Volunteering

Introduction

Applications for volunteers are now open!

Important Update:

There have been a number of significant changes made to our volunteering guidance. Please ensure you read this page, and our Volunteer Policy (see above), carefully before making your application.

• All information regarding the organisation of volunteering for UK Games Expo is subject to change.
• You will be informed of changes as they happen if you have applied.
• UKGE would like to thank you for showing an interest in volunteering at the UK Games Expo.
• To understand whether this opportunity is a good fit for you, please read the overview below detailing the what, who, why, how and when of volunteering.
• We ask that all potential applicants, whether you are new or have been part of the volunteering community before, read through this information, prior to applying.

What does a Volunteer do at UK Games Expo?

The UK Games Expo is an event unique in its field, boasting a diverse audience while maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Volunteers are an essential part of that atmosphere, but this is not an easy option as we ask for hard work and commitment from our Volunteers to perform supportive tasks thus allowing the Expo to run smoothly.

A UKGE volunteer comes with many benefits that perhaps no other show, boardgame related or not, offers. In return, we expect our Volunteers to perform these tasks and fulfil the shifts we ask of them.

We want our Volunteers to be the friendly face of UKGE to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

There are a variety of roles, which are constantly evolving each year. As we strive to provide the best experience for visitors. We are always looking to strengthen our pool of Volunteers, seeking individuals capable of handling a multitude of tasks.

The focus is always on great customer service and experience enhancement. As such, we are looking for people with great social skills, extensive knowledge of the games industry and other specialist abilities, as well as a strong desire to help to ensure our visitors have the best time we can provide.

Volunteers are expected to be able to fulfil a variety of tasks, which fall into the following categories:

Ambassadors:
Our Ambassador's aim is to enhance the experience of our attendees truly.
Expo can be a daunting landscape to navigate. Our Ambassadors are there to help those needing that little extra assistance.
You should be capable of conversing with complete strangers, making them feel welcomed, safe, and well looked after.
This is a very tough role but exceptionally rewarding.

Customer Services:
We solely operate our ticketing desks, a Shop and Drop, a merchandise stand, and many other services. So for this role, as well as great customer service skills, we seek people with cash-handling skills, who can maintain a level head under pressure.

Specialist Roles:
There are a variety of essential roles requiring volunteers with technical experience in specialist areas, such as AV, Admin, IT etc. When applying, if you have any potentially useful experience, please inform us about it.

Stewarding and other general volunteering:
The general running of the show requires a myriad of tasks to be completed. Stewarding is a major part of the smooth running of the event, ensuring that passes are checked and that attendees receive a warm welcome to the Expo. Volunteers must be able to follow instructions, and act sensibly and reliably to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely and safe manner.

Who is a Volunteer?
A Volunteer is defined as anyone who performs any duty on behalf of UKGE, but is not employed by UKGE. This includes GMs, Tournament Umpires, General Volunteers, Ambassadors and Team Leaders.

Demo Team Staff are not Volunteers, as they are employed by UKGE on behalf of games companies and are subject to standard employment regulations.

Why Volunteer for UKGE?

We want our volunteers to show commitment, but to have an excellent time while doing it. When we asked the team about their best moments of the Expo, here were some of their responses:

“Amazing. I felt appreciated and had lots of fun!”

“You guys are like my family, yellow shirts for life”

“Fulfilling and fun way to get to Expo for less”

“People, games, experience, passion, fun, friends. All in massive quantities.”

When we asked Volunteers to describe their experience in 3 words, this is what they said:

How Do I Volunteer?

First and foremost, carefully read the Volunteer Policy. Once you have assimilated this information, you should understand all that is expected of you.

When we request volunteer submissions, you are required to have registered account with UKGE.
If are you are not an account holder, you can set one up by clicking on the button VISITOR: LOGIN OR REGISTER FOR AN ACCOUNT at the top of our website.
If you are an account holder, log in, then fill in the Application Form via the button at the bottom of this page.

The volunteer managers will process your application, and you will receive communication regarding your application in due course. It can sometimes take a while to process every application, so please be patient while you await a response. We respond to every query we receive.

If you are accepted as a volunteer for the first time, you will be invited to attend a Volunteer Orientation Webinar, and subsequently every three years thereafter.
There may also be other training provided, depending on the role you have been assigned, you will be notified as and when appropriate.

When can I apply?
When can I expect a response to my application??

Below are the timelines for processing volunteer applications, to which we will endeavour to adhere. However, these timings may change due to factors beyond our control.
If at any point you have a query about the progress of your application, please feel free to contact the Volunteer Managers.

Feb 2025 - Volunteer applications open. Please apply using the form, as detailed above.

March 2025 onwards - Applicants will be informed whether they have been accepted as a Volunteer.

May 2025 - Any information specific to the team you are on will be communicated to you via email. Please also look out for general updates about volunteering.

Friday 30 May 2025 – Sunday 1 June 2025 - UK Games Expo opens to the public.

Any questions?

Most of your questions should be answered above or in the Volunteer Policy. However, if you have further questions regarding the volunteer process or general volunteering, please email the Volunteer Managers.