Our commitment to our volunteers.

“Baggator Volunteer” is a key role in our work with the wider community of Bristol. As a Baggator Volunteer you will be an ambassador of Baggator. When carrying out Baggator work you are the public face of Baggator.

What is the Code of Conduct?

The Code of Conduct is a summary of the policies which apply to being a Volunteer at Baggator. This policy sets out the standards of behaviour that Baggator expects from you and identifies your rights and responsibilities as a member of the Baggator team.

Compliance with the Code of Conduct is one condition of your involvement with us and should be regarded as a minimum standard which you should work to. If you are unsure whether a decision you are about to make will breach the Code of Conduct, you should check your copy of the Baggator Code of Conduct. By working within the guidelines of the Code of Conduct you will be contributing to the success of Baggator and the good work we strive to do.

If you would like to ask us any questions about the content of this Code of Practice, please contact Baggator https://baggator.org/

General Guidelines

Accountability

It is important that you are punctual for any volunteer work you commit to. If you cannot attend, you must directly inform Baggator as soon as possible so we can make other arrangements. Failure to contact us may place unnecessary additional pressure on other members of Baggator.

Additional Duties

Due to the nature of the way Baggator works, you may at times be asked to perform additional duties other than those to which you were originally assigned. Your cooperation and flexibility will help Baggator to deliver services / events as efficiently as possible. We will never put extra work on you without your prior agreement and should you feel unable to perform extra duties suggested please let your admin know.

Confidential Information

As a member of the Baggator team you have an obligation to protect confidential or personal information in relation to other volunteers/members and other organisations/events/projects. If you have access to confidential information (including addresses or telephone numbers of colleagues/clients), you should never discuss or disclose such information to anyone other than to person/s authorised to receive it, both during and after your involvement with the organisation/event/project.

Media

All requests from members of the media for comments/information should be politely directed to Baggator contact details are available on our website. This will ensure the accuracy of all information given to the media and help to maintain good relationships. Similarly, you should not give any interviews, appear in any promotions, advertisements or endorsements, or give any assistance to the media in relation to any story concerning the affairs of Baggator, without the prior consent of a senior member of Baggator such operations manager or a trustee. Ask admin if you need more information or if there is anything you are not sure about. You should also exercise discretion when commenting in your private capacity about Baggator where your comment may be understood to be an official comment of the organisation.

Criminal/Illegal activity

Any member/volunteer/employee of Baggator found to be engaging in criminal or illegal activity will be immediately dismissed and referred to the police.

Dangerous Weapons/ Firearms

Possession/carrying firearms or dangerous weapons is not permitted.

Equal Opportunities

Baggator is committed to ensuring within the framework of the law that our workplace is free from unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, gender (including gender reassignment), sexual orientation, age, marital status, religious or other similar philosophical belief. We aim to ensure that all members of Baggator achieve their full potential and that all decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria.

Facilities and Property

Baggator have significant constraints on resources and a have a high level of public accountability. We ask you to be efficient and economical and protect these assets. This covers all consumables and equipment including, but not confined to, items such as tools, stationery, communication devices, computers, office equipment and other equipment. Property (including consumables) is not to be removed from the premises and/or used for private purposes without prior authority from admin. You are not authorised to use the organisation’s equipment such as tools, faxes, photocopiers, PC’s and phones for private purposes.

First Aid

If a medical emergency should arise, unless you are a trained first-aider, your first priority should be to get assistance from someone who is trained. Even if you are a trained first-aider, ensure that professional medical help is obtained as a matter of urgency.

If there is any immediate danger, get yourself and those near you away from the area as quickly as possible. Your attempts to assist someone should be minimal but you might be able to do some of the following until help arrives.

  • Clear the space around the ill or injured individual and keep other spectators away;
  • Help make the individual comfortable;
  • If possible, place them in the recovery position and call
  • 999 as soon as possible
  • Be extremely careful with blood. You can put a cloth over a wound tonhelp stop bleeding but do not touch the wound or allow blood to come into contact with your skin.

Fraud and Corruption

Fraudulent and corrupt activities are in fundamental opposition to the spirit of the organisation. If you suspect fraudulent or corrupt behaviour, report it to admin/ a trustee. We will treat reports of corruption/fraudulent behaviour as confidential, where possible, and will seek to protect individuals making such reports from recrimination. All reports will be investigated promptly and fairly. Anyone found to be engaging in such conduct will be immediately dismissed from the Baggator team and referred to the police (if appropriate).

Gambling

Gambling is strictly prohibited on any premises where you are working.

Gifts and Hospitality

You should register the offer &/ acceptance of any gifts or entertainment, other than those of nominal value (e.g. pens, diaries etc.) with admin. Gifts or entertainment, even of nominal value, should never be accepted if it could be seen as bribery. Where there is any doubt you should speak to admin/ a trustee.

Gratuities/Tipping

Acceptance or asking for tips or gratuities is not allowed.

Grievance Resolution

A grievance is a perceived or real issue which causes resentment, suffering or distress and which may be regarded as grounds for complaint. Baggator is committed to encouraging an open environment in which all members can express themselves freely and responsibly, where issues raised are responded to in an appropriate and timely manner and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Above all, we are committed to providing fair and honest settlement of any grievance. More information on the grievance resolution procedure can be obtained from Baggator.

Health and Safety

Baggator is committed to providing you with a safe working environment. You are required to exercise reasonable care in the course of your role to ensure the Health and Safety of yourself and others.

