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Policy

Volunteer Guidelines

These guidelines help keep everyone safe and make volunteering a good experience for all.

Draft — under review. This policy is a working draft that Quabit is reviewing. It may change before it is finalised. If you have questions, please contact us.

Last updated: [Date of review] Applies to: Quabit, Kolkata, India

Who can volunteer

Volunteers must be 18 or older. Roles that involve children or vulnerable adults require identity verification, references and a signed declaration, and may require police verification where appropriate.

What you can expect from us

  • A clear role description and an orientation session.
  • Training in safeguarding and in the skills your role needs.
  • A named contact person for support and questions.
  • Recognition of your contribution, and a reference or certificate on request.

Code of conduct

  • Treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of caste, religion, gender, disability, age or background.
  • Be reliable — let your contact person know early if you cannot attend.
  • Do not accept or give money or gifts to the people we work with.
  • Do not promote any religious or political views while volunteering.
  • Do not volunteer under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Follow instructions from qualified professionals at health camps; do not give medical advice unless you are qualified and authorised to do so.

Safeguarding

  • Never be alone with a child out of sight of other adults.
  • Do not contact children privately by phone, messaging apps or social media.
  • Report any concern about a child's or vulnerable adult's safety immediately, following our Safeguarding Policy.

Confidentiality and photos

  • Keep personal information about the people we work with confidential, during and after your volunteering.
  • Do not take or share photos or videos of beneficiaries on personal devices. Official photos are taken only with recorded consent.

Social media

You are welcome to say you volunteer with Quabit. Please do not post about the people we work with, and do not speak on behalf of the organisation without agreement.

Health and safety

Follow the safety instructions given at each activity, and tell your contact person about any accident or incident straight away.

Expenses

[Explain whether and how pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. local travel) are reimbursed.]

Ending your volunteering

You can stop volunteering at any time — we only ask that you let us know. We may end a volunteering arrangement if these guidelines are not followed.