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28 February 2020

In service to society

Learn more about how we are serving our local communities at King's.

Jonathan Grant poses with gardening equipment

King’s was founded in 1829 on the idea of serving society. To this day, we continue to ensure that serving our community is at the heart of everything we do.

There are many ways in which King’s works to make the world a better place; by promoting and taking part in volunteering, through the impact of our research, by helping to shape social reform and by providing an outstanding educational experience for our students. Last year, we were ranked fifth in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for our contribution to society.

Service is in our DNA at King’s, and there are many ways we try to embody this ethos. Our Global Day of Service brings together staff, students and alumni across the globe to volunteer in their communities. Our staff are given special ‘Service Time’ to volunteer, and we encourage our alumni to give back by mentoring, speaking at events, organising reunions, sharing connections or telling their stories. It all makes a difference.

Here are some examples of how we have embraced the concept of ‘Service’, as well as some ideas to inspire you to get involved:

Service Time for staff

Jonathan Grant, Vice-President & Vice-Principal (Service) volunteered at King’s new Community Garden on the Guy’s Campus, digging, composting and sowing seeds. Members of our Alumni & Supporter Engagement team helped with the Ragged School Museum’s summer holiday activity programme.

Global Day of Service: 25 March 2020

Our flagship day of Service, where staff, students, alumni and friends across the globe take part in volunteering activities in their communities. You can join one of our Service events, organise your own or do your little bit individually. Whether cleaning up litter, helping at food banks or sharing healthcare knowledge, it all helps. King’s was the first university in the UK to run dedicated Service events, and we want you to help us make this year’s Global Day of Service even bigger and better.

Volunteer for your King’s community

There are plenty of ways you can help a student, graduate or alumni. From mentoring on King’s Connect to speaking at an event, becoming an ambassador or sharing your connections and stories, you can make a difference, however much time you are able to spare.

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