Volunteer to help tackle food waste at UCL

On average, there are 200 unsold sandwiches, fruit pots, salads and pastries at our campus cafés every week. That sums up to around 6000 perfectly consumable items at risk of being thrown away every academic year, creating 1300 kg of CO₂ emissions if sent to landfill.

To prevent environmental damage from discarding hundreds of consumable food items every week, UCL has been working with Zero Food Waste UCL (ZFW), a student-led volunteering project that collects and distributes surplus food to local charities. This year, the volunteers were able to collect and save 6,092 unsold food items from going to the landfill. 4,200 of them were mains. To put it another way, 4,200 people were able to have free lunch. 

Making Tangible Impact on Campus

ZFW has received recognition from both within and outside UCL – they were the winner of 2023 UCL Sustainability Impact Award, consecutively the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Student-Led Project of the Year, and were shortlisted for 2022-23 National Society and Volunteering Community Award and 2024-2025 Student-Led Project of the Year.

ZFW has become more than just a student-led project: it is now an integral piece of UCL, helping them meet their sustainability goals. They are now looking to expand their team and approach food waste in a more systematic manner. By being joining the team, you will:

• Be part of UCL’s Sustainability network, connecting with like-minded students across committees and projects;
• Connect with sustainability professionals across various sectors while representing ZFW at events; 
• Gain valuable experience in project management, sustainability and strategy;
• Develop your understanding of sustainability, climate justice and system transformation;
• Work with the Student’s Union, local charities, projects, and sustainability teams from major corporations and universities;
• Boost your CV with practical experience and knowledge building in sustainability leadership and communication skills;
• Receive a letter of recommendation and a certificate subject to satisfactory performance.

Getting involved

If you are passionate about making positive change on the climate, apply to the project leader position to make a tangible impact on campus. Positions include:

Head of Digital Operations (2-3 positions) 

Type: Remote, Part-Time

Typical Hours: Wednesday–Friday afternoons (volunteer operations usually 4–7 pm, but messages may arrive outside these times)

Role Overview:
You’ll be the central point of communication for our digital operations, managing volunteer schedules, responding to queries, and ensuring smooth operations during and outside operating hours. This role is flexible; you do not need to work for three consecutive days or be at your desk continuously. As long as you respond to incoming messages promptly, you can fit the work around your own schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor and respond to time-sensitive volunteer messages within 5–10 minutes during operating periods. Answer CH&CO group messages promptly, well before closing time.

 

Requirements:

Reliable internet access and ability to respond promptly via Teams/WhatsApp. Proactiveness and prompt situational management. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets. Effective written communication skills.

• Upload volunteer shifts by Sunday evening each week, liaising with café operators for updated closing times.
• Share reminders with volunteers via group chats as needed.
• Maintain and manage key operational data, including donation records and missed shifts.
• Analyse volunteer and operations data using Excel/Google Sheets and produce annual reports.

 

Compliance Officer (2-3 positions)

Type: Hybrid (remote + occasional on-site checks)

Role Overview:
Lead our compliance efforts in food safety, allergen control, occupational health and safety (OHS), and environmental sustainability in line with Students’ Union policies and legal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee volunteer training in food safety, allergen control, and OHS, updating materials at the start of term. Monitor and report instances of non-compliance with food safety standards.

 

Requirements:

Understanding of food safety and allergen management. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.

• Maintain allergen sticker supplies and ensure food-transport equipment remains safe and functional.
• Keep allergen records up to date; liaise with cafés for new product information.
• Work with cafés and partners to uphold contractual food safety agreements.
• Monitor campus operators for compliance with environmental laws and SU food waste policies.
• Assist with data collection on noncompliance with recycling and hazardous waste regulations.

 

Social Media & Marketing Lead (2-3 positions)

Type: Flexible, Hybrid

Role Overview:
Drive engagement and outreach for our organisation through social media, partnerships, events, and volunteer engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and manage partnerships with universities, councils, companies, and NGOs. Organise awareness events around food waste and social gatherings for volunteers.

 

Requirements:

Strong communication and relationship-building skills. Experience in social media, marketing, or event planning. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

• Increase volunteer engagement through feedback collection, creative campaigns, and activities.
• Represent the organisation at talks, conferences, and networking events.
• Respond to collaboration requests and coordinate with project leads.
• Recruit and oversee engagement/marketing team members, delegating tasks effectively.

How to apply

Please complete the application form to apply by October 6. Previous sustainability knowledge and experience isn't necessary; however, applicants will be considered based on their relevant experience and passion for sustainability.

Once your application is reviewed, ZFW will be in touch to inform you if your application has been shortlisted for an interview by early October. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please reach out to su.zerofoodwaste@ucl.ac.uk.

Click here to apply