Kingston University is leading the way in the delivery of Future Skills in the United Kingdom. Our latest Future Skills report, launched at the House of Commons, is informed by extensive research. The report explores the skills most valued by employers in graduates, skills that are vital to drive innovation and boost economic growth.
Thinking of volunteering at Kingston University? Find out how you can get involved.
You can make a difference
Help students develop the skills employers value most
By volunteering with Kingston University, you'll help students gain confidence, build Future Skills and prepare for successful careers. Whether you're mentoring, supporting events or sharing your expertise, you'll provide valuable real-world insight that helps students from all backgrounds succeed and help prepare them for their future careers.
Volunteers play an important role in helping Kingston University students develop the knowledge, behaviours and attributes that employers value most.
Volunteering is also an opportunity for you to develop your own coaching, mentoring and communication skills, expand your professional network and stay connected with Kingston University.
At a glance
What’s needed? Mentoring, careers support, entrepreneurship and guest speaking
Who can volunteer? Anyone can volunteer, including alumni, employers and industry professionals
How much time is required? As much time as you can spare – it is up to you
What's in it for me? Develop mentoring, coaching and leadership skills while expanding your professional network
How can I sign up? Complete our volunteer registration form
Yes. Kingston University's Future Skills programme is embedded within every undergraduate degree.
Through your support in volunteering your time, students can put their learning into practice beyond the classroom, developing the adaptability, resilience and confidence needed to succeed in a changing world.
We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, whose generosity, expertise and commitment help students develop the Future Skills and confidence required to succeed in a changing world.
Professor Steven Spier, Vice-Chancellor, Kingston University
What volunteering opportunities are available?
Whether you can offer ongoing mentoring or support a one-off event, there are flexible opportunities to match your interests, expertise and availability. Explore the opportunities below to find a volunteering role that matches your interests, skills and experience.
Help Kingston University students build confidence and achieve their potential by becoming a mentor through the Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme.
Commitment: Two hours per month from November to May
Who can volunteer? Professionals with at least three years' experience
Impact: Help students from under-represented groups build confidence, develop professional networking skills and achieve their goals
By volunteering, you can help students develop the Future Skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers. As a mentor, you can:
support a student's personal and professional development
share your industry knowledge and experience
develop your coaching and communication skills
connect with a network of professionals and fellow mentors
The Beyond Barriers scheme supports around 250 second-year, third-year and postgraduate students each year from under-represented backgrounds, including Black and ethnic minority students, commuter students, mature students, LGBT+ students, students with disabilities and those who are the first in their family to attend higher education.
Help students develop entrepreneurial skills, test new ideas and launch new ventures by supporting Kingston University's Enterprise programme.
Commitment: Flexible opportunities throughout the year
Who can volunteer? Alumni, employers, entrepreneurs and industry professionals willing to share their expertise
Impact: Help students develop entrepreneurial and Future Skills while supporting the next generation of founders and innovators
Kingston University ranks among the UK's top universities for graduate start-ups, and more than 4,000 students engage with enterprise and entrepreneurship activities each year.
There are many ways to get involved, including taking part in:
Bright Ideas
Nearly 1,000 students enter our flagship Bright Ideas competition each year.
Volunteers can support participants as mentors, facilitators, guest speakers, judges or sponsors, helping them develop and refine their ideas.
The Nest
The Nest supports early-stage student and graduate businesses as they prepare for growth.
Alumni, employers and industry professionals can help founders turn ideas into reality through mentoring and expert guidance. By volunteering, you can:
share your professional knowledge and experience.
help students develop entrepreneurial skills
support the next generation of founders and innovators
expand your professional network through Kingston University's enterprise community
Whether you can offer mentoring, speaking, facilitation or sponsorship, we'd love to hear from you.
Help Kingston University students develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed in recruitment processes and their future careers by volunteering at Future Skills Development Days.
Commitment: Half-day volunteering opportunities throughout the academic year
Who can volunteer? All are welcome, including alumni, employers, industry professionals and anyone involved in recruitment or professional development
Impact: Help students develop Future Skills through real-world recruitment exercises and constructive feedback
Development Days are a core part of Kingston University's Future Skills programme for second-year undergraduate students. These interactive events give students the opportunity to practise real-world recruitment activities, build confidence and strengthen their employability skills.
As a volunteer, you will observe students during two activities and provide constructive feedback on their skills, professionalism and performance. Each volunteer typically works with around seven students per activity.
Development Day activities may include:
group exercises
mock interviews
presentations
elevator pitches
portfolio showcases
By volunteering, you can:
help students prepare for recruitment and assessment processes
share your professional insight and experience
support students to develop confidence and career-ready skills
contribute to the development of Kingston University's future graduates
No previous experience of recruitment, assessment centres or student engagement is required. We provide all guidance, training materials and a briefing on the day.
Interested in getting involved? Register your interest using the form below and a member of our team will be in touch. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Alumni Champions and volunteers play a vital role in supporting Kingston students through mentoring, career talks, judging ideas, and providing work experience opportunities.
As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to enhance your skills, such as coaching and public speaking, while networking with other alumni and friends, and promoting your business or industry. You’ll also gain the satisfaction of helping students develop Future Skills and prepare for successful careers – and can proudly add the title "Alumni Champion" to your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Tell us what you are passionate about, and we’ll match you with opportunities to support Kingston University students.
Below, you will find answers to some of the frequently questions about volunteering at Kingston University, including the opportunities available, time commitments and how you can support students to develop Future Skills and succeed in their careers.
Volunteers help students build confidence, develop Future Skills, explore career options, strengthen their professional networks and prepare for employment, entrepreneurship and further study.
Yes. Many opportunities are open to employers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and friends of the University, as well as alumni.
The time commitment for volunteers varies depending on the opportunity. Some activities involve a one-off event or guest speaker session, while others, such as mentoring, take place over several months. The amount of time you are able and willing to share is up to you.
Yes. Many volunteering opportunities are designed to be flexible and fit around professional commitments. Your organisation may also allocate paid leave to volunteering activities, recognising the importance it plays in your professional development.
We welcome volunteers with a wide range of professional backgrounds and experiences. The most valuable qualities are enthusiasm, a willingness to share knowledge and a commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds.
Yes. Organisations can support students through mentoring, guest speaking, judging competitions, providing work experience opportunities, sponsoring activities or engaging with entrepreneurship programmes.
Yes. Where required, volunteers receive guidance, briefing materials and support from the relevant team to help them feel confident in their role.
Yes. Volunteering can help you build skills such as mentoring, coaching, communication, leadership, public speaking and giving constructive feedback, while also expanding your professional network.
When you register your interest, you'll be asked about your interests, expertise and experience. The University will use this information to connect you with suitable opportunities that match your skills and availability.
Contact us
We would be delighted to discuss your interests and our volunteering opportunities.
To get in touch, send an email to [email protected]or call us on +44 (0)208 417 3178.
