Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust Code Volunteers Code Of Conduct The Trustees of the Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust recognises the importance of volunteers in achieving its charitable objectives and is committed to ensuring that all volunteers are effectively utilised and properly acknowledged for their generous gift of their time and expertise. It is important however that for the benefit of the charity, volunteers know exactly what they can expect, and what is expected in return. Volunteer refers to any person who carries out duties for the charity, but does not receive payment for their time, this includes Trustees, Committee Members, Trainers and Helpers. What We Will Offer Our Volunteers: 1. Membership of a team as part of which they will be able to make a worthwhile contribution to achieving the charities charitable objective. 2. A welcome to volunteers from all sections of the community and wherever possible we will accommodate people with special needs and/or disabilities. 3. Induction and training enabling them to fulfil their role effectively. 4. Support and guidance from the Chief Executive or staff member so that they will feel secure and confident in what they are doing. 5. Appropriate insurance cover is in place for all activities that they may be asked to carry out. 6. Appropriate uniform and personal protective equipment to enable them to perform their role safely. 7. Appropriate health & safety environment, briefings and training. 8. Assurance that they will be trusted and treated as a valued team member and without discrimination. The charity welcomes volunteer s comments and suggestions. 9. Appropriate and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. 10. Assurance that you and your contribution will be appreciated at all times. 11. The right to request employment reference after six months volunteering. 12. Ongoing and continued review, appraisal and training opportunities suitable to their role. Issue 1 / Approved by the Board of Trustees on 20 th August 2008 Page 1 of 6
We Expect Our Volunteers To: 1. Always act in the best interest of the charity, and work towards the charitable objective. 2. Act with integrity, in a professional courteous manner befitting their position and membership of the charity. 3. Exercise judgement, skill and care to the best of their ability. 4. Respect confidentiality, personal rights and the expectations of all. 5. Not unfairly elicit trade or members to the detriment of others, be diplomatic in discussions and avoid criticising or condemning advice given/methods used by other organisations or trainers, especially where those in question will not have the opportunity to justify their actions. 6. Ensure adequate awareness of legal, child protection and health and safety issues. 7. Not enter any agreement or correspond on behalf of the charity, without the appropriate authority of the Board of Trustees. 8. Where issued always prominently display their charity identification badge whilst officiating at charity events. Where issued always wear the appropriate uniform/personal protective equipment necessary. 9. Comply at all times to charity regulations, policies, codes of practice and always act on the direction of their line co-ordinator, Chief Executive or resolutions of the Board of Trustees or membership. 10. Where necessary complete any administration required, in achievement of their role. 11. Abide at all times to the charities codes of practice, ethics and conduct. 12. Never publicise, make statement to the media or similar, business of the charity which has not already been released or without the authority of the Board of Trustees. 13. Attend meetings/events where requested, unless reasonable reason for absence is notified to line co-ordinator. Volunteers must be reliable and let us know in good time if they cannot attend. 14. Where a volunteer has been issued equipment or clothing by the charity or paid for by the charity for the purpose of carrying out charity business. This should unless authorised only be applied for charity business and should be Issue 1 / 20 August 2008 Page 2 of 6
returned to the charity when requested. 15. Not solicit members without authorisation, to other businesses, events, organisations or clubs. 16. Not to take on charity members for private training, paid or unpaid, without first gaining authorisation from the charity. 17. Not to set up, take part in the management of or hold shares in other clubs or training organisation/business (including private training) without declaring the activity to the charity upon becoming a volunteer of the charity or before commencing the activity. 18. Not to be under the influence of alcohol or other substance, legal or illegal, whilst officiating at a charity event. Volunteers must not consume such substance whilst they are officiating. 19. Promote the charities policy to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age or disability. 20. To complete the training programmes offered both at their induction and during their period of service. 21. Promote only those activities and fundraising events, authorised by the Board of Trustees of the charity, and to duly respect and acknowledge the contribution of sponsors and donors. Everyone has the right to feel safe, be treated fairly and appropriately at all times. In addition everyone has the right to volunteer in a welcoming and friendly environment, without discrimination, abuse or harassment. Trainers In addition Trainers are expected to: 1. Be conversant with and promote the Code of Practice For Dog Training to participants and promote all aspects of responsible dog ownership. 2. Be able to work in the best interests of the individual dog and handler / owner(s). 3. Acknowledge, promote and use suitable and motivational methods. 4. Take every reasonable care to control activities which may cause injury or aggression to or by a dog. 5. Have an understanding of dog behaviour and mechanisms of learning. Issue 1 / 20 August 2008 Page 3 of 6
