Reports & Reviews

The Programme and our Partner Schools are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and challenges we face. Reviews & reports are key to capturing and building on lessons learnt each year.  

Each volunteer completes two individual reports: the first half-way through the placement, the second at the end. Each team also provides a Placement Report for the following years volunteers. The Partners also report on the activities, benefits and challenges of the volunteer placements, including their recommendations and requests for the subsequent year. The Volunteer Programme team incorporate feedback from the volunteers and Partners before submitting a final report to our donors.

Return Weekend

On their return, the volunteers attend a debriefing weekend in October. This provides an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and what they've learnt, and to hear more about the experiences of other volunteers in different locations. Over the weekend the volunteers and their team revisit the highs and lows of the programme, capture feedback and provide suggestions for future programmes. Towards the end of the weekend volunteers will focus on the question of what next?

Return Reception

This provides the volunteers with an opportunity to present their placements and the activities of the Partner Organisation, to their friends and family, as well as to the Programme's supporters and donors. It is a chance to thank everyone who has helped to make the programme happen. Returning volunteers also prepare videos and photo exhibitions.

After the Programme

The Return Weekend marks the formal end of the programme. Many volunteers conduct follow-up projects after their return; these include anything from writing articles in local, national and college papers, giving presentations in schools, to fundraising for their host school.

Volunteers also have the chance to become involved in other Suas activities, including the University Societies, Alumni Network, Partner Support and Bridge to College. Many volunteers return to assist with subsequent programmes helping with the marketing, interviews and preparation weekends or returning as a Coordinator.

For the Volunteer Programme team and the Partners, the cycle begins again with the planning for the following years programme starting in September.

Read volunteers' thoughts on coming home and next steps