The purpose of this role is to work with other students and Open SU staff to establish the impact Open SU has on the environment and how we can reduce that impact.
We welcome all current students who are interested in environmental and sustainability issues. We welcome and fully support students from diverse communities who will be able to share their lived experiences of environmental and sustainability challenges. If you would like to be a change-maker and have interest in policy and sharing your ideas, this role could be for you.
This opportunity is open to all students and will be critical to the exploration of how Open SU's Environment and Sustainability Working Group can engage with The Open University to work collaboratively to consider current working practices. This volunteering opportunity is online, all you need is access to the internet to carry out this role, allowing you to volunteer anywhere.
Join our team of volunteers and you could make a real and lasting positive impact on the working practices and the future of Open SU whilst using and/or developing your skills.
Role Tasks
- The role will typically require 1 hour per week on average for a minimum of 12 months.
- You will also be required to attend monthly meetings. These are the second Wednesday (10am-11.30am) of each month
- Involved in exploring policy positions for our wider external engagement
- Writing, reading and critically analysing information
- Meeting with other student volunteers and Open SU staff
- Attending online meetings
- Getting involved with environmental and sustainability discussions impacting students
- Writing, reading and critically analsying information
- Working collaboratively, online with other members of the group
Role Training
- Volunteering Core Training which includes Safeguarding, Prevent and GDPR (online)
- An online induction including (live MS Teams session)
- Carbon Literacy training (online)
Skills developed in the role
- Communication skills used to influence the design of policies and procedures
- Critical analysis skills when considering what changes could be beneficial
- Awareness of sector developments with regards environmental and sustainability issues
Role benefits
- Providing awareness and engaging with students on topical issues which have been proven to be of high interest to students.
- Influence and develop policies and procedures so that they align with developments and key issues impacting the OU community
Sustainability Volunteer details
Please visit our Current Opportunities Page for other volunteering opportunities.
Open SU Sustainability Impact Awards – three £500 grants available, coming in 2026
Student-led solutions for a sustainable future
Open SU is committed to empowering students to tackle the world's most pressing challenges through innovative, impactful projects that create positive change in communities locally and globally. Through our Sustainability Impact Award programme, Open SU and The Open University are providing funding and support for student-led initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate measurable impact across environmental, social and economic aims.
Student-led initiatives have the power to drive real transformation in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, inequality, poverty and sustainable development. This award recognises that students possess unique perspectives, energy and creativity that can contribute significantly to building a more sustainable and equitable future.
Our programme supports projects that demonstrate innovation, community engagement, scalability and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether developing environmental solutions, addressing social challenges or creating economically sustainable initiatives, we encourage students to think boldly and act decisively in pursuit of meaningful impact.
Through the Sustainability Impact Awards, we hope to invest in changemakers who will help build a more sustainable, equal and prosperous world.
Three available grants
Environmental Sustainability Impact Award, £500
Grants of up to £500 are available for student-led projects that create measurable environmental impact in your community or beyond through:
-
Climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives
-
Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
-
Sustainable resource management and circular economy solutions
-
Renewable energy and clean technology development
-
Waste reduction and recycling programmes
-
Environmental education and awareness campaigns
-
Sustainable transport and mobility solutions
-
Water conservation and pollution prevention
-
Sustainable agriculture and food systems
-
Projects must demonstrate clear environmental outcomes, community engagement and potential for replication or scaling beyond the initial implementation.
Social Impact Sustainability Award, £500
Grants of up to £500 are available for student-led projects that create meaningful social impact in your community or beyond through:
-
Community development and empowerment initiatives
-
Education and skills development programmes
-
Health and well-being support services
-
Social inclusion and equality projects
-
Cultural preservation and celebration initiatives
-
Digital inclusion and accessibility programmes
-
Food security and nutrition projects
-
Housing and homelessness support
-
Mental health and social care innovations
-
Youth and elderly support programmes
Projects must demonstrate clear social outcomes, community benefit and meaningful engagement with target beneficiaries.
Economic Sustainability Impact Award, £500
Grants of up to £500 are available for student-led projects that create an economically sustainable impact in your community or beyond through:
-
Social enterprise and sustainable business development
-
Green skills training and employment creation programmes
-
Sustainable supply chain and fair-trade projects
-
Local economic development and regeneration through sustainable practices
-
Innovation and entrepreneurship support
-
Digital economy and technology access projects
-
Sustainable tourism and cultural economy initiatives
-
Agricultural and rural economic development
-
Circular economy and resource efficiency models
Projects must demonstrate economic viability, sustainability beyond the funding period and positive impact on local economic development or employment opportunities.
Support and Mentorship
Award recipients will receive:
-
Financial support of up to £500
-
Access to the Open University's sustainability networks and expertise
-
Mentorship from academic staff and community partners (subject to availability)
-
Opportunities to present at OU sustainability events
-
Platform for sharing results and best practices
-
Connection to relevant networks and resources
-
A digital certificate and a badge on completion of the project
Who can apply?
Current Open University students who are members of Open SU (undergraduate or postgraduate) working individually or in teams. Collaboration with local businesses, social enterprises and economic development organisations is encouraged.
Only individuals (who are Open University students and are members of Open SU) are eligible to apply. Students applying for the award must be starting a brand-new project.
Members of Open SU are defined by Section 11 of the Articles of Association. All students registered with The Open University are automatically members of Open SU. If you are unclear if you are currently registered, please check the OU's Conditions of Registration Section A4, Registration, and your student record. Honorary Life Membership and extended membership qualify as members of Open SU.
Private businesses, for-profit organisations, parish and town councils, charities, community and voluntary groups, clubs, not-for-profit organisations, School PTAs, ‘Friends of’ groups and religious bodies are not eligible to apply.
Location
Projects can be implemented in your local community, nationally, or internationally, but must be led by Open University students.
Contact information
For questions about the Sustainability Impact Award programme, please contact:
Email: oustudents-projects@open.ac.uk
Phone: 01908 638427
Address: Open University Student Union, Betty Boothroyd Library, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA
Open SU staff: Lara Munday, Project Manager and Ciara Linehan, Projects Officer
Student Support: Jethro Tieman, Sustainability Representative