Russell Group welcomes policy review proposal on volunteering

03 March 2007

Commenting on today’s publication of The Prime Minister’s policy review (19 March), which raises the possibility of universities and colleges formally crediting students for voluntary activities which would contribute towards their final degree, Director General of The Russell Group, Dr Wendy Piatt, said:

"Russell Group universities strongly encourage their staff and students to participate in volunteering in the community through a wide range of exciting initiatives.

"All Russell Group institutions have formed close collaborations and on-going relationships with schools and colleges in deprived areas so that thousands of staff and students can tutor and mentor local pupils.

"Many students and staff now take part in summer schools to prepare pupils from non-traditional backgrounds for university life and to raise their aspirations.
"Students also provide help and encouragement with a range of subjects, particularly Maths, Science and Technology on the internet. And university RAG appeals raise millions of pounds every year for local charities."

Many Russell Group universities support community action projects by providing a small grant fund and training for project leaders and several institutions already give students credits for volunteering. Others allow all University staff to take an additional day of paid leave each year to enable staff to participate in volunteering activities (For more details see: Examples of volunteering initiatives for Russell Group Universities [pdf]).

Dr Piatt added: “Russell Group universities are committed to considering any further steps which will enable students and staff to contribute their time and energy to helping in the community. We are happy to think of ways of more formally recognising volunteering work undertaken by students during their time at university.

"We think that our universities can play a vital role in raising the aspirations of students from non-traditional backgrounds and supporting community projects and local charities.”

Notes:

1. Building on Progress: Public Services, published today (19 March 2007) is available at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/policy_review/
Its section entitled "Empowering Citizens" includes the following; "Universities and colleges could be encouraged to give credits for volunteering, relevant to students’ courses, towards final degrees" (page 37).

2. Further information on the wide range of volunteering activities currently undertaken by Russell Group universities is available [pdf format].

3. The purpose of the Russell Group is to provide thought leadership and strategic direction for the 20 major research intensive universities of the UK; we aim to ensure that policy development in a wide range of issues relating to higher education is underpinned by a robust evidence base and a commitment to civic responsibility, improving life chances, raising aspirations and contributing to economic prosperity and innovation.

4. Formed in 1994 at a meeting convened in the Hotel Russell, London, the Group is composed of the Vice-Chancellors/Principals of the Universities listed opposite. In 2004/5, Russell Group Universities accounted for 65% (over £1.8billion) of UK Universities' research grant and contract income, 56% of all doctorates awarded in the United Kingdom, and over 30% of all students studying in the United Kingdom from outside the EU. In the 2001 national Research Assessment Exercise, 78% of the staff in Grade 5* departments and 57% of the staff in Grade 5 departments were located in Russell Group Universities, and in 2004/5 Russell Group Universities were allocated approximately 64% of the total quality-related research funding (QR) allocated by the Funding Councils.