Responsibilities

• To be reliable

• To be professional

• To respect the aims and values of Help Close By

• To be honest if there are any problems

• To attend monthly team meetings (these are usually at lunchtimes or evenings to fit around other responsibilities) and complete assigned tasks to the best of their ability

• To be respectful and inclusive. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment at Help Close By where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or victimisation based on age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, report it immediately to a team lead or trustee

• Complete three hours’ volunteering a week. There are no set hours or days – you can volunteer whenever you are able to, and you are not under any contract in this role

• We ask for a minimum commitment of three months

• Volunteers will be assigned to a trustee or team lead who will provide regular support. Regular meetings and/or conversations online will provide the opportunity for ongoing dialogue about the development of the volunteering role and any advice and guidance as needed

• There is no restriction on holidays for volunteers as you are not being formally employed by the charity. However, we do ask that you let us know about any time you’ll be absent, so that we can plan work accordingly

Social media

Volunteers must:

·Represent the charity positively and accurately

· Not speak on behalf of the charity unless authorised

·Follow social media guidelines and avoid sharing harmful or misleading content

·Ensure all posts and content are approved by the Outreach & marketing team lead before scheduling

Leaving

We hope you will remain with Help Close By, but we understand circumstances change. Please do let us know if you are leaving so that your role can be filled – we appreciate it if you handover anything you are working on before you go

Letting go policy

We will have to let volunteers go if any of the following occur. Volunteers will be notified by email. This is not an exhaustive list.

• Theft of property belonging to the organisation, another volunteer, member of staff or  service user

• Acts of violence towards another volunteer, member of staff or service user

• Malicious damage to property belonging to the organisation, volunteers, staff or service users

• Deliberate falsification of expenses claims

• Breach of the organisation’s policies and procedures, especially those concerning confidentiality, safeguarding and health and safety

• Criminal convictions which affect the volunteer’s suitability for a role

• The provision of false information or failure to disclose information relevant to their suitability for a role

• Poor performance

• Poor attendance

• Inappropriate behaviour – including but not limited to harassment, bullying, or any form of discrimination (online or offline)

By volunteering with Help Close By, individuals agree to follow this Code of Conduct.