- A volunteer is someone who, spontaneously, without expecting financial rewards and with responsibility, undertakes to carry out voluntary activities according to their skills and availability, in collaboration with an organisation that promotes voluntary action.
- The status of volunteer can in no way be linked to an employment contract, whether subordinate or autonomous, or to any relationship of a financial nature with the promoting organisation, unless there are specific regulations defined by law.
- Volunteering at U.Porto implies, for both the host organisations and the volunteers, the assumption of a commitment, in accordance with the principles pursued by U.Porto, as defined in the U.Porto Volunteering Framework Principles.
- This work, without monetary compensation, is duly recognised by U.Porto through a mention in the student's diploma supplement.
Participation in voluntary activities is open to students, former students (Alumni) and retired or retired teaching and non-teaching staff who wish to get involved in a wide range of voluntary activities on a free and totally voluntary basis.
It is understood that true volunteering should be carried out without any compensation being expected in return. However, it is considered appropriate to certify, especially to students, the exercise of voluntary actions duly recognised by U.Porto, in particular through the appropriate mention in the diploma supplement, provided that the criteria required in the applicable Rectoral Order (Rectoral Order no. GR.07/01/2023) are met.
Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to acquire essential skills and knowledge that will contribute to personal, academic and professional success. By volunteering, you gain a different perception of the community in which you live, and you are better prepared to face reality after completing your studies. What's more, it's important to recognise the positive impact you can have on society and how these skills are essential for improving other people's lives.
- Develop activities according to their knowledge, experience and personal motivations.
- Have access to initial and ongoing training programmes for improvement.
- Receive technical support with performance monitoring and evaluation.
- Have cover for the risks associated with their activity and any damage caused to third parties.
- Work in a safe, hygienic and favourable environment.
- Actively participate in decisions related to their work.
- To be recognised and certified for the work they do.
- Establish, together with the promoting organisation, a volunteer programme that regulates the terms and conditions of the activities to be carried out.
- Respect the principles and regulations relevant to the field of work.
- Be aware of and comply with the organisation's statutes, procedures and guidelines, as well as the rules of the related programmes and projects.
- Act with diligence, impartiality and solidarity.
- Ensure proper use of the resources and equipment provided.
- Taking part in training programmes to improve their volunteer work.
- Resolve conflicts that may arise during the course of voluntary work.
- Ensure continuity of commitment as a volunteer on a regular basis.
- Not acting as a representative of the organisation without its prior authorisation or knowledge.
- Properly use identification as a volunteer when carrying out activities.
- Inform the promoting organisation in advance whenever you wish to interrupt or end your voluntary work.