Safe World Code of Conduct for Volunteers

In volunteering with The Safeworld International Foundation, volunteers agree to abide by the following code of conduct:

SAFE WORLD* is committed to conducting its transactions and activity in a socially responsible manner.

SAFE WORLD expects the same of its volunteers.

SAFE WORLD has created this Code of Conduct as a means of enforcing its commitment to deal only with volunteers who share its commitment to ethical practices.

The provisions of this code constitute minimum and not maximum standards, and this code should not be used to prevent volunteers  from exceeding these standards. Volunteers applying this code are expected to comply with national and other applicable law and, where the provisions of law and this Base Code address the same subject, to apply that provision which affords the greater protection.

SAFE WORLD recognises that its volunteers might be based in cultures with different norms and values. SAFE WORLD expects its volunteers to have a natural respect for ethical standards in the context of their own particular culture.

The relationships with volunteers are based on the principle of fair and honest dealings at all times and in all ways. SAFE WORLD specifically insists that its volunteers extend the same principle of fair and honest dealings to all others with whom they do business.

These terms are not subject to negotiation or revision.

In volunteering with Safeworld, the volunteer agrees to abide by this code in whole.

SAFE WORLD will not be bound by any handwritten or typed changes to this Agreement not specifically approved by SAFE WORLD in writing.

A) NO DISCRIMINATION IS PRACTISED

1. SAFE WORLD insists its volunteers treat everyone fairly  and should not treat any person less favourably because of their race, colour, religion, sexuality, age, gender, nationality or disability*.
2. There is no discrimination based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation*.
   * Except where SAFE WORLD has objectives which are legitimately served and advanced through positive discrimination towards socially or economically disadvantaged women.
3. In working towards equality of opportunity, Safe World wishes to establish a culture that enables volunteers to successfully balance work requirements with domestic and personal responsibilities.
   

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

In external communications with third parties, volunteers shall not represent Safeworld unless expressly requested by a member of the SAFE WORD management team. Except where expressly representing SAFEWORLD, with permission of the management team, volunteers shall make it clear, on all social media accounts, blogs, external communications etc, that they are not representing SAFE WORLD in the respective communication.

B) ENVIRONMENTAL

SAFE WORLD insists that its volunteers:

• Are committed to continual improvement in environmental performance and waste reduction.
• Adhere to all environmental legislation, regulations and all local laws to facilitate the protection of the environment.

C) NO HARSH OR INHUMANE TREATMENT IS ALLOWED

Volunteers shall treat others with dignity and respect. Physical abuse or discipline, corporal punishment, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.

D) SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE

In addition, in order to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, the following core principles are incorporated into our code of conduct:

1. Sexual exploitation and abuse by volunteers constitute acts of gross misconduct and are, therefore, grounds for immediate dismissal;
2. Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. Mistaken belief in the age of a child is not a defence;
3. Exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour is prohibited. This includes exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries.
4. Sexual relationships between volunteers and beneficiaries are strongly discouraged since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics. Such relationships undermine the credibility and integrity of humanitarian aid work.
5. Where a volunteer develops concerns or suspicions regarding sexual abuse or exploitation by a fellow volunteer, whether in the same agency or not, s/he must report such concerns to a member of the SAFEWORD management team.
6. Volunteers are obliged to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of this code of conduct. Managers at all levels have particular responsibilities to support and develop systems which maintain this environment.

E) MONITORING

SAFE WORLD monitors the day to day management process to ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct.

F) DEVELOPMENT OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

SAFE WORLD will review this Code of Conduct on a regular basis and will introduce revisions where necessary.

Volunteers will be presented with, and will need to agree to, any future revisions of this Code of Conduct as a condition of continuing as volunteers.

G) APPLICATION

This Code of Conduct shall apply to all volunteers.

Throughout this Code, use of the term volunteers signifies the party agreeing to this Code of Conduct.

*The Safeworld International Foundation