MLHR Code of Conduct for Volunteers

MLHR could not survive without our volunteers, they are the lifeblood of our organisation. This code of conduct is to provide guidelines for volunteers during the period in which they are giving their time to MLHR and representing the organisation in any way. The code is to be applied to their activities on behalf of MLHR  in public, in the rescue centres and within the private volunteer group.
At all times, volunteers should:

• Carry out their role in MLHR to the very best of their abilities, in a safe, honest and competent way;
• Make sure that they have read and understood all the policies of MLHR, and that where relevant they abide by these;
• Act responsibly and with integrity at all times;
• Treat others, including other volunteers, employees, management, the Board and members of the public, with fairness and respect;
• Keep to the commitments they have made to MLHR in terms of times, meetings, work etc.
• Communicate at all times respectfully and honestly – both online and in person, when going about the work of MLHR
• Observe all the health and safety standards of MLHR – in particular when working at any of the rescue centres, transporting animals, rescuing animals or handling any of the animals that come into our care;
• Report any health and safety concerns;
• Communicate clearly with supervisors in relation to any issues or difficulties with work they are carrying out;
• Declare any interests that may conflict with their role or the work of the charity ;
• Keep confidential matters confidential as per the declaration signed by all volunteers;
• Respect the GDPR policies of MLHR in relation to any information that comes to their attention; 

• Disclose information relating to any criminal convictions, except where these convictions are spent.

     Volunteers should not:   

• Bring the charity into disrepute (including through the use of email, social media and other internet sites, engaging with media etc.)
• Seek or accept any  gifts, rewards, benefits or hospitality in the course of their role as a volunteer with MLHR;
• Engage in any activity that may cause physical or mental harm or distress to another person or an animal; 
• Engage in any activity that may damage the property of MLHR;
• Take unauthorised possession of property that does not belong to them.
• Utilise MLHR resources for their own private benefit;
• Engage in illegal activity while carrying out their role.

 
Where a volunteer is found to be in breach of the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct of MLHR, the volunteer’s position within MLHR can be ended