Website of the UK government

Why volunteer for London 2012?

Up to 70,000 volunteers from across the UK and around the world will play a vital part in making the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games a success.

And you could be one of them. Playing a part in a spectacular global event is something you’ll remember for ever. You’ll share in a unique experience, gaining new skills along the way.

How do you get involved?

The formal recruitment programme for volunteers will start in 2010, but you can register your interest now on the London 2012 website. If you register you’ll get occasional updates about the Games and about any volunteering announcements.

Don’t worry if you don’t know how much time you’ll be able to spare when 2012 comes around - you’re not committing yourself to anything yet.

• Register for updates about volunteering for the 2012 Olympic Games Opens new window

What could you be doing as a volunteer?

The organisers of London 2012 will be looking for people to help with:

• first aid and medical services
• stewarding 
• interpreting
  
• transport services, including driving
• security
• administration
• ticketing
• media services
• accreditation
• support for sporting competitions – field of play volunteers, carrying tracksuits, sporting equipment etc
• doping control

All volunteers will get training prior to the event.

Can’t wait to get started?

Volunteering can be very rewarding, and a great way of meeting new people and learning new skills.

It will also help your chances of being selected as a volunteer for London 2012. Amongst other things, the organisers will be looking for skills and volunteering experience. So if you’re new to volunteering, it’s a good idea to build up some experience prior to 2010.

SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council for active leisure and learning. Their advisers can tell you more about active careers and what you can get out of volunteering.

• call a SkillsActive Adviser on 08000 933 300 – lines are open 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, seven days a week
• book a free call back from an adviser through the Careers Advice Service

• Book a free call back from the Careers Advice Service Opens new window

There are a number of organisations offering volunteering opportunities:

• do-it.org.uk Opens new window
• Timebank Opens new window
• Volunteering England website Opens new window
• Community Service Volunteers Opens new window

Preparing for volunteering

There are a number of ways to find a volunteering opportunity:

• Finding a volunteering opportunity
• Becoming a volunteer

Find out more about London 2012

Visit the London 2012 website for more information about the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

• More about London 2012 Opens new window