Keele University is encouraging its 2,000-strong workforce to take an extra day off – to volunteer in their communities or with charities they support.
The organisation is encouraging employees to collectively achieve at least 750 days of volunteering – around 5,500 hours – as part of the University’s 75th anniversary celebrations this year.
If all 2,000 members of staff at Keele take part then the cost of the initiative to the university is expected to be up to £400,000.
Through the scheme, Keele employees will be able to take a day’s leave – in addition to their annual leave allocation – to complete volunteering at groups or organisations of their choice.
They must have links to arts and culture, supporting vulnerable people, sustainability and the environment, and young people and education.
Volunteering can be carried out either individually or in teams and is set to benefit organisations across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, said: “Keele University was established in 1949 with a very clear remit to support communities in North Staffordshire and beyond, so we’re delighted to be able to offer thousands of vital volunteering hours to charities and groups as we celebrate our 75th anniversary.
“Keele is one of the largest employers in the area, with around 70 per cent of our workforce living in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme and in neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent. We know how passionate our staff are about where they live and we wanted to give our colleagues the opportunity to use a portion of their work time to help out in their local community.”
Alana Wheat, a sustainability engagement officer at the University who regularly volunteers in Staffordshire said: “It’s not just about the causes I support, but the personal growth, connection, and sense of belonging I’ve gained. Everyone has a passion they can share, and volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference together.”
Organisations with volunteering opportunities can also highlight any roles available to the University by emailing [email protected]
