1. Objectives of the Society
Mission
To be a community of active social carers, reaching out to youth, young adults and families, encouraging them and equipping them.
Vision
To be a Caring Community
Core Values
· Moulding Lives – We lead the young people of today to become resilient citizens of tomorrow
· Equipping Lives – We develop programs to equip the community to better care for those in need
· Enriching Lives – We help people find direction and purpose in life and their relationships
· Touching Lives – We extend helping hands to those who want to reach their fullest potential.
2. Personal Conduct
a) Dress Code
Volunteers are responsible for presenting a positive example to partners, clients and the community. Volunteers shall dress appropriately in public and at work, always keeping in mind the cultural norms and practices of the community. As a rule of thumb, all volunteers should be attired modestly as far as the nature of the voluntary work allows, and refrain from clothing with offensive or objectional material.
b) Personal and Public Communication
Volunteers shall exercise discretion in any personal communication regarding their assignment or other related persons and issues. They shall refer any media requests to comment on ACN projects to the Director and seek ACN’s prior permission and guidance before speaking to the press.
Volunteers shall exercise extreme discretion in posting personal comments about ACN projects, project partners, clients or the community on new media and social media platforms such as weblogs (or blog), podcasts, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Offensive or unwarranted negative comments may result in disciplinary action. Volunteers shall contact ACN if they require advice on such communication.
c) Personal behaviour
All relationships with beneficiaries shall be on a professional basis. Volunteers to avoid inappropriate physical or sexual relationships with other volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. At no time may volunteers engage in sexual activity with any beneficiaries or with a child (a person under the age of 18 regardless of the legal age of consent).
d) Unlawful Behaviour
ACN will not condone any conduct or pattern of behaviour or any criminal behaviour, which may or may not incur risk of injury, physical harm to self or others or presents a substantial possibility of loss or destruction of property. This will result in termination of the volunteers’ involvement with ACN.
3. Professional Conduct
a) Collaboration and communication
Volunteers should maintain cordial relationships and collaborate with staff, other volunteers and beneficiaries with the highest standards of professional courtesy. Volunteers should communicate sensitively and in ways appropriate to existing cultural norms.
b) Decorum
Volunteers should exercise care in their language, gestures and attitudes, ensuring that they do not act in such a manner that is harmful to others or embarrassing and disparaging to ACN. The use of abusive language or calling of offensive names or making of inappropriate remarks is strictly prohibited as is intimate or inappropriate physical contact.
Volunteers must uphold respect for privacy. Volunteers should not take photos or make recordings of any kind during the volunteering session. They should not request or exchange personal details or contact information with beneficiaries.
Volunteers must ensure safety to oneself and to others at all times. Volunteers must not smoke, use or be in possession, or be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescriptive drugs at any time while serving the community.
c) Conflict of Interest
Volunteers should avoid any personal, financial, conflict or other interests that might hinder their capability or willingness to perform their assigned duties. Volunteers are expected to avoid situations which may have conflict of interest with the organisation (e.g. other commitments, roles in other organisations). If any potential area of conflict arises, please consult with your supervisor and /or the Administration Manager.
d) Punctuality and Absenteeism
Volunteers are expected to perform their duties punctually and as assigned. When expecting to be absent from scheduled duty, volunteers shall inform their direct supervisor and/or the Administration Manager as far in advance as possible so that alternative arrangements may be made. Continual absenteeism will result in a review of the volunteer’s involvement.
e) Confidentiality
Volunteers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged or personal information to which they are exposed while serving as volunteers, whether this information involves a single member of staff, volunteers, beneficiary, or other person or involving the overall business of ACN.
f) Termination
ACN may review or terminate any volunteer who engages in behaviour which, in the opinion of ACN, may affect the proper discharge of his/her duties and responsibilities as a volunteer or affect the reputation of ACN or ACN’s programmes.
Volunteer Declaration
As a volunteer, I am committed to:
Personal Responsibility
I. Be dependable, recognizing the commitment and responsibility to my volunteer assignment(s).
II. Be punctual, and when being absent, inform personnel in charge as far in advance as possible.
III. Accept feedback from and be accountable to my supervisor and/or personnel in charge, and approach them for assistance or help when needed.
IV. Avoid situations which may have conflict of interest with the organisation (eg. other commitments, roles in other organisations) and refrain from actions that may be perceived as such. Reveal any potential or actual conflicts of interest as they may arise.
V. Not seek or accept rewards, benefits or gifts without authorisation.
VI. Address ethical concerns by speaking directly with the co-worker with whom I have the concern and when necessary, report such to my supervisor/Administration Manager in the defined chain of command.
VII. Be a role model to those I work with and serve.
VIII. Be responsible for my belongings and understand that ACN will not be responsible for any lost or damaged items during the volunteering sessions.
Professional Respect
I. Treat all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth. Make a personal commitment to be non-judgmental about cultural, racial and religious differences, living conditions and the life-style of each person with whom I work.
II. Wear required identification and clothing. All items of clothing must be suitable for the work environment, modest, and should not contain offensive or objectionable material (slogans or graphics).
III. Respect that the use of profane and abusive language, gestures, attitudes, disruptive behaviour that is dangerous to self and others, any intimate or inappropriate physical contact are strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to sitting children on laps, carrying or hugging clients.
IV. Respect that photo-taking and uploading of pictures or videos on social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited and therefore abstain from the use of photo, audio or video recording equipment unless authorized by ACN supervisor.
V. Exercise extreme discretion in posting personal comments about ACN projects, project partners, clients or the community on new media and social media platforms.
VI. Respect that requesting personal details pertaining to clients and/or their families is not allowed, including the exchange of contact information and social media contacts
VII. Maintain confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a single staff, volunteer, client or other person.
VIII. Not act as a spokesperson for the organisation unless prior permission or authority has been given.
IX. Not smoke, nor use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol and non-prescription drugs while volunteering. Abstain from all illegal activity.
Safety
I. Approach and inform supervisor and personnel in charge should a client exhibit unusual or dangerous behaviour, or when a child client misbehaves. Refrain from disciplining, scolding or punishing the client.
II. Comply with mandated reporting in cases of suspected child and vulnerable adult abuse or neglect.
III. Check with supervisor and personnel in charge before giving clients any food items or gifts. This includes but is not limited to sweets, treats, goody bags etc.
IV. Do not engage in any activity that may bring harm (e.g. physical or mental) to another person or property. Report suspicious activities to my supervisor or Administration Manager
V. Follow safe workplace practices, including participation in applicable education sessions, using appropriate personal safety equipment and reporting accidents, injuries, and unsafe situations.
VI. Respect and use all equipment appropriately and as required for my assignment.
Breaches of the Volunteer Code of Conduct
I. I understand that any breach of the Volunteer Code of Conduct may lead to a warning of unacceptable behaviour or immediate termination of services as a volunteer.
I have read and understood the requirements and commitments written in this agreement. I accept and agree to abide by this Volunteer Code of Conduct and any updates fully.