Please be aware of, and follow all safety information. The following safety responsibilities apply to everyone:

  1. Follow Covid protocols/regulations that are currently being advised/enforced
  2. Pay close attention and familiarise yourself with the facilities during your tour of the organisation or venue you are volunteering at and note the location of the different exits and access points
  3. Co-operate fully with organisation staff at all times
  4. Understand the emergency plans for the venue (e.g. fire evacuations)
  5. Do not use any equipment or machinery which you have not been trained to use.
  6. Take care when lifting and carrying (e.g. don’t lift very heavy boxes)
  7. Report any potential hazards to a member of staff; and
  8. In the event of fire/hazard or any other risk, remove yourself and warn others of imminent danger
  9. If you feel an activity is unsafe or you feel unwell report this to admin
  10. Contribute to a safe and healthy workplace – don’t leave things lying around, keep work areas and gangways clear and tidy

Illegal Drugs and Alcohol

We prohibit the sale, distribution, use or being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any other substances that may affect your performance and behaviour in the workplace. Consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs or other performance-impairing substances prior to and/or during a work shift is not allowed. You must ensure that your actions do not bring into question the professionalism of yourself or Baggator. If you take medication which makes you drowsy, please inform admin to ensure you are not allocated a workshop/session during this time.

Mobile Phones / Personal Mobile Radios (PMR)

The use of personal mobile phones, radios or pagers during workshops/project sessions is not permitted. If you need to have your mobile phone with you, it must not be visible during the workshop/session and must be turned off or on silent whilst you are delivering your workshop/session.

Notice boards and information display

Noticeboards, newsletters and other forms of information display may be available and are for the benefit of the whole team. You cannot place or distribute any personal material within the venue without the approval of admin.

Performance Issues/ Inappropriate Practices

We will always attempt to resolve any performance issues or conflict fairly. In such cases, the relevant Supervisor/Team Leader/Manager/Trustee will discuss their concerns with you and seek to resolve the matter in a quick and professional manner. Inappropriate practices e.g. arriving late for duty, harassment etc. will be dealt with by the relevant Superior. Redeployment to other duties or removal from the our organisation can occur as a result of repeated unsatisfactory performance or serious misconduct e.g. theft, assault and/or abuse of privileges.

Personal Grooming

You are required to be neatly groomed, presentable and to maintain a high level of personal hygiene at all times when on duty. For safety reasons, jewellery should be kept a minimum.

Personal Property

You are responsible for your own personal belongings and there may not be a safe place to leave them at venues you are volunteering at. You are advised, therefore, not to bring valuables to work, including personal items such as handbags, portable mp3 players, cameras, personal laptops etc. Baggator or the venues will not assume responsibility for the loss, theft of, or damage to, your personal possessions.

Professional behaviour

All Baggator members have a responsibility to behave professionally at all times. If you travel to and from the venue with your Baggator ID card visible, you are visibly a representative of the organisation. You must, therefore, ensure that you present yourself in a professional manner at all times.

Whilst perceived as a member of Baggator you must not:

  • smoke in view of the general public
  • ask for autographs or take photographs
  • consume illegal substances
  • consume alcohol

Please be aware that swearing, offensive language and offensive/inappropriate jokes are unacceptable and will be dealt with appropriately. Persistent inappropriate behaviour will lead to dismissal.

All members of Baggator are prohibited to share their own personal contact details with other agencies (schools/colleges/charities etc) which are receiving Baggator services through you and for the duration that you are representing Baggator.

Security

Security measures will be in place at the venue and you will be required to adhere to security procedures whilst on duty.

Shift start/finish times

The start time for your role, if not already agreed will be as discussed at the point of rostering you in for a session and will be the time you are required to carry out your duties. You are requested not to arrive at the venue any more than 15 minutes prior to your start-time, unless requested by admin.

Selling or Canvassing during volunteering & for the duration you are representing/ are an ambassador of Baggator

You must not engage in personal business or other interests during your sessions. This includes networking for personal gain or to benefit other groups/organisations you may represent outside of Baggator, display or distribution of posters, pamphlets and catalogues and/or approaching colleagues in relation to those activities as well as sharing your personal details..

Smoke Free environment

Baggator office observe a smoke-free work environment. Smoking will be allowed in the designated area (where provided) and when you are not visibly representing Baggator (off duty)

Training attendance

Training will form an exciting and important part of your experience at Baggator and provides valuable information to help you do your role. You are required to attend all relevant training/team-building sessions.

Photography

The taking of photographs at your workshop with your personal camera/mobile during your workshop is strictly prohibited. This is to protect the privacy of people taking part and to protect yourself/Baggator from any possible accusations. If photo evidence of your workshop is required for the benefit of Baggator, please ask an appropriate member of staff at the venue to take pictures with their camera and request for them to email them to office@baggator.com

PLEASE REMEMBER:

These guidelines are in place to ensure both your safety and that of other people. They are not designed to be restrictive in any way.

Baggator want to provide a professional service to Volunteers as well as recipients of our work. We also want you to enjoy your experience with us and help develop Baggator to better reach our goals and serve our community.

Welcome to Baggator!

The information in this sheet is for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you would like to discuss any part of this document, please contact us on: Address: Baggator, The Pickle Factory, 13 All Hallows’ Road, Easton BRISTOL BS50HH