Keele University is encouraging its 2,000 staff to take an extra day off work to volunteer in their communities or with charities they support.

Organisations across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire are set to benefit from the initiative, which is part of the University's 75th anniversary celebrations this year.

The University is encouraging its colleagues to collectively achieve at least 750 days of volunteering – around 5,500 hours – either individually or in teams, and make a difference in their local areas.

Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: "Keele University was established in 1949 with a very clear remit to support communities in North Staffordshire and beyond, so we’re delighted to be able to offer thousands of vital volunteering hours to charities and groups as we celebrate our 75th anniversary.

"Keele is one of the largest employers in the area, with around 70 per cent of our workforce living in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme and in neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent. We know how passionate our staff are about where they live and we wanted to give our colleagues the opportunity to use a portion of their work time to help out in their local community."

Colleagues will be able to take a day's leave – in addition to annual leave allocation – to complete volunteering at groups or organisations of their choice that have links to arts and culture, supporting vulnerable people, sustainability and the environment, and young people and education. If all 2,000 members of staff at Keele take part then the initiative will represent a £400,000 investment in local communities and charities.

Alana Wheat, a sustainability engagement officer at the University, regularly volunteers in Staffordshire and will be applying for the scheme.

She said: "Volunteering lets me combine my passion for nature and youth with supporting essential community needs. Being on the trustee board for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and the Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services, and volunteering with Moorlands Climate Action, and Tean Youth Club allows me to support collective action, use my skills, and witness the positive impact created.

"It's not just about the causes I support, but the personal growth, connection, and sense of belonging I've gained. Everyone has a passion they can share, and volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference together."

Organisations with volunteering opportunities can also highlight any roles available to the University by emailing news@keele.ac.uk