University offers staff extra day off to volunteer

Keele University said it wanted to make a difference within local communities

A university has offers 2,000 staff members the chance to take an extra day off to volunteer in their local area.

Keele University said its staff would be able to volunteer with organisations that have links to arts and culture, education, sustainability and other sectors.

It could cost the university up to £400,000 if every worker gets involved.

The university's vice chancellor, Trevor McMillan, said he wanted to give staff the opportunity to use their work time to help out their community.

"Keele University was established in 1949 with a very clear remit to support communities in North Staffordshire and beyond," he said.

The scheme is part of the university's 75th anniversary celebrations this year.

Staff have been encouraged to collectively achieve at least 750 days of volunteering to make a difference to their local area.

Alana Wheat, from the university, said volunteering was "a powerful way to make a difference together".