Volunteer Code of Conduct

Volunteers are expected to uphold the Code of Conduct and specific guidelines provided by their respective Volunteer Coordinator at all times when carrying out their duties and interactions with clients.

Personal Responsibility and Conduct

1. I will care for the well-being of our clients. I will treat them with respect and dignity. If I am aware of any harassment or abuse of clients, I will report this to the Volunteer Coordinator immediately.
2. I will not act in any way that may create liability or bring disrepute to TOUCH.
3. I will not discriminate against anyone based on race, language, religion, or gender and will treat others fairly.
4. I will maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with clients. I must avoid any sexual behaviors, including seductive speech or gestures, as well as physical contact that exploits, abuses, or harasses.
5. I will request permission from my Volunteer Coordinator if I wish to meet the client outside service hours. I will meet the client only after I have received approval. If the client is below 18 years old, I understand that written parental consent will be required.
6. I will not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages during the service. The use, possession, distribution, or sale of controlled drugs/substances in Singapore is strictly prohibited.

Professionalism

1. I will report to the respective staff/supervisor when I arrive and inform them when I am leaving. I will wear an identification tag when required. If I am late or unable to attend the program, I will alert the staff/supervisor as soon as possible.
2. If I am unable to commit regularly or am late for most volunteering programs, I understand that my volunteering relationship with TOUCH will be re-evaluated.
3. I will dress appropriately and modestly during my service, following the guidelines set by the Volunteer Coordinator.
4. I will not use profane or abusive language nor behave disruptively. I will be respectful in all communication.
5. I will avoid situations that may present conflicts of interest. If there is a potential conflict, I will consult my Volunteer Coordinator immediately.
6. I will not accept remuneration from clients for my volunteer service, whether monetary or in kind. I will not promote personal interests or businesses to clients unless otherwise approved, nor engage in relationships that benefit me personally (e.g., bribery or sexual favors).
7. I will limit personal use of my phone during service.

Confidentiality

1. I will protect clients' right to privacy and confidentiality of personal information, adhering to the Personal Data Protection Act. I will maintain strict confidentiality of all privileged information and will not disclose it to unauthorized persons.
2. I will seek permission from the Volunteer Coordinator before taking any photos or videos of clients. I will not post such materials without prior approval from relevant personnel.
3. Unless officially authorized by TOUCH Strategic Communications, I will clarify that any views I express online are my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of TOUCH.
4. I will not engage with the media in my capacity as a volunteer, including giving interviews or writing reports, unless approved by TOUCH Strategic Communications.

Safety and Protection

1. I will observe emergency procedures and safety orientations provided by the Volunteer Coordinator, and report any safety breaches or emergencies. Deliberate violations of safety procedures will result in disciplinary action.
2. I will eat only in designated areas at the Center. Food brought in for sharing must be pre-approved by the Volunteer Coordinator, considering clients' dietary restrictions and allergies. I will not offer medications, health supplements, or tonics to beneficiaries without prior approval.
3. I will refrain from volunteering if I am ill, have recently recovered from an illness, or remain infectious (e.g., flu, cold). Volunteering activities may be limited or suspended during pandemics or outbreaks.
4. Games and activities planned for clients will be safe and suitable for their age and health conditions.
5. I will report vandalism, property damage, illegal or terrorist activities, suspicious packages, or any suspicious activities to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Use of Company Property

1. I will take care of company property and equipment and not use them for personal benefit. Use of TOUCH IT systems, including emails, computers, fax machines, printers, scanners, and Internet access, will be strictly for authorized purposes.

VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT (SERVICE SPECIFIC)

(Each service can include additional code of conduct pertaining to their service) e.g.

General Interaction with Clients
DO	Help the clients grow according to their abilities in all areas of life; physically, socially, educationally and morally.
DO	Provide an environment which nurtures the development of the clients’ well-being.
DO	Ensure clients are always supervised by at least two volunteers or staff.
DO	Remember to be a positive role model to the clients in all your conduct with them.
DO	Set clear boundaries about appropriate behaviour between yourself and the clients.
DO	Report on any suspicion of a client’s suffering from any forms of abuse or difficulties to staff.
DO	Ensure that clients reach home safely (if any).
DO	Seek to understand and respect the clients’ cultural backgrounds.
DO	Speak encouraging and positive words to the clients.
DO NOT	Ever be alone with a client without seeking staff’s approval.
DO NOT	Bring a child out of the centre without seeking permission from the volunteer leader, supervisor and staff.
DO NOT	Antagonize the clients or get into physical fights with them. Approach the volunteer leader, supervisor and staff to handle any disciplinary problems.
DO NOT	Accede to the clients’ requests for gifts. Staff must be informed of any gifts bought for them.
DO NOT	Probe into their family matters unless they volunteer the information. Keep the staff informed of any confidential matter.
DO NOT	Develop any ‘special’ relationships with the clients that could be seen as favouritism such as the offering of gifts or special treatment.
DO NOT	Share personal contacts or information with clients.
Physical Touch
DO NOT	Have any physical touch with the client, except handshake.
DO NOT	Carry the children or allow them to sit on your lap.
Social Media
DO NOT	Make ‘friends’ online through any social media site with any child below 13 years old.
Others
DO	Ensure that the centre is clean and tidy after use.