Objective
1.1 This policy aims to ensure that all volunteers understand the standard of conduct required whilst serving in our various programs.
Scope
2.1 This policy outlines the code of conduct, Conflict of Interest, confidentiality, screening and deployment, intellectual property, reputation, anti-harassment, disciplinary procedures, feedback and whistle-blowing relevant to volunteers in CaringSG.
Policy
3.1 Code of Conduct
3.1.1 Volunteers are expected to uphold this Volunteer’s Code of Conduct at all times when carrying out their duties and interactions.
3.1.2 Volunteers are expected at all times TO:
3.1.2.1 Be present for their duties, otherwise to inform their volunteer manager as early as possible.
3.1.2.2 Arrive 15 minutes prior to the event’s scheduled starting time so that they are prepared and ready to work at their scheduled start time.
3.1.2.3 Dress in comfortable attire that is least restrictive in their deployed role eg. child-engagement activities. Please avoid overly casual or revealing attire. Long hair should be neatly tied up.
3.1.2.4 Use appropriate language and observe disability etiquette. No foul language or discriminatory behaviour.
3.1.2.5 Carry out their duties responsibly and in a competent manner.
3.1.2.6 Observe personal and program safety rules and regulations.
3.1.2.7. Respect the privacy of all participants in the course of volunteering with CaringSG.
3.1.2.8 Observe strict confidentiality as per clause 3.2 below.
3.1.3 Volunteers are expected at all times NOT to:
3.1.3.1 Act in any way that may subject CaringSG Ltd to disrepute or liability.
3.1.3.2 Use CaringSG Ltd property, resources, information or funds for any purpose other than authorised uses.
3.1.3.4 Seek or accept rewards, benefits or gifts without CaringSG’s written approval or authorisation.
3.1.3.5 Engage in any activity that may bring harm (e.g. physical, emotional or mental) to another person or property.
3.1.3.6 Be under the influence of alcohol and non-prescription drugs while volunteering.
3.1.3.7 Falsify or change any documents or records.
3.1.3.8 Act as a spokesperson for CaringSG Ltd unless prior permission or authority has been given.
3.2 Confidentiality
3.2.1 The CaringSG volunteer shall indemnify and keep indemnified and hold harmless the CaringSG against all losses, damages, costs or expenses which the CaringSG may incur as a result of any unauthorized disclosure or use of the Confidential Information by the CaringSG volunteer.
3.2.2 “CaringSG” shall include the company and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and any predecessors of CaringSG, and “Confidential Information” shall include but not be limited to all information or material that is in the possession of CaringSG and which relates in any way to the business of CaringSG, its officers, directors, trainees and beneficiaries. Confidential information shall also include any other information or material that has any commercial value whatsoever or benefit to the business of CaringSG. For the avoidance of any doubt, such Confidential Information can be either in written, oral or visual form including without limitation (documents, devices and computer readable media) and all copies thereof.
3.2.3 Volunteers with CaringSG acknowledge that the Confidential Information shall at all times remain the property of CaringSG and he/she shall not at any time, during the term of deployment or thereafter, except in the course of his/her duties under the deployed role and in furtherance of the business of CaringSG:
- Directly or indirectly make use of, disclose or communicate or permit the disclosure or communication to any person any of the Confidential Information; or
- Copy or reproduce in any form or by any media or device (or permit others to copy or reproduce) documents, tapes or other material containing or referring to Confidential Information.
3.2.4 Volunteers may not use or share any photographs or videos on reports, advertisement, promotional material or social media without prior written approval from CaringSG. These include but are not limited to posts on personal social media including social media accounts, online blogs, or 3rd parties softwares on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Tiktok, WhatsApp, Telegram, Wechat, Blogspot etc. They may however in their personal social media platform, tag or reference the official posts by CaringSG or authorised partner or appointed agency’s publicity platforms.
3.3 Conflicts of interest
3.3.1 Volunteers are expected to avoid situations which may have conflict of interest with CaringSG – e.g. other commitments, roles in other agencies (unless otherwise declared in advance and approved by CaringSG Ltd). If there is any potential area of conflict that arises, please inform and consult with the VM Coordinator.
3.3.2 In the event of any conflict of interests, volunteers are to declare using CaringSG’s FIN1_Conflict of Interest form (See Annex A ).
3.4 Screening and deployment
3.4.1 CaringSG reserves the right to collect relevant personal information about the volunteer in order to ascertain eligibility and suitability for the deployment intended.
3.4.2 Volunteer application will be accepted and suitable deployment offered according to the needs of the CaringSG programs and strengths of the volunteer.
3.4.3 Volunteers shall not assign or transfer voluntarily or involuntarily any of its rights, duties, or obligations under the deployment without the express written consent of the CaringSG in each instance.
3.5 Intellectual Property
3.5.1 Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the CaringSG and the volunteer prior to deployment, the volunteer shall assign to the CaringSG any intellectual property rights:
- Created in the course and scope of his or her Services; or
- Created by making use of the CaringSG’s resources.
3.5.2 The CaringSG will own the intellectual property rights in all course materials created by the volunteer during the course of the deployment, unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing.
3.6 Reputation
3.6.1 The volunteer shall at all times refer to the CaringSG in terms that further its organizational objectives and goals. The volunteer shall not refer to CaringSG in a manner that damages CaringSG’s position in the marketplace.
3.6.2 The volunteer shall act in the best interests of the CaringSG and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers and beneficiaries from and against all bad repute regardless of nature or type arising out of or resulting from the person performance of services under this Agreement, or any negligent or wrongful act or omission of the person.
3.7 Anti-harassment
3.7.1 CaringSG is committed to supporting our staff and volunteers to ensure a safe workplace environment in all ways possible.
3.7.2 All members of the public are to treat our volunteers and staff with dignity and respect. All volunteers are to treat our staff with dignity and respect. CaringSG has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse towards CaringSG’s staff and volunteers.
3.7.3 All complaints of harassment will be taken seriously, investigated lawfully, and all involved parties treated with respect and in confidence.
3.8 Disciplinary procedures
3.8.1 In the event the volunteer is suspected or reported to have breached any of the clauses above, CaringSG reserves the full right to investigate and seek factual clarification with the volunteer and any respective parties concerned.
3.8.2 The volunteers are to cooperate fully with needful investigation and disciplinary procedures.
3.8.3 If there is volunteer misconduct or breach of any clauses above, CaringSG reserves the full right to serve the volunteer with verbal warning, and or written warning, and or redeployment, and or termination of deployment at any time as per deemed appropriate by CaringSG volunteer management team.
3.9 Feedback and Whistleblowing
3.9.1 Volunteer who like to raise concerns or provide comments during the course of their volunteering journey may do so via the online Feedback Form at https://caring.sg/contact/
