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Trailblazers pre-Games volunteering

Key dates

17 October: Launch of Trailblazers - applications open

31 October: Applications close

11-22 November: Assessment of applications

12 December: Decisions made

19 January 2009: Trailblazers start at LOCOG

Volunteering will be at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As well as needing volunteers at Games-time, we will also need them in the lead up to the Games.

Our office-based volunteers, Trailblazers, will work within the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) offices in Canary Wharf, performing a wide range of administration duties as required within all departments.


Who are we looking for?

We are looking for 20 individuals, of whom five will come from the Personal Best Programme. The Trailblazers will have a range of skills and experience - we want to appeal to all areas of the community to ensure we attract a diverse range of applicants.

Volunteers will need the following personal qualities:
  • Flexibility: be adaptable and be able to learn from situations and deal with changing priorities.
  • Commitment: be dedicated and take on some personal responsibility.
  • Friendly: be supportive of team members and be helpful and welcoming.
  • Positive attitude: be enthusiastic; service-focused and have a 'can do' attitude.
  • Good communicator: have good interpersonal skills.

Minimum requirements for all Trailblazers will include:
  • Aged over 18
  • Basic computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Good written and verbal English skills.
  • Experience of working within a team environment.
  • Commitment to volunteer one day a week.
  • Eligibility to work as a volunteer within the UK in accordance with immigration rules.


What will the volunteers be doing?

Volunteers on the Trailblazer programme will undertake a variety of roles including:

  • Data entry support where required.
  • Administration support to departments.
  • Helping with the organisation of activities and events such as forums, seminars, meetings and conferences.
  • Undertaking other duties appropriate to the role and needs of LOCOG.

How will volunteers benefit from this experience?

Volunteers will benefit from making a difference to the London 2012 Games and will be able to be part of something that is unique to London over the next four years. In addition, volunteers will:
  • meet other people;
  • enjoy being part of a team;
  • gain valuable experience; and
  • learn or develop new skills.
Read our frequently asked questions on the Trailblazers programme


Diversity & Inclusion

The London 2012 Organising Committee is committed to creating Everyone’s 2012. This means creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone.

To help us measure progress, please complete and return the Diversity & Inclusion Applicant form. (Word 129Kb) The information is anonymous and separated from your application. It is strictly confidential and only used to provide an overall profile analysis of LOCOG.


How to apply


Applications are now closed and will open again in the new year.

Learning from experience

In the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Games there was a similar programme, Pioneer Volunteers. It had 500 volunteers at its peak, with a total of 160,000 hours contributed between 1996 and 2000. Each individuals’ hours ranged from 100 to 1,000 hours.

This programme was identified as a major success from the Sydney Games and we believe that a pre-Games volunteering programme will make an important contribution to the planning and preparation in the lead up to 2012.

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