to come back as much as possible.

Besides this, I also believe the research being carried out by BIFoR is incredibly important to our current times, and have for that reason found my work to be rewarding. Handling and sorting raw data that is vital for BIFoR’s research is a huge responsibility that has often meant I can help those projects happen. There is no one part that I have enjoyed the most, though being at the main site in Staffordshire was a particular highlight. Here I was able to get a feel of the kind of research being carried out and at the scale that it is happening; if anything, it has helped provide context for the work I have been doing in the laboratory.

3. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

In short: do it. Being a volunteer is one of the most altruistic things you can do, and if in the correct role, can go on to benefit you the most. Take your time, and choose something you really love, your best qualities and skills are most likely to stand out there. Volunteering has the capacity to become a journey of endless opportunities where you can perhaps get directly involved in projects that you otherwise would not be able to, and it’s another chance to expand your network. Ultimately, when done right, you never really know where it might lead.

4. Anything else to add?

I want to thank the BIFoR team for being such a warm and welcoming network of people who have made the job incredibly easy just by being so supportive. I have studied at the University since 2012, and it is easily one of the best parts of my experience. I would encourage anyone who loves our environment and aspires to give back to volunteer with this incredible project.

1. What is your current role?

I am Head of Corporate Philanthropy in the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO).

2. In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I used my staff volunteer day working for the Birmingham Wildlife Trust. Myself and some colleagues spent the day at Deer’s Leap Wood in Smethwick, just a short drive from the University. The day started off with a health and safety briefing and the morning was spent digging a border along the fence and making it ready for trees to be planted this week. After a welcome lunch break and a tour of the site, which is made up of a mix of woodland, ponds and meadow areas, we were set a task of clearing brambles and nettles along the pathways, as well as rescuing a tree that was being suffocated by brambles and vines. This work gave the area a new lease of life.

3. Why did you volunteer for the University? What did you enjoy most?

Thankfully the weather was kind and it was a lovely day spent doing something good for the local community, as well as getting some fresh air and being involved in a tree planting project that will be there for generations to come. It was really enjoyable and a nice break from the busy working schedule! It was also great to be outdoors, which is always good for your mental health.

4. What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Do it! It provides a nice respite from work and offers a chance for you to give back to something that is intrinsically rewarding.