Meet Luke Russell, Volunteering Manager, and find out how Royal Holloway’s volunteering team works with the local community.
Luke Russell, Volunteering Manager at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Meet Luke Russell, Volunteering Manager, and find out how Royal Holloway’s volunteering team works with the local community.
How would you describe your role and your connection with the local community?
I am the Volunteering Manager, which means I lead the Volunteering team here at Royal Holloway. We are a small team within the Careers Service and our role is to connect students with meaningful volunteering opportunities that help them develop their skills while contributing to the local community. We do this through our own student-led projects and by partnering with more than 300 local, national and international community organisations.
How long have you worked at Royal Holloway?
I joined in the summer of 2015, so over ten years ago. I started out as a Volunteering Coordinator before working my way up to my current role.
What is one thing you enjoy most about your work?
Each year brings a new group of students and I always enjoy seeing how they approach our projects and the needs of the local community. It is great to help students explore ideas that enable them to get involved in the local area, especially when they support causes they are passionate about.
A project, event, or initiative that you are proud to have been part of recently
In June 2025, Royal Holloway received its “University of Sanctuary” status. This recognises the support and funding packages we have put in place for students who are victims of forced migration, and it has been wonderful to contribute to that work. You can learn more about the University of Sanctuary programme on our website.
Something people might not know about you
I am a huge fan of horror films and will often spend an evening watching something truly terrible from the 1980s as a way of relaxing at the end of the day.
Are there any upcoming opportunities for the community to get involved with your work?
The next big focus for the Volunteering team is Student Volunteering Week, a national event taking place from 9–14 February 2026. It is a great opportunity to promote student volunteering in the local community. We are still planning what this will look like at Royal Holloway, but we will certainly be encouraging students to take part.
Anything else you would like to share with Community Matters readers?
If you are involved in a charity or community group that might benefit from support from student volunteers, I would encourage you to get in touch. The best way is to email volunteering@royalholloway.ac.uk, but our Volunteering Hub is also open for drop-ins from 10am–4pm, Monday to Friday during term time. We would be very happy to welcome you for a chat.
