1. Part 2 The Volunteer Code of Ethics
Volunteers at School
Part 2
The Volunteer Code of Ethics
Selling your ideas is challenging. First, you must get your listeners to agree with you in principle. Then, you must move them to action. Use the Dale Carnegie Training® Evidence – Action – Benefit formula, and you will deliver a motivational, action-oriented presentation.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

2. Voluntary Efforts are Accountable to:
Children
Parents
The school & Church community
Co-workers, both Paid and Unpaid
A Code of Ethics helps to identify expected standards of behaviour and interaction.
Open your presentation with an attention-getting incident. Choose an incident your audience relates to. The incidence is the evidence that supports the action and proves the benefit. Beginning with a motivational incident prepares your audience for the action step that follows.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

3. Children have a RIGHT to expect:
Supportive interactions.
A safe and caring environment
To be treated fairly
To be encouraged to develop a sense of self esteem
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

4. Parents have a RIGHT to expect:
Supportive and competent interactions with children.
A safe and caring environment for children.
Knowledge that their children will be respected as individuals and encouraged to achieve their best
Confidentiality
Respect for their views as primary caregivers.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

5. The Church & School Community has a RIGHT to expect
A High quality of services
Respect for its values
Ethical and informed practices in the workplace.
Co-operation between all those working with children.
A high level of commitment
A focus upon Gospel values
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

6. Volunteers have a RIGHT to expect:
A safe and supportive workplace
To be treated fairly
To be respected and to have their skills utilised.
Adequate training opportunities.
Access to resources to carry out their duties.
Recognition of their contribution
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

7. What is a Code of Ethics
A Code of Ethics attempts to explain the main ethical questions that arise for volunteers
It is based on a set of Values that outline the goals of the School
It covers the various relationships and responsibilities (with children, teachers, parents and other volunteers) that the volunteer will encounter in their work
It covers what volunteers can expect from the school, in terms of their rights.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

8. The Core Values
The Well-being of each child is paramount and each child’s self esteem is a critical concern
Acknowledge the special expertise and training of teachers.
Respect for each family and hence confidentiality
A need to be respectful and supportive of co- workers, teachers and the Catholic school.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

9. Four key relationships
The Children with whom I am in contact
Work colleagues both paid and unpaid
The School and Parish Community
Myself and my family
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

10. With respect to Children I will:
Do what is in THEIR best interests and recognise they are vulnerable. Build their self-esteem
Be positive, encouraging and confidential
Ensure their health and safety
Respect their special relationship with their family.
Ensure no actions within my control degrade, endanger, exploit, intimidate or harm them physically, psychologically or socially.
Report any concerns to the relevant school authority.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

11. With respect to Colleagues:
I will be open, honest and co-operative
Build an atmosphere of trust & respect
Not exceed the limits of my defined role
Use constructive means to resolving conflicts
Maintain as confidential any personal information I may happen by in my role
Encourage others to adhere to this Code
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

12. With respect to the School and Parish I will:
Be familiar with and abide by any laws, regulations and policies that relate to my work
Value on-going training
Never publically denigrate the school, parish, personell or community I represent
Never engage in behaviours that would bring these into disrepute.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

13. With respect to MYSELF and my family I will:
Recognise my responsibility to give of my best, and be open to learn. I will value learning and reflection
Be vigilant that my level of involvement is not injurious to my health & well-being nor that of my family members.
Be honest, open and reliable
Work within the limits of my role
Recognise and be open about potential conflicts of interest.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

14. Benefits OF A Code of Ethics
Having a Code of Ethics benefits all members of the School Community
BENEFITS VOLUNTEERS
They know about what is expected of them and what they can expect from the school
BENEFITS PARENTS AND TEACHERS
They can have confidence that interactions with children are supportive and appropriate.
BENEFITS CHILDREN
Can expect consistency and fairness in their dealings with volunteers that is respectful of their age and development. In short, THEY CAN FEEL SAFE.
To complete the Dale Carnegie Training® Evidence – Action – Benefit formula, follow the action step with the benefits to the audience. Consider their interests, needs, and preferences. Support the benefits with evidence; i.e., statistics, demonstrations, testimonials, incidents, analogies, and exhibits and you will build credibility.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

15. Copies of the Code of Ethics
A copy of the full document “Volunteers Code of Ethics” and also the “Volunteers Prayer” is included in the Orientation Booklet when you commence in a role.
A copy of both is also available upon request to all parents.
Next, state the action step. Make your action step specific, clear and brief. Be sure you can visualize your audience taking the action. If you can’t, they can’t either. Be confident when you state the action step, and you will be more likely to motivate the audience to action.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018

16. A Final Word A Code of Ethics helps:
Identify what is expected of us in our role
Outline what we can expect in our relationships with the school
Ensure you are familiar with the Code and regularly reflect on what it means in your role.
To close, restate the action step followed by the benefits. Speak with conviction and confidence, and you will sell your ideas.
Copyright 2001 Federation of Parents & Friends, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle
6/8/2018