Do you have what it takes to be a London 2012 Games delivery volunteer?

London 2012’s official Games-time Volunteer Programme will launch this summer.

Volunteering at the London 2012 Games will be a truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) will recruit volunteers from across the UK – from a range of communities and backgrounds. The selection process will be transparent, open and fair.

Should you be selected as a Games delivery volunteer, you will be vitally important to the Games, representing the UK and delivering services that are essential for a successful and inspirational event. You will have the opportunity to use and develop your skills and play a key role in one of the largest and most unforgettable events ever to be held in the UK.

Volunteer roles:

Volunteers will be needed to help put on a truly memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will be two kinds of Games delivery volunteer – specialist and generalist:

-        Specialist volunteers will have specific existing skills or qualifications that are needed for them to complete the role – for example, sport or medical training.

-        Generalist volunteers will not need any special skills or qualifications and will receive all the necessary training. They might be given roles in areas such as spectator services, Olympic and Paralympic Village operations or uniform distribution.

Anti-Doping will deliver a comprehensive and robust Doping Control Program to achieve a doping-free Olympic and Paralympic Games, through a series of scheduled, random and targeted tests on athletes.

Specialist volunteer roles within Anti-Doping will include Blood Collection Officers, who will be responsible for collecting blood samples in accordance with doping-control testing procedures, and ensuring that the athlete is comfortable throughout the process.

Who can volunteer?

LOCOG aims to recruit volunteers who will bring passion, enthusiasm and energy to the Games. In addition, volunteers must:

-        be 18 years old by 1 January 2012;

-        be available to volunteer for a minimum of 10 days at either, or both, of the Games;

-        be eligible to volunteer in the UK according to UK immigration laws. In other words:

-        have the right to live and work permanently in the UK; or

-        hold a valid passport or identity card from any country in the European Economic Area; or

-        be in the UK or coming to the UK to work in accordance with the UK Points Based System; or

-        be in the UK for another reason with a permission to remain in the UK that allows you to work as a volunteer; or

-        be providing specialist sports-specific skills at the Games or have extensive previous Games experience and able to meet the requirements for a sports visitor visa;

-        be able to attend a minimum of three training sessions prior to the Games.

-        agree to undergo, and pass, certain security and background checks.

Applicants for specialist sport volunteer roles must also be available for the Test Event in their chosen sport.

Blood Collection Officers must also:

Why volunteer?

The main benefit of volunteering is the chance to play an integral role in one of the most exciting events ever seen in the UK. The Games will provide a unique and inspirational setting for volunteers to gain experience and develop their skills.

Note that:

-        London 2012 will provide volunteers with free meals during their shifts.

-        Each volunteer will be given an official uniform to wear and will have the opportunity to keep their uniform as a souvenir of their experience and contribution to the Games.

-        Volunteer travel arrangements are still being planned. Details of these will follow shortly.

-        Accommodation will not be provided.

Key dates during the volunteer recruitment process
Summer 2010 London 2012’s official Volunteer Programme will launch. All applicants will be required to complete an application form.

November 2010 LOCOG will start inviting short-listed applicants to a selection event.

February 2011–February 2012 Selection events will take place where all invited applicants will be interviewed.

October 2011 LOCOG will start sending out offers to successful applicants.

February 2012 Orientation training will begin.

March 2012 Role-specific training will begin.

April 2012 Distribution of uniforms and accreditation passes will begin.

June 2012 Venue training will begin.

How to apply

If you are interested in volunteering as a Blood Collection Officer, and you meet the above criteria, please register your interest with us now.

Email London 2012 to express your interest in volunteering at: antidoping@london2012.com

Every applicant will be expected to go through the full LOCOG recruitment process, which will include completing an application form and attending selection and training events.

Visit london2012.com/volunteering for more information on the Games-time Volunteer Programme, and details of other ways to volunteer in your local community now.