University Partners With Local Groups to Launch Free Volunteer Training Course

The online course aims to boost volunteer recruitment and retention in Leeds

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of Leeds has teamed up with over 30 local organizations to develop an open-access online course called "Essential Skills for Volunteers." The course, which takes about 2.5 hours to complete, covers topics like confidence building, teamwork, communication, safeguarding, and equity and inclusion. Learners who finish the course will receive digital badges that are recognized by partners across the city, as part of an effort to create a "volunteer passport" program.

Why it matters

The course was created in response to challenges that organizations in Leeds have faced recruiting, training and retaining volunteers since the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing free, accessible training, the university and its partners hope to encourage more people to get involved in volunteering and support the local community.

The details

The course was developed through a collaboration between the University of Leeds' Lifelong Learning Centre and Digital Education, Voluntary Action Leeds, Leeds City Council, and various community organizations and volunteers. It covers four key topics: confidence building, teamwork and communication, safeguarding, and equity and inclusion. Upon completion, participants are connected with information on next steps, including regional and student volunteering opportunities and access to further adult education.

  • The course development began in April 2024 after the 2023 Leeds Volunteering Strategy highlighted challenges with volunteer recruitment and retention.
  • The course is now available free of charge as of February 2026.

The players

University of Leeds

A public research university located in Leeds, England, that has partnered with local organizations to develop the free volunteer training course.

Voluntary Action Leeds

A nonprofit organization that works to support and develop the voluntary and community sector in Leeds, and has collaborated with the University of Leeds on this project.

Leeds City Council

The local government authority for the city of Leeds, which has also partnered with the university on the volunteer training course.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that learning is for everyone and that it's never too late to learn a new skill, plant a seed of interest or build your confidence. Our dedicated staff at the Lifelong Learning Centre are passionate about supporting people in their journey.”

— Louise Banahene, Director of Student Success and Educational Engagement at Leeds (Mirage News)

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with the University of Leeds Lifelong Learning Centre on this important and inspiring project. The benefits of developing an accessible and interactive volunteer induction programme that can be used by organisations across Leeds are far-reaching.”

— Andrina Dawson, Volunteering and Capacity Building Manager at Voluntary Action Leeds (Mirage News)

“This has been a journey of true collaboration, co-production and a common set of purpose and vision. We now have an excellent online learning platform, courtesy of the University of Leeds and a pathway of Digital Badges which endorses that the learning is of a high quality and meets the standards of our framework.”

— Dawn Hall OBE, Executive Manager Employment and Skills at Leeds City Council (Mirage News)

What’s next

The university and its partners plan to continue promoting the free volunteer training course to encourage more people in the Leeds community to get involved in volunteering.

The takeaway

This collaborative effort between the University of Leeds, local government, and community organizations demonstrates how higher education institutions can leverage their resources and partnerships to support volunteering and strengthen the local community.