Volunteer Programme

Applications for our 2026 DocCrew volunteer programme are now open!

About DocCrew

People join DocCrew to make new friends, see new work from filmmakers and artists from around the world, make new contacts in their communities, gain valuable experience and learn more about how the film, arts and events world works. Most importantly, you'll have fun while doing it!

Our Volunteer Programme is a vital part of our festival. Each year we welcome applications from all, and love seeing new faces just as much as we love welcoming back familiar ones. There are plenty of ways to get involved regardless of experience, so if you're looking to try something new, get in touch.

Practical Information

Applications will be open to anyone aged 16 and over. Applicants under 18 years of age will need to provide written permission from a parent or carer to take part.

Volunteers will be asked to be available for a minimum of 2 shifts - but certain roles may require a greater time commitment so please read the descriptions carefully.

We work to ensure the festival is accessible to everyone. If you have any questions about whether a role is suitable for you, please get in touch via volunteer@sheffdocfest.com
 

Here are some of the benefits to volunteering with us. Keep checking back as we are working hard on our offering this year:

• A DocCrew Volunteer t-shirt
• A volunteer pass
• After your shift, you may be able to watch a film from the programme, at our discretion. Standby queue access to films, talks and sessions - subject to availability. 
• A family and friends discount code to be used across the festival

DocCrew Volunteer - Access

If you have any reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements that you need to be able to take part in the festival, such as working a single shift in a quiet space or access to BSL interpreters, please ensure you tell us in your application. If you need the form of any other information in a different format, please get in touch. We will do our very best to accommodate all requests. 

DocCrew Volunteer Expenses

We offer up to £8 per shift to help cover lunch and/or travel. More details on how to claim reimbursements will be shared once your role and shifts are confirmed.

DocCrew Volunteer Buddy-Up scheme

As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive volunteering, we are launching a Buddy-Up Scheme this year for beginners or those who would benefit from extra support during their time at the festival. If you have volunteered previously at DocFest and would like to be a buddy, please ensure you select this criterion in your application. If you would like to request a buddy, please also ensure you mark this in your application. 

Availability for volunteer buddy pairings is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to participate, please sign up at your earliest convenience.

DocCrew volunteers applications are now open. The closing date for applications is 30th April 2026, at 9am GMT.