New database matches candidates with charities and internal vacancies
By Jake Roslin
Courtesy of The Gaudie
A new AUSA database aims to make it easier for Aberdeen University students to find suitable volunteering opportunities that fit in with their studies.
Local and national charity organisations looking for student volunteers have already added dozens of vacancies to the system. The students’ association also intends to add on-campus opportunities in due course, including work for BookEnds, Nightline and at Freshers’ Fayres.
‘Our students will be able to register and login to our website and scroll through available opportunities,’ a spokesperson told The Gaudie. ‘They can filter the opportunities based on length, type of experience, or location. They can also put alerts on for specific areas, so they receive emails for new opportunities.’
‘We’re delighted to be able to offer students volunteering opportunities through our website,’ AUSA Student President Alisa Koester told The Gaudie. ‘We would encourage students to volunteer if they can. It makes a difference to them, their employability and also to our local communities.’
The spokesperson explained most providers of opportunities are flexible in commitment expected from students to ensure volunteering doesn’t affect their degree work.
Some options will require a PVG or DBS check, but these will be paid for by the provider.
‘AUSA are also signed up to Volunteer Scotland’s A Volunteer Charter,’ they continued, ‘where both providers and volunteers need to abide by their ten principles to ensure that our student volunteers are being treated correctly.’
The matching process also ensures students build skills that will help their employability, such as the possibility for students under 25 to obtain a nationally recognised Scottish Government Saltire Award.
Students can sign up here or email volunteering@abdn.ac.uk
