This weekend, Oxford Brookes University hosts the Impact 2012, a national conference on student volunteering and social action, supported by Student Hubs. The conference is designed for anyone involved in the sector, including volunteers, to discuss the future of student voluntary action. Coincidentally, this coincides with Student Volunteering Week from 20th – 26th February.
Learning from Peers
The event provides attendees the opportunity to learn about starting student-led projects, measuring social impact, and engaging in social enterprise, student campaigning, and more. Networking, debates, and skill-building sessions are also part of the agenda.
One of the highlights is the “Dragons Den” style competition on Saturday evening, where participants pitch innovative ideas to win a £150 prize. This exciting feature encourages Civic Engagement and volunteering for Social Impact through creative projects.
Sharing Good Practice
Impact 2012 will introduce proposals for an Impact Network composed of students. This network aims to share good practices in volunteering, offer training, and conduct regional events. It will also advocate for positive media coverage of student volunteers, addressing the need for a central support system for the approximately 63% of higher education students participating in formal volunteering.
The event promises to be an enriching experience for those interested in volunteering for social impact careers and Innovations volunteering and social impact. For more information, visit the Impact 2012 website.
Related Links
- Student Impact Conference 2012
- Impact conference 2012 feedback
- An opportunity to form a student-led volunteering network
- We are supporting Student Volunteering Week 2012
- Student Volunteering Week 2012: back to community roots
- v at the Party Conferences 2010
What's Changed Since Then
The volunteering landscape in the UK has transformed significantly. Digital platforms now make it easier than ever to find, apply for, and track volunteering. Vinspired offers AI-powered opportunity matching, verified digital certificates, and a portable impact profile that follows you through education and into employment. The mission remains the same — connecting people with causes they care about — but the tools are better than ever.
Recognition Today
Vinspired's awards programme has grown into a comprehensive recognition system. Volunteers can now earn V10, V30, V50, and V100 certificates for cumulative hours, plus skill-specific badges. Every award is digitally verified and cryptographically signed — real proof of your contribution that employers and universities trust.
Discover more: explore volunteering opportunities | build valuable skills.
