Code of Conduct
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Keeping you and our guests safe is our priority. We strive to create an environment where you feel valued for the time you give and where your contribution has the greatest possible impact on our guests’ lives. To ensure everyone is safe, we ask all volunteers to follow our Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Please take the time to read, understand, and follow these guidelines while volunteering with us.
If you cannot make your planned volunteering shift
The time you give is hugely valuable, as it enables us to support our guests and help them to build more stable lives. Sometimes things happen and you may not be able to attend your shift. Please follow the guidance below to minimise the impact on your fellow volunteers, our guests, and the service.
Less than 48 hours before your shift:
If your shift is at Unity Park Station, send a WhatsApp or text to 07934 928832 with your name and shift details. If you volunteer at a Winter Night Shelter, send a message to your Team Leaders.
Remove yourself from Assemble only after contacting a Team Leader or UnityMK. This is essential, as not informing us could mean we do not have the minimum number of volunteers required to keep everyone safe. By letting the team know, they can make the necessary arrangements.
3–7 days before your shift:
Remove yourself from the shift on Assemble.
If your shift is at Unity Park Station, email jana.turner@unitymk.org with the date and shift(s) you cannot attend. If you volunteer at a Winter Night Shelter, send a message to your Team Leaders.
More than 7 days before your shift:
Remove yourself from the shift on Assemble.
It is important that volunteering opportunities remain properly covered to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
General Conduct
Report any problems or concerns to a member of UnityMK staff or your Team Leader as soon as they arise. Alternatively, email jana.turner@unitymk.org.
Only attend booked shifts. All volunteering opportunities are available on Assemble. Please only attend when there is space available and you have signed up. This ensures every volunteer has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Complete all allocated training on Assemble. If you are unsure how to do this, or if you need additional support, please contact Jana Turner.
Do not consume alcohol or other intoxicating substances before a shift.
Respect others. UnityMK welcomes everyone, both as volunteers and guests. Please treat all people’s beliefs, religious faiths, and political views with respect.
Maintain confidentiality. Respect the confidentiality of information about guests and fellow volunteers at all times. If you believe a guest or volunteer is at risk, or if you have a safeguarding concern, contact your Team Leader or our designated Safeguarding Lead, Yvonne Eichler, at safeguarding@unitymk.org.
Dress appropriately. In line with Environmental Health guidelines, kitchen volunteers must wear closed-toe footwear and tie back their hair.
Do not pursue personal relationships with guests. Please do not share your personal information (such as phone numbers, addresses, or social media details). If you would like to support a guest further, please speak with our Welfare Team at welfare@unitymk.org, who will ensure this is done safely.
Treat everyone equally and with courtesy and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Do not give or receive personal gifts (e.g. goods or money) or provide services that involve lone working with a guest (e.g. offering a lift). If you are concerned about a specific need a guest has, please speak with the Welfare Team at welfare@unitymk.org.
Do not take photographs of guests.
Thank you for partnering with us to support those experiencing homelessness in our city.