6. Have an understanding of the human skills of learning, communication and counselling. 7. Be able to give advice on the choice, maintenance and safe use of training equipment. 8. Be able to teach to the level of their experience in the discipline, recognise their limitations and the consequences of advice given. 9. Be willing to keep up to date with relevant developments, improve their own skills and expand their knowledge. Child & Participant Protection It is the policy of the charity to safeguard the welfare of all children, members, volunteers and participants by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm. Charity Volunteers are expected to enforce, promote and act in accordance with this code. Some positions within the charity may require a Criminal Records check, volunteers are expected to comply and assist with this process. The results of this check may determine the appointed position. To ensure protection, all volunteers are expected to: 1. Treat everyone with respect. 2. Provide an example you wish others to follow. 3. Plan activities, which involve more than one other person being present, or at least are within sight or hearing of others. 4. Respect a person s right to personal privacy. 5. Have separate sleeping accommodation for volunteers and young/vulnerable people. 6. Provide access for young/vulnerable people to talk about any concerns they may have. 7. Encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like. 8. Avoid situations that compromise your relationship with young people and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust (e.g. sexual relationship between a leader and a youth member over the age of consent). 9. Remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well intentioned. Issue 1 / 20 August 2008 Page 4 of 6
10. Recognise that caution is required even in sensitive moments of counselling, such as when dealing with bullying, bereavement or abuse. Volunteers must NOT: 1. Permit abusive peer activities (e.g. initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying). 2. Play physical contact games with young people. 3. Have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others. 4. Jump to conclusions about others without checking facts. 5. Allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums or crushes. 6. Show favouritism to any individual. 7. Make suggestive remarks or gestures, even in fun. 8. Let suspicion, disclosure or allegation of abuse, go unrecorded or unreported. 9. Rely on just your good name to protect you. 10. Believe it could never happen to me If you suspect a child or adult is being abused: 1. Immediately tell the charities Chief Executive, who will act as the Child Protection Officer (CPO). 2. Record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the CPO. 3. Ensure that the child has access to an independent adult. 4. Ensure that no situation arises which could cause any further concern. If a child or adult tells you about abuse by someone else: 1. Allow the child to speak without interruption, accepting what is said. 2. Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement. 3. Advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on. 4. Same steps as 1-4 as in suspecting a child is being abused. If you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself: 1. Immediately tell the charities Child Protection Officer (Chief Executive). 2. Record the facts as you know them and give a copy to the club CPO. 3. Try to ensure no-one is placed in a position, which could cause further compromise. Your must always refer; you must not investigate. Issue 1 / 20 August 2008 Page 5 of 6
Guidance For Child Protection Officer. If someone informs you of someone they suspect is being abused or if a child makes allegations of abuse. You must pass on all information collected, to the Police and make accessible to the authorities any information they require. The Child Protection Officer should also inform the young person s parent/guardian, as well as calling a special meeting of the Board Of Trustees to inform them of the situation. It is usual that any officers involved should be suspended, pending the outcome of the authorities investigation. If the Child Protection Officer is involved in the investigation, the Trustees should appoint an alternate CPO for the duration of the investigation. At all times the CPO must co-operate with the authorities. The Child Protection Officer shall be the only person to issue statements to the media regarding child protection, with the additional authority of the Board of Trustees. General Note To Volunteers Whilst we appreciate the goodwill shown by volunteers in giving their time and expertise freely, if the behaviour of a volunteer does not complement or support the objectives of the Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust, the Chief Executive or other person in charge may ask the volunteer to adjust their behaviour. The charity aims to identify and resolve any problems at any early stage, but, in circumstances where this is not possible, the volunteer may be informed that their services are no longer required. It is not intended that a volunteer should have the status of an employee or worker in relation to the volunteering activities undertaken, nor that they should derive a personal financial benefit from undertaking such activities. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 20 th August 2008 Issue 1 / 20 August 2008 Page 6 of 6