The applicants that join the Commonwealth Collective volunteer programme will be the “public face” of Birmingham 2022 and represent the heart and soul of the Games experience for athletes, officials, spectators and a global audience of over one billion. The Games are the largest sporting and cultural event ever held in the West Midlands and the biggest in the UK for a decade.  

The majority of volunteer roles do not require any formal experience or qualifications, with full training provided. Roles include drivers, first aiders, meet & greeters, venue preppers, kit carriers, courtside assistants, to help the Games run smoothly and create a unique experience right across the region.  

Applicants must be aged 18 by 1 January 2022 and can select preferred areas of interest, which include Event Services, Accreditation, Transport, Sport and Media. A young volunteer programme for 14-17-year-olds will begin recruitment in the autumn.  

25,000 shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview at the Volunteer Selection Centre between September and December 2021, which will be held at the iconic Library of Birmingham. Successful volunteers will be notified of a role offer from January 2022. 

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Leisure, Councillor Liam Bartlett said:

“The Commonwealth Collective volunteer programme is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills or use current ones to assist with the smooth running of B2022 Commonwealth Games. It could also help towards achieving a future career in this exciting sector or lead to further volunteering in your community. We encourage people in Warwick District to share the link to the application page with family and friends so local people can be part of this fantastic event.”

The 13,000 volunteers who form the Commonwealth Collective will receive approximately 250,000 hours of training and complete one million hours of volunteer time. 

Five-time Paralympic swimming champion and Birmingham 2022 board member, Ellie Simmonds, said: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Commonwealth Games, the unsung heroes that allow us as athletes to succeed. Volunteering at WASUP was a fantastic way for me to give back to my local community in Walsall and I hope it inspires others to do the same. Volunteering at Birmingham 2022 will be a unique opportunity to contribute to the community and experience a home Games, so I’d encourage people of the West Midlands to submit an application. Even my parents and my coach are going to apply!” 

John Crabtree, Birmingham 2022 Chairman, commented: “The pandemic has seen so many wonderful examples of people coming together to support their neighbours and each other and has served to underline what we have always known – that we are stronger together. We will now see this first-hand at Birmingham 2022 with the formidable Commonwealth Collective. Our volunteers will be part of something special and the Collective will celebrate the unique qualities of each and every one of them. We know that together the Collective will be a shining example of the best of the human spirit.” 

Dame Louise Martin, President of Commonwealth Games Federation said: “As volunteers are the heart and soul of the Commonwealth Games, it is very exciting to launch the search to find 13,000 special individuals to form the Commonwealth Collective. They will be the face of Birmingham 2022, interacting with athletes, officials and spectators to create experiences that will last a lifetime.

“The Commonwealth Collective will showcase the very best of the West Midlands, the country and the Commonwealth, so if you are passionate about being part of Birmingham 2022, I would urge you to submit an application to be part of an event that will be truly memorable”

Applications are now open to be a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 and join the Commonwealth Collective. To apply and find out more, visit www.birmingham2022.com/get-involved/volunteering.