Volunteer with us

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Oxford Trust for our Science Oxford programme. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, but they have plenty in common too, including a willingness to give up their time to support an organisation they believe in, an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) or conservation and an enthusiasm for sharing their interest with others. We want to make sure that your experience of volunteering with us is rewarding and enjoyable. We have a range of volunteering opportunities at Science Oxford that you can get involved in.

Read below about our programmes and how you can help and then fill out our volunteer application form.

Volunteer Open Morning

Want to know more? Drop in at your convenience during our Volunteer open morning.

When? 30th April 2024, 10am to 11:30am

Where? Science Oxford Centre, Headington, OX3 8SB

We’ll have a short structured talk at 10:30am, and informal drop-in stations open between 10am and 11:30am where you can talk to the relevant people about their programmes.

Watch volunteer John talk about his experiences volunteering.

Watch video

Programmes

Science Oxford has a variety of education, engagement and conservation programmes that you can get involved with to support families and children in STEM. See what you’d be interested in before completing our application form below.

STEM Careers Programme

Regular weekdays throughout the year

Individuals with a background in working in a STEM organisation and/or an interest in developing STEM skills and careers awareness of young people are essential for the delivery of all aspects of this programme.

Live Lab Activities

Regular Saturdays and holiday weekdays (sessions 10 – 12, 12.30 – 2.30, 3 – 5)

We are looking for individuals or teams with interesting research to share or those who work for a cool STEM organisation. Those with an interest in public engagement, science communication and careers awareness are valuable for the provision of Live Lab activities.

Computing Clubs

One Saturday each month (volunteering time 9:30 – 5 or for separate sessions, sessions 10-11.30, 12.30-2, 3-4.30)

Those with an interest in engaging families and children with computing and coding are valuable in supporting our staff to deliver our Computing Clubs. This role requires some knowledge of computer programming and using physical computing devices like BBC micro:bit, Raspberry Pi, and other electronics.

Science Clubs

Two Saturdays each month (volunteering time 9:30 – 5 or for separate sessions, sessions 10 – 11.30, 12.30 – 2, 3 – 4.30)

Individuals with an interest in engaging families and children with science are valuable in supporting our staff to deliver our Science and Nature Clubs. Your role would include handing out materials, answering and asking questions, and encouraging families to get stuck in and be curious.

Science Oxford Holiday Club

Holiday weekdays

Individuals with an interest in engaging families and children with science and tech are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff to deliver our Holiday Tech Clubs and Summer Camps. This role will vary by activity and could involve some knowledge of computer programming or electronics.

Family Days

Every Saturday and some holiday weekdays (volunteering time 9:30 – 5:30, sessions 10 – 12, 12.30 -2.30, 3 – 5)

Those with an interest in engaging families and children with science are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff to engage with visitors with hands-on exhibits in our Exploration Zone and to encourage outdoor discoveries in our woodland. We also have a Live Lab programme of drop-in activities (see above).

School Visits to the Science Oxford Centre

Term time, Tuesday-Friday (9.30 – 2.30)

Volunteers with an interest in science education are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff in the delivery of our education programme for primary schools (Exploration Zone, woodland walks, shows and workshops).

Woodland Conservation

One Monday morning each month (4 hours) and 2 – 3 Sundays each year with Oxford Conservation Volunteers

Volunteers with an interest in woodland or conservation are valuable in supporting Science Oxford Centre staff to maintain the pathways, plant trees and flowers, mow the lawn, hang bird feeders and develop outdoor activities for our 15 acres of woodland and ponds.

Apply Now

Get involved by filling out our volunteer application form. See below for more information.

Volunteer Application Form

How to get involved

Please read our Volunteer Agreement and Safer Working Code of Contact and then simply complete our Volunteering Application Form. On completion, you will receive confirmation that we have received your application. The Science Oxford team will be in contact when new and relevant opportunities are available for you.

What if I’m under 18?

Sadly, we’re unable to offer volunteering opportunities for under 18’s. However, we do run a work experience programme, find out more information here: Stem Work Experience

What support do we provide to our volunteers?

If you take part in volunteering with Science Oxford, we will provide you with help and guidance. See Our Commitment to You.

What commitment do we expect from our volunteers?

In return, we expect our volunteers to follow the guidelines in Your Commitment to Us.