Why the King’s Award Matters for Community Volunteering
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK. It is equivalent to an MBE and recognises sustained, high‑quality volunteer work that benefits the community. For Discovery Planet, an organisation that has been delivering STEM experiences to Thanet for more than a decade, the award confirms the impact of their outreach and the dedication of Kent staff and students who have contributed over 15,000 volunteer hours.
How Discovery Planet Has Built a STEM Hub in Thanet
Founded in 2014 by Xanthe Pitt, Nikki Hildesley and former Kent physics lecturer Dr Vicky Mason, Discovery Planet offers free, interactive workshops on topics such as clean energy, micro‑meteorites, plastics, the human heart and genetics. Over the years, the centre has attracted more than 26,000 visitors, including school children and local residents of all ages. The success is built on:
- Volunteer‑led workshops – Staff and students bring their subject expertise to the classroom.
- Community partnerships – Collaboration with local schools, libraries and community groups expands reach.
- Accessible design – All activities are free and open to anyone, removing financial and logistical barriers.
What the Award Means for Kent Students and Staff
University of Kent’s volunteering scheme allows staff to allocate up to 25 hours per academic year for volunteering during the workday. The King’s Award highlights the value of this scheme and encourages more staff and students to participate. Professor Iain Wilkinson, lead for Civic Engagement, noted that “increasing access to knowledge and education, and fostering learning environments where everyone feels they belong, is very important to us at the University of Kent.”
Getting Involved: Steps for Students, Staff and Community Members
1. Identify Your Interest Area
Whether you’re a physics lecturer, a biology student, or a local parent, Discovery Planet welcomes volunteers from all disciplines. Think about the STEM topic you’re passionate about and how you could translate that into an engaging workshop.
2. Register Through the University of Kent Volunteering Portal
Students and staff can sign up via the university’s volunteering portal. The process typically involves:
- Creating a profile with your contact details and areas of expertise.
- Choosing a volunteer slot that fits your timetable.
- Completing a brief training module on safety and workshop delivery.
Community members can apply directly through Discovery Planet’s website or by contacting the centre’s volunteer coordinator.
3. Attend a Training Session
Training covers:
- Workshop design and facilitation techniques.
- Health and safety guidelines for working with children.
- Data protection and confidentiality when handling participant information.
4. Deliver Your First Workshop
Start with a small group session, gather feedback, and refine your approach. Over time, you can take on larger events or help plan multi‑day festivals.
Benefits of Volunteering with Discovery Planet
- Professional Development – Gain hands‑on teaching experience and improve communication skills.
- Networking – Connect with academics, industry partners and local leaders.
- Community Impact – Directly contribute to STEM literacy and inspire the next generation.
- Recognition – Volunteers are acknowledged in the King’s Award ceremony and on the university’s website.
How the King’s Award Can Boost Your CV
Being part of an award‑winning volunteer team demonstrates leadership, project management and a commitment to social responsibility. Highlight these experiences in your CV or LinkedIn profile, especially if you’re applying for roles in education, science communication or community outreach.
Future Directions for Discovery Planet
With the award’s prestige, Discovery Planet plans to expand its reach by:
- Launching mobile STEM kits for schools that cannot visit the centre.
- Partnering with local businesses to sponsor new equipment.
- Developing online modules that complement in‑person workshops.
These initiatives will create more opportunities for volunteers and broaden the centre’s impact across the UK.
Take the Next Step – Volunteer Today
Whether you’re a student, staff member or community resident, your skills can help shape the future of STEM education in Thanet. Apply for volunteering now and join a team that has already earned national recognition.
Have Questions About Volunteering?
Contact the Discovery Planet volunteer coordinator at [email protected] or call 01234 567890. We’re happy to discuss how you can get involved.
Share Your Experience
Have you volunteered with Discovery Planet or another STEM outreach program? Share your story in the comments below or on our social media channels.
Explore More Community Engagement Opportunities
Discover additional ways to contribute to the Kent community by visiting the university’s Community Engagement page and reading related articles on volunteer impact and STEM education.
