Gambian Community Birmingham Volunteer Code of Conduct
This document is intended to assist the Charity Trustees develop and implement a code of conduct for its volunteers that provide guidelines on the standards of behaviour expected of them. The Code applies to all volunteers of the charity and should be shared with new volunteers as soon as they agree to volunteer for the Gambian Community Birmingham (GCB).
All volunteers should always ensure that they read and comply with this Code.
The Code is not exhaustive of matters (legal requirements or otherwise) that need to be addressed in the context of the relationship between the GCB and its volunteers.

What is expected of a GCB, Volunteer?
Volunteers should maintain the highest standard of behaviour in the performance of their volunteering duties by:
♣ Fulfilling your role always outlined in the role description to a satisfactory standard and keep confidential information.
♣ Act and communicate respectfully, honestly, responsibly and with integrity.
♣ Performing your volunteer role to the best of their ability in a safe, efficient, and competent way.
♣ Follow the charity’s Policies and Procedures and any instructions or directions reasonably given.
♣ Treat others with fairness, equality, dignity and with respect
♣ Raise concerns about possible wrongdoing witnessed during your volunteering role with the GCB, at all levels.
♣ Provide sufficient notice when not able and available for tasks so that alternative arrangements can be made.
♣ Observe Safety procedures, including any obligations concerning the Health, Safety, and Welfare of other volunteers and report any concerns accordingly.
♣ Direct any questions regarding the GCB’s Policies, Procedures, support, or supervision to the Secretary General.
♣ Address any issues or difficulties about any aspect of your role or how you are managed in line with GCB’s grievance procedures.
♣ Declare any interests that may conflict with your role or the work of the charity (e.g., business interests). If in doubt, please consult the Secretary General or GCB’s Conflict of Interest Policy for clarification.
♣ Exercise caution and care with any document(s), material(s), or device(s), containing confidential information and return material in your possession at the end of your involvement with the Charity; upon request or when your services are no longer required by the GCB.

♣ Seek authorisation before communicating externally on behalf of the GCB,

♣ Disclose any charges or if convicted of any criminal offence by prosecuting authorities in line with the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 as amended that may have reputational damage to the Charity. (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). The GCB, will keep this information in strictest confidence in line with GDPR regulations).

What Volunteers are NOT expected to do?
♣ Bring the charity into disrepute (including using email, social media, and other internet sites, engaging with media etc.).
♣ 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, or race).
♣ You should not be affected by alcohol, drugs, or medication which will affect your ability to carry out your duties and responsibilities while volunteering.
♣ Provide false or misleading statement, declaration, document, record or claim in respect of the GCB, its volunteers or Trustees.
♣ Improperly disclose, during or after their involvement with the GCB, ends for the first 36 months confidential information gained during your role with the GCB,
♣ Seek or accept any gifts, rewards, benefits, or hospitality during your role.
♣ Engage in any activity that may damage property during volunteering.
♣ Take unauthorised possession of property that does not belong to you.
♣ Engage in illegal activity while carrying out your role.

General

• Where a volunteer is found to be in breach of the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct or any of GCB’s operating Policies and Procedures may result in your volunteer position to be terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, volunteers should note that the GCB’s, may terminate a volunteer’s position without cause.
• Volunteers acknowledge that no employment relationship is created in the context of their role with the Charity.
• The board of Charity Trustees will review this Code of Conduct every 3 years or as appropriate.
• The Secretary General is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively.
• All Trustees and volunteers are expected to facilitate this process.

Name: ………………………………………………. Signature: ……………………….
Date: ……………………………………….