CNIB Volunteer Code of Conduct

CNIB Volunteer Handbook

These policies are covered in each volunteer’s orientation.

Before being considered for a placement, volunteers must read and sign the Code of Conduct – Volunteer Signature Form, stating they have read and understand these policies and agree to abide by them.

These policies which outline the values, rights, responsibilities and expectations of volunteers are important to CNIB. Volunteers in violation of any of these policies may be subject to disciplinary action, including verbal or written warnings, suspension and dismissal from the volunteer program.

Volunteers will embrace and embody CNIB’s corporate values: passion, empowerment, respect, innovation, professionalism and dedication.

Volunteers are covered under CNIB’s general liability insurance while acting on behalf of CNIB.

Every volunteer will be assigned a supervisor who is supportive and available. All volunteers will receive training specific to their position.Volunteers are free to accept or decline any assignment offered to them.
Volunteers will track their hours and report them to their supervisor in the manner and frequency outlined during their training.

CNIB has the right to terminate a volunteer without cause, but will always consider the cause leading to the termination. Although it is not possible to list all the forms of behavior or conduct that are considered unacceptable in the work place, the following could lead to termination: theft or inappropriate removal or possession of CNIB property; misuse or damage of agency funds, equipment, or materials; falsification of timekeeping records, Working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; fighting or threatening violence in the work place; repeated failure to follow a supervisor’s reasonable request or assignment; gross misconduct or insubordination; violation of safety or health rules; abuse, mistreatment, or harassment of fellow volunteers, clients, or employees; possession of dangerous, unauthorized, or illegal materials; excessive absenteeism without notice; and releasing confidential information

Volunteers are expected to be reliable and punctual. Volunteers must give as much notice as possible when they are running late or are not available for scheduled duties.

A volunteer – client relationship can be friendly, caring and supportive, but it must remain a professional relationship between a volunteer and a client. Volunteers must notify their supervisor when the nature of a relationship with a client is in question.
CNIB employees, students, and volunteers are to project a professional image and are therefore asked to dress appropriately for a professional setting. Appropriate attire, while volunteering, should be clean, in good repair and appropriate for the activity. T-shirts should be free of slogans that may be offensive.

Volunteers with political or religious affiliations must keep these activities separate from their CNIB responsibilities, unless these affiliations are integral to their position, for example, volunteers participating in government relations activities.

While volunteering, volunteers should turn their phone off or on vibrate. If it is necessary to use the phone, the volunteer should excuse themselves.

Volunteers will receive the equipment, tools and supports they require to perform their duties effectively.

Volunteers who use CNIB equipment and/or software for electronic media must use them for CNIB purposes only.

Reimbursement & Gifts

Volunteers may be eligible for reimbursement of pre-approved expenses incurred while performing duties outlined in their position description, when incurring these expenses would otherwise be a barrier to volunteering.

Volunteers will not demand or accept money or other benefit in exchange for giving a person a CNIB service or benefit, such as quicker access to a service, employment, or a contract to supply goods or services.

Volunteers can never accept monetary remuneration for providing volunteer service (cash, tips, honoraria, etc.) unless it is accepted on behalf of CNIB and submitted as a donation to the organization.

Volunteers will not handle clients’ cash, nor perform debit or credit transactions on their behalf. A volunteer may act as a sighted assistant without handling cash, debit or credit cards.

A client may wish to say thanks by giving a volunteer a small gift. Volunteers may accept gifts of nominal or limited value that are given in gratitude and recognition of their service, and are not likely to influence one’s judgment or integrity, or jeopardize CNIB’s reputation. Volunteers are expected to use good judgment, as even small gifts may become unacceptable if they are offered repeatedly. Volunteers must consult their supervisor if they are unsure if a gift is acceptable.

Confidentiality

Volunteers will not enter into a conflict of interest by using the authority or knowledge of their position for personal benefit or for the benefit of another.

Volunteers must maintain client confidentiality: everything about a client is confidential, including the fact they are a client.

Volunteers must maintain organizational confidentiality, including (but not limited to) information about employees, donors, volunteers, finances, statistics, customers and suppliers, production and cost information, board policy and fundraising strategy.

A volunteer’s obligation to maintain client and organizational confidentiality does not end when the volunteer leaves CNIB.
A volunteer’s information is kept in strict confidence and is not exchanged with other organizations or sold. CNIB does not obtain, use and give out volunteer information without the volunteer’s consent. Volunteers have access to their information. CNIB will not provide any client with a volunteer phone number.

Electronic and paper volunteer files are stored in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

CNIB is committed to preventing workplace violence. There is zero tolerance for acts of intimidation, threats of violence, or acts of violence relating to the workplace.
CNIB has a zero tolerance policy on harassment. Any conduct, comment, gesture, contact or action that causes offence, embarrassment or humiliation to any employee, volunteer or client will not be condoned or tolerated.
To maintain a healthy environment for volunteers, staff, and clients, CNIB has adopted a scent-free and smoke-free environment. All scented products are to be avoided, while volunteering: perfumes, cologne, aftershave, lotions, and/or hair sprays.

While acting on behalf of CNIB, volunteers will comply with all provincial, territorial and federal laws, and municipal bylaws.
Volunteers have a duty to protect the property, interests and reputation of CNIB. Volunteers will follow all applicable laws and CNIB policies when entrusted with CNIB property, including not using CNIB equipment and vehicles for personal use. Volunteers will refrain from doing anything that would harm CNIB, attract negative attention or cause CNIB unnecessary costs or delays.
Performing volunteer duties while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is cause for dismissal.