Code of Conduct for Employees and Volunteers

As a registered charity, [Charity name] is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in all its activities.
This Code of Conduct for Employees and Volunteers sets out the standards of behaviour and conduct expected of all individuals working for or on behalf of the Charity.

The Charity recognises that employees and volunteers play a vital role in delivering its charitable purposes and upholding public trust and confidence.

Purpose of the Code

1.1 The purpose of this Code is to:

Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive working environment.
Set clear expectations of conduct and behaviour.
Protect beneficiaries, colleagues, and the Charity.
Support compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

1.2 This Code complements other Charity policies and procedures.

Scope of the Code

2.1 This Code applies to:

All employees, whether permanent, temporary, or casual.
All volunteers, including interns and trustees acting in a voluntary capacity.

2.2 The Code applies at all times when individuals are:

Carrying out duties for the Charity.
Representing the Charity in any capacity.

Core Values and Principles

3.1 Employees and volunteers must uphold the following principles:

Integrity and honesty.
Respect and professionalism.
Accountability and responsibility.
Commitment to the Charity’s values and objectives.

3.2 Conduct must reflect positively on the Charity at all times.

Professional Behaviour

4.1 Individuals must:

Act responsibly, courteously, and respectfully.
Perform duties competently and diligently.
Follow reasonable instructions and procedures.

4.2 Unacceptable behaviour includes:

Harassment, discrimination, or bullying.
Abuse of authority or position.
Inappropriate or offensive behaviour.

Safeguarding and Duty of Care

5.1 Employees and volunteers must:

Comply with the Charity’s Safeguarding Policy.
Act in the best interests of beneficiaries.
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

5.2 The Charity has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or exploitation.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

6.1 The Charity is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

6.2 Employees and volunteers must:

Treat all individuals fairly and with dignity.
Avoid discriminatory behaviour or language.
Support an inclusive environment.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

7.1 Individuals must:

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Comply with data protection legislation and the Charity’s policies.

7.2 Confidential information must not be disclosed without authorisation.

Conflicts of Interest

8.1 Employees and volunteers must:

Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with the Charity’s interests.

8.2 Conflicts must be managed in accordance with the Charity’s Conflicts of Interest Policy.

Gifts, Hospitality, and Benefits

9.1 Employees and volunteers must not:

Accept gifts, hospitality, or benefits that could compromise integrity.

9.2 Any permitted gifts or hospitality must:

Be declared.
Comply with the Charity’s policies.

Use of Charity Resources

10.1 Charity resources must be used:

Responsibly.
Solely for authorised purposes.

10.2 Misuse of Charity property, funds, or systems is prohibited.

Health and Safety

11.1 Employees and volunteers must:

Follow health and safety procedures.
Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

11.2 Hazards, incidents, or concerns must be reported promptly.

Social Media and Communications

12.1 Employees and volunteers must:

Use social media responsibly.
Avoid making unauthorised statements on behalf of the Charity.

12.2 Online conduct must not bring the Charity into disrepute.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

13.1 Individuals are encouraged to:

Raise concerns about misconduct or wrongdoing.

13.2 Concerns may be raised in line with the Charity’s Whistleblowing Policy.

13.3 The Charity will protect individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Breaches of the Code

14.1 Breaches of this Code may result in:

Disciplinary action for employees.
Withdrawal of volunteering roles.
Termination of engagement.

14.2 Serious breaches may be reported to regulators or law enforcement where required.

Training and Awareness

15.1 The Charity will:

Provide induction and training as appropriate.
Promote awareness of this Code.

15.2 Employees and volunteers are responsible for familiarising themselves with this Code.

Monitoring and Review

16.1 This Code will be reviewed:

At least annually, or
Following changes in law or Charity operations.

16.2 Any amendments must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Conclusion

By adhering to this Code of Conduct for Employees and Volunteers, [Charity name] ensures a safe, ethical, and respectful working environment, supports effective delivery of its charitable purposes, and maintains public trust and confidence.

Signed: ………………………………………
Chair of the Board of Trustees

Date: ………………………………………

Charity Policy templates

Accessibility Policy, Anti-Bribery Policy, Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy, Anti-Harassment Policy, Board of Trustees Code of Conduct, Charitable Objectives Policy, Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct for Employees and Volunteers, Community Development Policy, Community Engagement Policy, Complaints Handling Policy, Confidentiality Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Conflict Resolution Policy, Crisis Management Policy, Cultural Competence Policy, Data Protection and Privacy Policy, Digital Inclusion Policy, Emergency Preparedness Policy, Environmental and Sustainability Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy, Ethical Fundraising Policy, Exit Policy, Expenses Policy, Feedback and Evaluation Policy, Feedback Mechanism Policy, Financial Controls Policy, Foreign Receipts and Payments Policy, Fundraising Policy, Gift Acceptance and Donation Policy, Governance and Accountability Policy, Grant-Making Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Incident Reporting Policy, Information Sharing Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, Investment Policy, IT and Cybersecurity Policy, Learning and Development Policy, Media and Public Relations Policy, Membership Policy, Mentoring and Coaching Policy, Online Safety Policy, Partnership and Collaboration Policy, Peer Support Policy, Privacy Impact Assessment Policy, Procurement and Supplier Management Policy, Public Benefit Policy, Records Retention Policy, Remuneration and Compensation Policy, Reserves Policy, Risk Management Policy, Safeguarding Vulnerable Beneficiaries Policy, Service Delivery Policy, Social Media and Communications Policy, Social Responsibility Policy, Succession Planning Policy, Technology Use Policy, Transparency and Accountability Policy, Travel and Subsistence Policy, Volunteer Induction and Training Policy, Volunteer Management Policy, Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities Policy, Whistleblowing Policy

Disclaimer:

Naail & Co provides these policy templates solely as guidelines or standard templates to assist charities in developing their own policies in accordance with Charity Commission England & Wales compliance. These templates are not intended to serve as legal or professional advice, and Naail & Co cannot be held responsible or liable for any outcomes arising from their use. It is essential that each registered charity carefully tailors and customizes these policies to reflect its specific needs, structure, and legal obligations. We strongly recommend that charities seek independent legal or professional advice to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

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