[vc_row][vc_column align=”center” width=”1/1″][heading header_align=”center”]Code of Contact for Volunteers[/heading][ruler_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][button type=”link” label=”Download this as a pdf” link=”/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/child-protection-1.pdf” link_open=”_blank”][vc_column_text]The purpose of the Code of Conduct for Volunteers is to set out standards of behaviour expected from volunteers of Mellon Township Limited/Mellon Educate. The code of conduct forms part of the application form and all all volunteers must ensure that they have read and comply with this Code of Conduct.
Volunteers should maintain the highest standards of behaviour in the performance of their duties by:
- Fulfilling their role as outlined in the written volunteer role description included as part of the application form description, to a satisfactory standard;
- Performing their volunteer role to the best of their ability in a safe, efficient and competent way;
- Following the charity’s policies and procedures as well as any instructions or directions reasonably given to them;
- Acting honestly, responsibly and with integrity;
- Treating others with fairness, equality, dignity and respect;
- Raising concerns about possible wrongdoing witnessed by the volunteer in the course of the volunteer’s role with Mellow Township Limited/Mellon Educate with a charity Trustee, or the Blitz Manager/Operations Manager¹.
- Acting in a way that is in line with the purpose and values of the charity and that enhances the work of the charity;
- Communicating respectfully and honestly at all times;
- Observing safety procedures, including any obligations concerning the safety, health and welfare of other people in line with training provided to volunteers;
- Reporting any health and safety concerns;
- Directing any questions regarding Mellon Educate’s policies, procedures, support or supervision to the volunteer’s supervisor;
- Addressing any issues or difficulties about any aspect of their role or how they are managed in line with Mellon Township Limited/Mellon Educate’s grievance procedures;
- Declaring any interests that may conflict with their role or the work of the charity (e.g. business interests or employment). If any doubt arises as to what constitutes a conflict of interest, volunteers may seek guidance a charity Trustee, or the Blitz Manager/Operations Manager.
- Keeping confidential matters confidential;
- Exercising caution and care with any documents, material or devices, containing confidential information and at the end of their involvement with Mellon Educate returning any such documents, material in their possession;
- Seeking authorisation before communicating externally on behalf of Mellon Township Limited/Mellon Educate
- Maintaining an appropriate standard of dress and personal hygiene;
- Disclosing the fact that they have been charged with, or convicted of a criminal offence by prosecuting authorities (or given the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 as amended) to a charity Trustee, or the Blitz Manager/Operations Manager. For the avoidance of doubt, volunteers are not required to disclose the fact or details of ‘spent convictions’ under the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 (as amended) to Mellon Educate .
Volunteers are expected NOT to:
- Bring the charity into disrepute (including through the use of email, social media and other internet sites, engaging with media etc.);
- Seek or accept any gifts, rewards, benefits or hospitality in the course of their role;
- Engage in any activity that may cause physical or mental harm or distress to another person (such as verbal abuse, physical abuse, assault, bullying, or discrimination or harassment on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community);
- Be affected by alcohol, drugs, or medication which will affect their abilities to carry out their duties and responsibilities while volunteering;
- Provide a false or misleading statement, declaration, document, record or claim in respect of Mellon Educate, its volunteers, employees or charity trustees;
- Engage in any activity that may damage property;
- Take unauthorised possession of property that does not belong to them.
- Engage in illegal activity while carrying out their role.
- Improperly disclose, during or after their involvement with Mellon Educate ends, confidential information gained in the course of their role with Mellon Educate
- Never share their personal contact details with, nor ask for, or accept such details from any child associated with Mellon Educate and its work. Volunteers are not permitted to ask or accept personal details from a child. However, where a volunteer wishes to sponsor a particular project or child such request must be directed to a Mellon Educate staff member to arrange the appropriate channel of contact with the Principal or parent for concent. All such sponsorship must be overseen by Mellon Educate.
Where a volunteer is found to be in breach of the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct or any of Mellon Township Limited/Mellon Educate’s other policies and procedures this may result in the volunteer’s position being terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, volunteers should note that Mellon Township Limited/Mellon Educate may terminate a volunteer’s position without cause.
Volunteers acknowledge that no employment relationship is created in the context of their role with Mellon Township Limited/Mellon Educate
The board of charity trustees will review the Code of Conduct for Volunteers at yearly intervals or as appropriate a charity Trustee, or the Blitz Manager/Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively. All other staff and volunteers, including charity trustees, are expected to facilitate this process.
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¹In seeking information from volunteers about criminal convictions (or the fact that they have been charged with an offence or given the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 (as amended)) charities should comply with data protection law and be aware of the limitations on the circumstances in which it is possible to process such information (e.g. see section 55 of the Data Protection Act 2018). It is also important that charities have due regard to the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 (as amended). If a charity has any doubt about its rights and responsibilities in this regard, it should obtain legal advice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]