SVE

SVE, Student Volunteering England provides an information service, which includes publications, toolkits, news updates and personal support. Additionally, by working with Government, education institutions and other national organisations, and carrying out research into student volunteering, they work towards providing greater clarity, cohesion and continuity for a sustainable student volunteering sector.

Background… Student Volunteering in Higher Education dates back to at least the 19th century when universities set up missions in deprived inner city areas and students went to live and work in them. The 1960's and 70's saw the rise of Student Community Action (SCA) groups, in which students led and managed their own projects. These were based in their local communities and involved students at every level of the decision making processes. The Student Community Action Development Unit (SCADU) was formed in London in 1981. The SCA National Committee (SCANC) helped set up and manage SCADU working with them to produce events and information packs dealing with a wide range of issues - from racism to working with people with learning difficulties.

In 1983 SCADU became a Registered Charity, number 1065360. In 1995 SCADU was re-named the "National Centre for Student Volunteering in the community." Work focused on working with local groups to build a national network. 1996 sees the launch of the Student Community Action Magazine. In 2000, the name "Student Volunteering UK" was adopted. 2001 saw the first 'Student Community Action Week.' Student Volunteering Week is still held every February and is the biggest week of celebration in the student-volunteering calendar.

2002 saw £27million invested in volunteering in Higher Education increasing the number of paid workers, making volunteering accessible to more students. There are now 42,000 student volunteers in HE with an increasing number of organisations involving them every day. Due to changes brought about by devolution, in 2003 the organisation adopted its present name "Student Volunteering England".