The National Union of Students (NUS) and Student Hubs announced on Monday 18th January the five finalists for the Student Volunteer of the Year Award and we are proud to announce that Plymouth University student Jo Devall is in the final five.

Jo Devall is a Volunteer Lifeboat Crewman for the RNLI in Plymouth, and former President of UPSU SAINTS Kickboxing Club. In these two volunteering experiences, Jo has developed skills in first aid, has raised money for charity, and lead a community clean-up initiative in a local woodland. One of our judges referred to Jo’s volunteering as ‘pretty phenomenal’, noting that it 'impacts their life twenty-four-seven, three-hundred-and-sixty-five days a year’.

Jo in his own words:

“After spending 8 years in Plymouth, where I recently completed a 4 year degree, I now live in Liverpool where I have begun my dream career as a Hydrographic Surveyor. I adore anything to do with the sea, especially spear fishing, free diving & Wakeboarding and I am also a keen snowboarder. Alongside my studies and interests, I have also dedicated an awful lot of my life to helping others."

The 5 students who are nominated have all dedicated their time to causes they care about and were selected for their leadership, commitment and the impact of their work. The finalists come from across the UK and have worked on a variety of projects, with two of them being University of Plymouth student volunteers. The winner will be announced in a ceremony on February 22 at the start of Student Volunteering Week 2016. They will receive £1000 to donate to a cause of their choice.

Student Volunteering Week is a nationwide celebration of not-for-profit work carried out by students. Local volunteering teams in colleges and universities will organise one-off projects, celebration events and new volunteering campaigns.

 James Stoner, University of Plymouth Students’ Union Vice President Activities, said:

“It’s great to see Jo shortlisted for this national award. He has shown amazing dedication throughout his time as student at Plymouth University. Volunteering is a huge part of life in Plymouth University and he is a real credit to this institution and the Students’ Union, we are very proud of all that Jo has achieved in his time with us.”

Find out more about the awards and the others shortlisted 

Find out more about UPSU Volunteering