This Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of all volunteers supporting Feel the Force Day. Volunteers represent the event to visitors, guests, partners and the wider public. Your behaviour directly affects the safety, reputation and experience of the event. This policy applies at all times while volunteering, including during shifts, briefings, set-up, take-down and any related activities.
1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of all volunteers supporting Feel the Force Day.
Volunteers represent the event to visitors, guests, partners and the wider public. Your behaviour directly affects the safety, reputation and experience of the event.
This policy applies at all times while volunteering, including during shifts, briefings, set-up, take-down and any related activities.
2. General Standards of Behaviour
Volunteers are expected to act respectfully and professionally at all times, follow instructions from team leads and event organisers, treat visitors, guests, traders and fellow volunteers with courtesy, support a positive and welcoming atmosphere, use appropriate language and behaviour in public areas and raise concerns through appropriate channels rather than in public.
Volunteers must not engage in aggressive, abusive or confrontational behaviour, use discriminatory, offensive or inappropriate language, act in a way that damages the reputation of the event or bring the event into disrepute through conduct on or off shift.
3. Respect, Equality and Inclusion
Feel the Force Day is committed to being welcoming and inclusive.
Volunteers must treat everyone equally regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or background, avoid discriminatory behaviour or exclusion and escalate concerns about harassment or inappropriate conduct.
Harassment, bullying or discrimination will not be tolerated.
4. Safeguarding Responsibilities
Volunteers have a duty to support the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
Volunteers must remain alert to signs of harm or distress, report safeguarding concerns immediately to a team lead, never investigate safeguarding concerns themselves and avoid being alone with a child unless it is unavoidable and appropriate.
If a safeguarding concern arises, it must be reported. Volunteers must not promise confidentiality.
5. Health and Safety
Volunteers must follow all safety instructions and venue procedures, wear identification or clothing as instructed, report hazards, accidents or near misses promptly, not undertake tasks they are not trained or authorised to perform and follow evacuation or emergency instructions immediately.
Volunteers must not take unnecessary risks.
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Conduct on Shift
Volunteers must not consume alcohol while on duty, be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while volunteering or smoke or vape in prohibited areas.
If a volunteer appears unfit for duty, they may be stood down.
7. Confidentiality and Data
Volunteers may become aware of personal or sensitive information.
Volunteers must not share confidential or internal information, post operational or sensitive issues on social media, and must handle personal information responsibly and follow event guidance on photography and media.
If information is not public, it must not be shared.
8. Social Media
Volunteers are free to share their experience of volunteering, but must avoid sharing internal operational matters, avoid criticising visitors, traders or organisers publicly, avoid sharing safeguarding or incident details and represent the event positively and responsibly.
9. Reporting Concerns
Volunteers should raise concerns through their team lead, event control or a designated safeguarding or senior lead.
Concerns may include safety risks, inappropriate behaviour, operational problems and conflict situations.
Volunteers should not attempt to resolve serious issues alone.
10. Breach of Code
Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in informal discussion, reallocation of duties, removal from the event or restriction from volunteering at future events.
Serious breaches may be escalated to relevant authorities where appropriate.
11. Acknowledgement
All volunteers are required to confirm that they have read, understood and agree to follow this Code of Conduct before participating in an event.