Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct

Volunteers are an integral part of Blesma’s infrastructure, contributing to fundraising efforts and providing invaluable support to our Members.

What You Can Expect as a Blesma Volunteer

As a valued volunteer, Blesma commits to providing you with:

• A safe and supportive environment in which to volunteer.
• An induction to introduce you to the charity and your role in supporting Blesma.
• Training to enable you to perform your role effectively.
• An assigned member of staff to provide ongoing support.
• Respect and recognition for your contributions.
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses, as outlined in the Expenses Policy.
• A ‘Blesma Volunteer’ t-shirt and ID with lanyard, to be worn while volunteering.

What we require from Blesma Volunteers

As part of the recruitment process, we ask all Blesma Volunteers to sign an agreement. By signing this document, you agree to:

• Support Blesma in fulfilling its mission.
• Complete mandatory training and refresher training as required for your role.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Blesma and its Members.
• Uphold Blesma’s standards and honour time commitments agreed upon. If unable to do so due to exceptional circumstances, you will provide reasonable notice where possible.
• Adhere to the Blesma Code of Conduct at all times.

Your dedication and support are key to helping Blesma achieve its goals, and we thank you for your commitment.

Blesma Volunteer Code of Conduct 

As a Blesma Volunteer, you are required to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the highest standards of conduct and support for the Association, its Members, staff, and fellow volunteers: Code of Conduct

All individuals who volunteer for Blesma are accountable for their behaviour and the steps they take to manage risk and safeguard vulnerable people.

As a Blesma Volunteer, you hold a position of considerable trust. It is essential that both staff and volunteers consistently uphold high standards of conduct and behaviour while representing the Association.

Clear and appropriate boundaries must be maintained at all times to protect Members, staff, and volunteers, and to mitigate risk.

As Blesma is a lifelong membership organisation, it is natural that rapport and relationships may develop over time. However, it is your responsibility as a volunteer to monitor whether

boundaries are becoming blurred. If this occurs, you should promptly discuss the situation with your assigned staff member to ensure it is reviewed appropriately.

The Code of Conduct guidelines are:

• Follow Blesma’s procedures as outlined during your training and induction.
• Treat all sensitive information regarding the Association, its Members, staff, and volunteers as confidential.
• Avoid expressing personal views that could be misinterpreted as those of Blesma or that contradict its ethos.
• Refrain from engaging in any political activities on behalf of Blesma.
• Avoid any actions or behaviour that might bring Blesma into disrepute while volunteering.
• Properly account for all funds collected on behalf of Blesma.
• Do not make inappropriate, discriminatory, abusive, or sexual remarks.
• Do not give or accept gifts or gratuities from Members.
• Refrain from administering personal care such as toileting, dressing, washing, feeding, or handling medication.
• Do not share your personal address, and where appropriate, withhold your phone number (use 141) when contacting Members.
• Do not bring family members or pets to volunteer activities without prior written approval.
• Stick to the remit of your agreed volunteer role and avoid engaging in activities beyond this scope.
• Maintain professional boundaries by avoiding emotional involvement with Members, such as becoming involved in their personal relationships, family or financial matters, or accepting roles such as power of attorney. Report any such requests to your designated Blesma staff member.
• Do not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while volunteering. This includes prescription medication that may impair your ability to carry out your role, such as driving Members or attending activities.
• If smoking breaks are required, ensure they are taken away from the volunteer activity.
• Report any immediate concerns to a staff member at the earliest opportunity or escalate to emergency services if required, in accordance with your safeguarding training.
• Notify the relevant Blesma staff of any inappropriate behaviour by a Member.

These guidelines ensure the integrity and professionalism of Blesma’s Volunteer Network and to safeguard the well-being of all involved.

In situations where expectations are not met and concerns cannot be resolved; we may need to reconsider your continued involvement as a Volunteer.