Introduction

At AUSA our overall aim is to be an organisation which engages with students to have a voice, fulfil their potential and get the most out of their university experience. Therefore, we feel the volunteering portal will allow students to utilise opportunities available to them and enhance their employability skills as an AU graduate. Our aim with this volunteering portal is to increase the number of students completing the volunteering pathway and consequently improve student expectations on employability at Aberdeen University by increasing employability skills and opportunities.

Principles

AUSA have created a policy in line with Volunteer Scotland’s ‘A Volunteer Charter’. The values that underpin this charter are:

• recognising students as assets - not a commodity
• building on students’ skills and experience
• promoting reciprocity, mutual respect, and trust
• building and supporting strong social networks

The more detailed principles of this charter that AUSA wish to work in line with can be found here.

Recruitment and Selection

AUSA encourage all students to participate in volunteering at Aberdeen University. Some volunteering positions are elected positions such as through a committee position within our Student Activities or through being a Class Representative through your university course. Others through volunteering at one of our many local partner organisations, may be subject to specific checks such as criminal record disclosures or PVG scheme memberships.  

All potential volunteers will be made aware of what recruitment procedures may apply both during and after applying for a volunteering position.

Wellbeing

As always, here at AUSA the health and wellbeing of our volunteers is priority and it is very important that any studies and degree work are put first. Volunteering hours should be flexible and should not have a negative impact on any coursework. Please remember that any support or advice is available from our student advice department.

Complaints

If students are not satisfied with the volunteering services of any organisations, complaints should be made as soon as to AUSA staff at volunteering@abdn.ac.uk. Likewise, if any external organisations wish to put forward a complaint towards a volunteer please contact us at volunteering@abdn.ac.uk.