A charity staff and volunteer code of conduct that provides a template to lay out your ethics and core values. It also includes tips on how to create and communicate your charity code of conduct to staff and volunteers, and make it work well.
A charity code of conduct is an agreement that explains the standards of behaviour that we all expect from each other to ensure our charity is well run and everyone is kept safe. It provides the framework to lead and to manage the culture in your charity. Often there is a single code of conduct for staff, volunteers and trustees but some charities may also have a trustee code of conduct (see below).
You can download sample charity trustee, and staff & volunteer codes of conduct in Word format from within the Charity Excellence system. Register, login, click the AI bunny icon and then his Policies button and tell him you want a charity volunteer or trustee code of conduct template. There are 40+ policies available.
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This charity code of conduct applies to all trustees, other volunteers, employees, contractors, and third-party representatives of [Charity Name] (the “Charity”). Its requirements should be reflected in other policies and procedures, agreements and contracts, as necessary.
Charity staff and volunteers must:
Charity staff and volunteers must not:
If all you do is copy this code of conduct, approve it at a meeting and then file it all you'll get is a charity code of conduct on file. The way people behave is far more about leadership and culture than policies. Therefore, rather than simply using mine, it is far better to have a facilitated discussion with your trustees and volunteers and use this is a checklist of items to talk about in creating your own.
Your code of charity conduct applies to all staff and volunteers, so everyone needs to know about it, particularly those new to your charity. You might consider reflecting some aspect of this in interview questions but it should form part of everyone's induction. For example, including a copy in a welcome pack or induction briefing/training. On an ongoing basis, it could be included in a staff handbook or even posters and relevant aspects built into job descriptions and, potentially, appraisal objectives.
The key to a charity code of conduct is that it creates a framework but it is the leadership and culture in your charity that delivers it, or not. It is not simply a policy or academic exercise. Those leading your charity must model the behaviour you expect of others and make your expectations clear. It is also important to cultivate an open, positive culture in which staff and volunteers feel able to speak up and speak out to ensure this is applied across your charity.
A registered charity ourselves, the CEF works for any non profit, not just charities.
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This code of conduct article is for general interest only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. I'm neither a lawyer, nor an accountant, so not able to provide this, and I cannot write guidance that covers every charity or eventuality. You must check to ensure that whatever you create reflects correctly your charity’s needs and your obligations.
In using this resource, you accept that I have no responsibility whatsoever from any harm, loss or other detriment that may arise from your use of my work. If you need professional advice, you must seek this from someone else. To do so, register, then login and use the Help Finder directory to find pro bono support. Everything is free.