Volunteer with the Big Sort 2025

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Did you know that staff can use their ‘Day to Make a Difference’ to help out at the Students’ Association’s Big Sort event this June?

Big Sort volunteers busy at work

Every June, thousands of students leave University accommodation. They leave tonnes of items behind, from clothing to crockery and more.

The Big Sort is an event where staff and students can volunteer to keep as many of these items out of landfill as possible. It’s a collaborative effort facilitated by the University’s Accommodation, Catering and Events team and the Students’ Association.

You can choose to use your ‘Day to Make a Difference’ to help at the event, and direct goods to Welcome Week’s Take What You Need Fair, local charities, community groups and Bright Green Environmental Solutions.

The Students’ Association is looking for volunteers to help them run 25 collection points this June. To take part, you will need to be available for at least one 3 to 4-hour shift, Monday to Saturday from 31 May to 10 June.

Sign up to volunteer at Big Sort

More about ‘Day to Make a Difference’

Leave for volunteering, known as the ‘Day to Make a Difference’ initiative, is part of the University’s Special Leave Policy and gives each staff member an additional paid day off each year to volunteer for a charity, organisation or cause that’s special to them.

Here’s how to use your Day to Make a Difference, in three simple steps:

  • Speak to your line manager
  • Decide where you would like to volunteer
  • Request the day in People and Money under ‘Special Paid Leave’, then select ‘Volunteering Activities’ as the reason

How to volunteer: a checklist

Please refer to the Special Leave Policy under ‘Volunteering Activities’ for more information:

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