Volunteer at Kingston University

Join Kingston University's Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme as a mentor. This programme supports second-year, third-year, and postgraduate students from under-represented groups through one-to-one guidance.

By dedicating just two hours a month from November to May, you can offer impartial advice, inspire self-confidence, and help students achieve their potential. 

Mentors should have at least three years of professional experience. As a mentor, you can:

• Share your knowledge and experience.
• Encourage someone to achieve their potential.
• Broaden your own skills and judgement.
• Meet other professionals.

Beyond Barriers supports around 250 students annually who fit one or more of the following criteria:

• Black and ethnic minority students
• commuter students
• female students in science, engineering, maths and built environment
• KU Cares students
• LGBT+ students
• mature students
• students who are parents
• students with a learning difference or disability
• students who are the first in their family to attend higher education.

Find out more about Kingston University's Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme.

Kingston University ranks among the top two UK universities for graduate start-ups, according to the Higher Education, Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI). Each year, more than 4,000 students engage with our leading Enterprise Education Programme.

Our dedicated volunteer community plays a key role in supporting students through various entrepreneurial initiatives. There are many ways to get involved, including:

Bright Ideas

Nearly 1,000 students submit their entrepreneurial concepts to our flagship competition, Bright Ideas. You can support them as a mentor, facilitator, guest speaker, or sponsor, guiding students at key stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

The Nest

Our programme to support early-stage businesses, The Nest, supports 20 founders as they prepare for market success. Join a select group of alumni and friends to mentor and guide these budding entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into reality.

We are always keen to hear from professionals willing to give back by sharing their expertise with our future leaders.

To find out more about the Enterprise Education programme, and how you can support, please contact our Entrepreneurship Team at [email protected].

Development Days are a core part of our Future Skills programme to second-year undergraduate students.

These half-day events give students the opportunity to practise real-world recruitment activities, develop their confidence, and strengthen their employability skills. As a volunteer facilitator, you would observe students during two activities and provide constructive feedback on their skills, professionalism, and performance.

Whether you are alumnus, an industry professional, or someone who is responsible for hiring, your insights and feedback can make a real difference to our students' development.

Development Day activities may include:

• Group exercises
• Mock interviews
• Presentations
• Elevator pitches
• Portfolio showcases

Each volunteer will typically work with around seven students per activity.

We welcome volunteers from all sectors, professions and levels of experience. No previous experience of recruitment, assessment centres or student engagement is required, as we'll provide all guidance, training materials, and a briefing on the day.

Interested in getting involved?

Please register your interest using the form link below and one of our team will be in touch.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email at [email protected].

Sign up to support Development Days

Thank you for helping us prepare Kingston University students for future success.