Code of Conduct for Members

The purpose of the Code of Conduct for Members is to set out standards of behaviour expected from Members of OMCSU. All Members should ensure that they have read and comply with this Code of Conduct.

Members should maintain the highest standards of behaviour in the performance of their duties by:

• Performing their volunteer role to the best of their ability in a safe, efficient and competent way;
• Following OMCSU’s policies and procedures as well as any instructions or directions reasonably given to them;
• Acting honestly, responsibly and with integrity;
• Treating others with fairness, equality, dignity and respect;
• Raising concerns about possible wrongdoing witnessed by the member in the course of the member’s role with OMCSU Chair or a Director.
• Meeting time and task commitments and providing sufficient notice when they will not be available so that alternative arrangements can be made;
• Acting in a way that is in line with the purpose and values of the charity and that enhances the work of the charity;
• Communicating respectfully and honestly at all times;
• Observing safety procedures, including any obligations concerning the safety, health and welfare of other people in line with training provided to Members;
• Reporting any health and safety concerns;
• Directing any questions regarding OMCSU’s policies, procedures, support or supervision to the member’s supervisor;
• Addressing any issues or difficulties about any aspect of their role or how they are managed in line with OMCSU’s Policies and Procedures;
• Declaring any interests that may conflict with their role or the work of the OMCSU (e.g. business interests or employment). If any doubt arises as to what constitutes a conflict of interest, Members may seek guidance from the Chair or a Director.
• Keeping confidential matters confidential;
• Exercising caution and care with any documents, material or devices, containing confidential information and at the end of their involvement with OMCSU returning any such documents, material in their possession;
• Seeking authorisation before communicating externally on behalf of our OMCSU
• Maintaining an appropriate standard of dress and personal hygiene;
• Disclosing 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) to the Chair or a Director. For the avoidance of doubt, Members are not required to disclose the fact or details of ‘spent convictions’ under the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 (as amended) to OMCSU.

Members are expected NOT to:

• Bring OMCSU 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;
• 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 duties and responsibilities while volunteering;
• Provide a false or misleading statement, declaration, document, record or claim in respect of OMCSU, its Members, employees or charity trustees;
• Engage in any activity that may damage property;
• Take unauthorised possession of property that does not belong to them.
• Engage in illegal activity while carrying out their role.
• Improperly disclose, during or after their involvement with OMCSU ends, confidential information gained in the course of their role with OMCSU.
• Where a member is found to be in breach of the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct or any of OMCSU’s other policies and procedures this may result in the member’s position being terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Members should note that OMCSU may terminate a member’s position without cause.
• Members acknowledge that no employment relationship is created in the context of their role with OMCSU.