New Online Course Launches to Support Volunteer Skills
January 23, 2026University of Leeds and partners introduce free resource for volunteers
A new online course aimed at providing essential skills for volunteers is set to launch later this month. The course has been developed collaboratively by the University of Leeds, Voluntary Action Leeds, and various voluntary and community organisations, alongside volunteers themselves.
Details of the Essential Skills for Volunteers course
The course is designed as an accessible introduction to key volunteering skills and aims to encourage adults to engage in further learning opportunities. It is available free of charge and delivered entirely online, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Launch event information
An online launch event will take place on Wednesday 11 February from 1pm to 2pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the course in action and discuss how it might support volunteering initiatives in their local areas. The event is open to anyone interested in volunteering or adult education.
- Date and time: Wednesday 11 February, 1pm–2pm
- Format: Online event
- Audience: Open to all with an interest in volunteering or adult education
Those wishing to attend can register by completing a booking form, which will provide access to the session link. For further information, Olivia Garvey at the University of Leeds can be contacted via email at o.garvey@leeds.ac.uk.
Background and collaboration
The course has been co-created by the Lifelong Learning Centre and Digital Education teams at the University of Leeds, in partnership with Voluntary Action Leeds and other community organisations. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting volunteers and enhancing skills development within the voluntary sector.
Source: Doing Good Leeds


