Volunteering is not only doing something that benefits others, but it's also a great way to meet new people, enhance your CV, develop new skills and get involved in something outside of your degree.
Every year, our members volunteer their time with the local community and within our University. Students are engaged in a wide variety of projects, working with organisations such as Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, Wycombe Homeless Connection and Ryeview Manor and The One Can Trust.
In 2024/25 academic year over 980 students volunteered their time, logging over 17500 hours and 5500 community hours.
We offer short-term volunteering and one-off opportunities as well as long-term volunteering and placements. Perhaps you'd like to volunteer from the comfort of your own howe? Well, we also have virtual volunteering opportunites just for you. Our volunteering opportunities can be found in our dedicated volunteering portal.
Our awards
Students who log their hours on our volunteering portal can receive certificates through our accreditation system.
- 50 hours - Bronze
- 100 hours - Silver
- 200 hours - Gold
- 400 hours - Platinum
- 1000 hours - Diamond
Whilst we all volunteering to give something back, it's nice to be recognised for all your hard work. Which is why when you reach Platinum, you'll be invited to join our annual Union Awards and be in the shortliting for our Volunteer of the Year award.
Volunteer of the year is awarded to the person who shows commitment to volunteering across a range of opportunities, encouraging others to get involved both within the university and the community.
Donna-Marie Langston – Volunteer of the Year 2026
“When people look at my schedule, they often ask, How do you manage to balance it all and still find the time to do all you do?
The truth is, they’re asking the wrong question. The real question is how I could possibly manage without volunteering.
For me, volunteering is how I live out my values and stay grounded, no matter what life throws my way. There is a unique kind of magic in being able to bring happiness to others – something deeply rooted in human nature that we often forget in the rush of everyday life.
Seeing a smile appear because of a small act of kindness is a reward no pay cheque could ever match. Volunteering also gives me the chance to involve my children, helping to shape the next generation to be kinder, more caring, and more compassionate.
After all, kindness is just human nature – and it really is the best medicine there is.
It’s my way of saying to the world: no matter what I’m going through, I can still make a positive difference. And if I can do it, you can too. At Bucks Students’ Union, there are so many ways to get involved, and volunteering truly can be as little or as much as you’re able to give. Pay it forward”
For more information, or to have a chat about volunteering and how we can support you, please email volunteering@bnu.ac.uk, or pop in to our offices. You can also check out our volunteering handbook which can be found under the Student Activities section of our 'Policies and resources page.'