Volunteering: enhancing the student experience

Abstract

In 2016, HEFCE commissioned a study into the relationship between public or civic engagement and the student experience.  In the resulting report, it describes this engagement as connecting the work of the university to society, and lists three key components: transmitting information to inspire and educate; receiving information through actively listening to concerns, insights or views; and collaborating with communities to solve problems with co-created or co-designed solutions.  At LJMU, we can point to many examples of activity within these themes, which supports our identity as a ‘pioneering modern civic university’.  This paper is a reflection on civic engagement and the role of student volunteering.