Volunteer
Adopt. Volunteer. Donate.
This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals who act in a volunteer capacity, including Board members.
Annex Cat Rescue (ACR or the Organization) volunteers are expected to conduct themselves and the work they perform on behalf of the Organization in a manner that honours ACR’s reputation and does not detract from the public’s trust and confidence in ACR. Accordingly, all volunteers must comply with the Code of Conduct described below.
1.0
Respect For Role
Volunteers must understand the nature of their role and responsibilities within the Organization. Volunteers must keep their activities within the scope and boundaries of their roles and remain accountable to responsible authorities within the Organization (their relevant Coordinators and the Board). Volunteers are expected to respond to emails, phone calls etc. regarding ACR business within 72 hours.
2.0
Respectful Conduct
Volunteers must treat with respect all fellow volunteers, ACR members, and all others with whom they interact while conducting or discussing Organization business. Harassment, name calling, discrimination or other behaviours that compromise the dignity and self-worth of others cannot be tolerated, and will be addressed promptly, in confidence, and in accordance with standards of due process developed by the Organization. ACR expects all volunteers to abide by the Ontario Human Rights Code. These are minimum standards and by no means cover every contingency. However, any material failure to comply with these standards will be sufficient grounds for a caution/warning up to and including termination of the individual from their volunteer position.
3.0
Confidentiality
At all times, the privacy and dignity of members and other volunteers must be respected. Volunteers may have access to information and documents relating to members, donors, other volunteers, or Organization business that are private and confidential in nature; reasonable care and caution will be exercised to protect and maintain total confidentiality. Volunteers will not read records or discuss such information unless there is a legitimate purpose.
4.0
Privileged Information
Volunteers must not use for their own purposes, including financial gain, or disclose for the use of others, information obtained as a result of their role with the Organization (for example, lists of sponsors and donors). This applies both during and after the period in which the individual is an Organization volunteer.
5.0
Conflict of Interest
Volunteers must avoid all situations in which their personal interests conflict or might conflict with duties to the Organization (for example, if you are asked by a potential adopter to recommend a veterinarian). Volunteers shall, at the first opportunity, disclose any conflict of interest. If warranted, the nature of this reported conflict must be noted in appropriate official records of the Organization, such as meeting minutes.
Any volunteer who is uncertain of the application of this Code of Conduct or the due process for addressing concerns should contact their relevant Coordinator and/or Board Liaison for their role. The complaints/concerns process is also posted on ACR’s website.