Volunteering FAQ

What’s the deadline to confirm I’m volunteering?

We aim to have all volunteers confirmed eight weeks before the event. This is to allow time for safeguarding briefing. However, we can be flexible if needed. Please let your Ahead Partnership contact know as soon as possible and we can chat through your options.

I can’t make the volunteer briefing call, what should I do?

Please let your Ahead Partnership contact know as soon as you can so that they can arrange for you to attend an alternative briefing. For safeguarding and health and safety reasons, all volunteers must attend a briefing call prior to the event.

What merch/freebies can we bring for the students?

If you’re volunteering at one of our flagship events, you might want to bring merchandise or goodies for the students. If so – thank you! Please ensure that any merch or freebies you bring are age appropriate (no alcohol-related items, etc.) and if bringing anything food-related (e.g. sweets) then they must be nut-free and allergens must be clearly labelled. Please make sure that you consider the number of students who will be attending, and bring enough for the full day.

When can we set up for the event?

Depending on the venue, you may be able to drop off your resources the day before the event to aid with a quick set-up on the morning of the event. If this is available, details will be included in your confirmation email. Please check this in the first instance and if you have any other questions, please email:

What do we need to bring?

This will vary depending on which part of the day you are taking part in. Those who are delivering workshops will need to bring materials to support learning, this might include building sets, gadgets, sticky notes, blocks etc. For those taking part in the careers exhibition, we recommend bringing a tablecloth, pull up banners, branded flyers and/or merchandise and something interactive to show the students to enhance the experience. .

Can we have access to a plug socket/extension plug?

Plug sockets should be available in workshop rooms, but may be limited during the career exhibition, innovation sprint and gadget show. Please let us know if you are likely to need a plug socket and we will do our best to accommodate.

Are you able to provide a screen?

Please let us know if you need a screen for a workshop and we will do our best to accommodate. For any other activity which you might need a screen, please let your Ahead Partnership contact know.

What is the layout of the room?

Layouts vary in each room. Chairs and tables can be made available or removed, and some rooms have presentation facilities. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements.

How long are the workshop sessions?

30-45 minutes.

Can we take pictures at the event?

For safeguarding reasons, you must not take any photos of students at the event. Ahead Partnership will be taking photographs throughout, and will share these with you following the event. You may take photos of your volunteers with their consent but we ask that you ensure that no students are visible in the background. Please be sensitive to other business’s branding and ensure that only your branding and Ahead Partnership branding is available in any photos that you take of your volunteers.

Who do I need to contact on the day?

You will be provided with a key contact from Ahead Partnership. This can be found in your volunteer briefing pack which you will receive ahead of the event. For any emergencies if you’re unable to get in touch with your contact, please call Ahead Partnership head office on 0300 124 0496

Who else will be attending?

There will be many businesses and education providers attending on the day, and each are personally invited. There will be time to meet each other and network throughout the day.

Can we post our involvement on social media before the event?

Yes, we’d love for you to post about Ahead Partnership on social media! Please don’t forget to tag us on LinkedIn and Instagram!

I am writing a case study on the event. Can I have a quote from Ahead Partnership?

Of course! We’d love to be featured in any external comms you have planned around your support and would be happy to support you with quotes, statistics and photos from the day. Please speak to our Marketing Manager, Ellie Lewis before issuing anything publicly.