Policies

Code of Conduct for Volunteers

Purpose: to outline the standards of behaviours expected of volunteers.

Standards of Behaviour:

Volunteers should:

  • Perform your role to the best of your ability in a safe, efficient and competent way

  • Be kind, patient and respectful of all involved in the group

  • Act and communicate honestly and responsibly

  • Follow the group’s procedures in relation to health and safety, child and vulnerable people protection as well as data protection

  • Raise concerns about possible wrongdoing witnessed in your role as a volunteer within the group to the group leader or the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer

  • Address any issues or difficulties you have about volunteering with the group leader

  • Meet time and task commitments where possible

  • Keep any confidential matters confidential

  • Maintain an appropriate standard of dress and hygiene

  • Disclose to the group leader the fact that they have been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence by prosecuting authorities (or given the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 as amended) that would diminish their ability to be involved in group activities.

  • Discuss with the group leader prior to speaking externally on behalf of the group.  For example, to media outlets, government agencies etc.

Volunteers should NOT:

  • Bring the group into disrepute, including through the use of email, social media and other internet sites. Engage in illegal activity while carrying out their role.

  • Seek or accept gifts, rewards, benefits or hospitality in the course of their role.  Token items such as baked goods, chocolates are acceptable but should not be expected.

  • Discriminate against or exclude any volunteer or participant from enjoying group activities.

  • 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, race or membership of the Traveller community.

  • Be affected by alcohol, drugs, or medication which will affect their abilities to carry out their volunteer role.

  • Provide a false or misleading statement, declaration, document, record or claim in respect of the group, its volunteers and users of the group’s services.

  • Engage in any activity that may damage property.

  • Take unauthorised possession of property that does not belong to them.

  • Improperly disclose, during or after their involvement with group ends, confidential information gained in the course of their volunteer role.

Stay and Play Community Playgroup Participation Rules

Purpose: to outline acceptable behaviours of children and adults attending the community playgroup

·(1) All children must be accompanied, supervised and minded by their guardian at all times. 

(2) All adults must sign into the playgroup at the entrance (fire safety necessity).

(3) Please use nappy bags and dispose of these nappy bags in the bins provided, do not put any objects or sanitary items in the toilet as this will cause blockages.

(4) Children should be accompanied to the bathroom by their guardian.

(5) Children are never allowed to be on the stage area in the venue.

(6) Hot drinks will not be served at the venue; however, you can bring your own keep cup with you.  It is your responsibility to make sure this is kept out of reach of small children to avoid accidents or harm.  Hot drinks and food should be consumed while sitting down on the chairs provided.

(7) Please limit the use of mobile phones during playgroup as you are responsible for your child’s safety. Playgroup is to promote positive interaction between guardians and children.

(8) Small children can find it hard to share toys; violence is not acceptable, and all guardians should encourage positive behaviour between the children attending the playgroup.

 

(9) Sick children should not be brough to the playgroup.

(10) Children are not allowed to access the kitchen unsupervised.  This door is closed at all times and access can be requested for drinking water.

(11) Children should not leave the venue without their guardian, so please remember to close the doors behind you on entry and exit.

(12) If you find a damaged or broken toy, please let me know so I can attend to it.

(13) Please use appropriate language while attending the playgroup; inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

(14) Children and adults are welcome to eat their own snacks at the venue, but adults are responsible for making sure their hands and faces are clean when enjoying the use of the toys.

(15) We welcome people of every background and persuasion.  We do not discriminate against anyone for any reason and nor will this behaviour be tolerated within the playgroup. 

(16) We want to keep the venue clean so please make sure to bring your rubbish home with you if possible or put it in the bins provided.