Get involved
Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of Henley Women’s Regatta, from those helping during the event, to the Chairman and Committee – we are all volunteers.
Volunteers donate their time and energy in the interests of both the sport and HWR, an event they wish to see grow and thrive.
Our volunteers enjoy contributing to HWR so much that many return year after year.
What sorts of things do volunteers do?
Our wonderful volunteers fulfill all sorts of vital tasks behind the scenes. These include selling programmes, marshalling boats on the water, helping with car parking, packed lunch distribution, and raft duty. We will match your skills and experience with a suitable volunteer role and will ensure you are fully trained.
Who can volunteer at HWR?
You must be 16 years or older at the time of the regatta (with parent/guardian consent under 18). There is no upper age limit, and you don’t need to have a background as a rower.
What is the time commitment?
You can give us as much or little time as you are able – the minimum we ask for is five hours on one of the three days. More if you can!
“I loved helping and meeting everyone, it was great to be part of such a friendly team. The T-shirt was brilliant too.”
Angela
Volunteer Code of Conduct 2025
HWR will:
- Provide any volunteer with training sufficient to do the role allocated safely
- Provide a volunteer T-shirt
- Offer a shift timetable to the volunteer (with the understanding of the volunteer that allocations may change at the last minute)
- Provide a named person/s in charge of volunteers on site for the duration of the regatta who will liaise with the HWR Welfare Officer and to whom the volunteer can contact if necessary
- Not share personal information with other volunteers or organisations without prior permission of the volunteer or (for under 18s) their parent or guardian
- Provide some refreshments within the Volunteer Tent and limited places around the site for the use of volunteers
- Provide a parking permit if required.
Volunteers agree to:
- Uphold the reputation of HWR at all times
- Uphold the health and safety practices they will be notified to follow at all times
- Ensure they arrive 30 minutes before their first shift on site
- After receiving shift pattern – commit to attend on days/times as allocated by the Volunteer Co-ordinator
- In case of emergency, ensure contact with the Volunteer Co-ordinator or other HWR official at the nearest possible opportunity to inform them of the issue
- Dress appropriately for the role as requested by HWR including wearing appropriate footwear according to the conditions, noting that duties are spread along the full length of the course
- Bring a water bottle (fresh running drinking water is available on site) as we limit single use plastic
- Take suitable precautions in relation to changing weather e.g. use sun screen and drink water in hot sun, wear waterproof clothing in the rain
- Be listed on a WhatsApp group on mobile phones to confirm arrival at shift location, then limit use of mobile devices to break times, emergencies or when requested to communicate by these devices by HWR
- Keep their mobile phone in a waterproof receptacle or zipped up in clothing when on stake boat duty
- Acknowledge that HWR is not liable for the loss or damage of any volunteers’ personal effects or valuables and that volunteers take anything on site at their own risk
- Understand that a drone and land-based video camers and photographers may be operating so volunteers’ images may be captured in the course of such activities and published/broadcast. By volunteering at HWR you consent to this.
Register your interest for HWR 2026
A link to the Volunteer Registration Form for HWR 2026 will be added here in February 2026, but if you’r like to register your interest now so we can email you once registration opens, we’d love to hear from you!
And if you’re interested in being involved in planning and organising the regatta through the year please contact secretary@hwr.org.uk.
What happens once I've registered?
We’ll put your your details on our volunteers’ list. Your shifts will be allocated two to three weeks before the event and we’ll contact you by email at that time.
If your availability changes, please let the Volunteer Coordinator know by emailing volunteers@hwr.org.uk.
“It was such fun. A little tired but all emotional it’s over too!
Happy to help you again with anything you need.”
Lucie
Next regatta
19-21 June 2026
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