Policy: Volunteer Code of Conduct

Avondale School values the contribution of parents, carers, extended family members and community volunteers. They make an important contribution to the education and development of our students. The School seeks to provide a safe and cooperative environment where each child is valued and nurtured. This code of conduct outlines the expectations placed on volunteers. This policy will assist in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students, families and staff. The aim of the Code of Conduct is to ensure that all interactions with students and adults reflect the ethos of the School and therefore are respectful, honest, courteous, sensitive, tactful and considerate.

Philosophy

Avondale School is committed to:

  • Caring for each child as a unique individual
  • Providing a safe and secure environment for students, staff and volunteers
  • Providing an open, welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone’s contribution is valued and respected
  • Encouraging parents/guardians, volunteers and community members to support and participate positively in the life of the school.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all adults, including parents/guardians, extended family, and others while involved as volunteers in any official school activities on or off campus.

Conditions

  1. All volunteers need to complete a Volunteer’s Agreement and have it approved by the Principal.
  2. Safety - All volunteers are required to sign in at the office on arrival and sign out on departure. A visitor identification sticker will be issued at the Office and must be clearly visible at all times. Volunteers must comply with all relevant policies and procedures of the school and be aware of the emergency evacuation procedures. Volunteers are to follow instructions from staff relating to safety and refer First Aid concerns to the teacher or if necessary, a School Office.
  3. Ethical Conduct - Volunteers should always act in the best interest of the students, their families and staff members.
  4. Support - Volunteers are to work in a cooperative and positive manner, be seen to support school staff at all times and be positive and affirming of all students.
  5. Communication - Volunteers should use courteous and acceptable written and spoken language, refraining from the use of profane, insulting, harassing, aggressive or otherwise offensive language.
  6. Respect - Volunteers are to value the rights, religious beliefs and practices of individuals, refraining from actions and behaviour that constitutes harassment or discrimination.
  7. Confidentiality - What volunteers observe and hear at the School is highly confidential. They must not discuss or share in any way information or documents obtained from classrooms or school events. If there are specific concerns, they may be discussed with the classroom teacher or the Head of School. Each child’s development and academic progress is private and it is inappropriate to comment to third parties about a child, no matter how innocent the comment may seem. It is inappropriate to text, email or share information with other parents, even regarding their own child. It is the role of the teacher to share such information.
  8. Use of Cameras and Phones - When acting in a volunteer capacity with students, it is inappropriate to take photos or video, even of their own child. Mobile phones should be set to silent or vibrate so that students are not distracted during learning sessions.
  9. Interacting with Students - Volunteers must follow the directions of the teacher with regard to what is required. Refer behaviour management issues to the teacher and act in a professional manner with students, avoiding unnecessary physical contact.
  10. Dress - Volunteers are to always dress in a neat and appropriate manner.
  11. Relationships with Other Volunteers - Treat other volunteers with respect and courtesy at all times.
  12. Working with Children’s Check (WWCC) - Hold a current WWCC and be able to provide digital proof via the Service NSW App.

Procedure for Dealing with a Breach in the Volunteer Code of Conduct

On notification of a possible breach of this code, an Administrator will investigate the complaint and recommend a course of action to the School Executive. This may include, but is not limited to a first and final warning meeting and subsequent letter being issued to inform the relevant person/s of the outcome of the investigation and that another breach of the Code of Conduct may result in termination of volunteer status.

Staff Work Health and Safety Responsibilities

Employees (including volunteers) have a responsibility to:

  • Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
  • Comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
  • Cooperate with the school management in its fulfilment of its legislative obligations.
  • Take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health and that of others, and to abide by their duty of care provided for in the legislation.
  • To report any injury, hazard or illness immediately, where practicable, to their supervisor.
  • Not place others at risk by any act or omission.
  • Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.

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I have read the Volunteer Code of Conduct and agree to comply with its requirements, including providing a current Working with Children Check.
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