CODE OF CONDUCT

A. This code of conduct applies (“Code”) to all volunteers and staff (“Members”) who: (i) work at Uplifters; (ii) registered at Uplifters; or (iii) participate in volunteering activities organized by Uplifters or their partners via Uplifters (collectively, the “Organizers”).

B. This Code aims to provide guidance to Members in the context of providing services to beneficiaries who receive support from the Organizers (“Beneficiaries”).

C. Uplifters reserves the right to change the content of this Code from time to time with prior notice to the Members. The updated Code of Conduct will be posted on our website with immediate effect at www.uplifters-edu.org (“Website”).


VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES

Uplifters expects the Members to uphold and follow Uplifters’ Vision, Mission and Values as defined on the Website.

PERSONAL GAINS

As a representative of Uplifters, the Members must not:

  • Use their involvement with Uplifters to obtain any personal or monetary gains;
  • or seek or accept gifts, payments, services, fees, special valuable privileges, accommodation,
  • or loans from any person or from any organization or group associated with Uplifters.

CONFIDENTIALITY

  • At all times, the privacy and dignity of any individuals that the Members come into contact with through Uplifters must be respected.
  • The Members shall treat as confidential all information received from the Organizers as a result of their participation in any activities.
  • The Members shall not disclose nor divulge any information in relation to Uplifters’ staff, operations, clients, and Beneficiaries other than is necessary within Uplifters for the Members to undertake their role and duties.

RESPECTFUL CONDUCT

  • Members must treat with respect all other participants with whom they interact whilst participating in any activities. Harassment, discrimination, or other behavior that compromise the dignity and self-worth of others cannot be tolerated, and will be addressed promptly, in confidence.
  • Members should recognize the ethnic and cultural diversity of the communities being served. Members should respect and be sensitive to the culture of Beneficiaries and appreciate the differences among them in respect of their ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, custom and sexual orientation.
  • Members should respect fundamental human rights, human dignity, social equality and equal rights of all Beneficiaries.
  • Members should always take into consideration the difficult experiences that Beneficiaries may have faced or survived, as well as the disadvantaged position in which they may find themselves in relation to those who hold power or influence over certain aspects of their lives.

BEHAVIOR

  • Members must be aware of their language and behavior. Members must never use inappropriate language or behavior, or do anything that is abusive whether verbal, physical, or otherwise.
  • Members must report any such behavior to a Uplifters’ CEO immediately (including where behavior of another Member is observed).
  • Members must be aware that some Beneficiaries may use a relationship to obtain “special attention.” The Member is always responsible for maintaining an appropriate boundary, even if a Beneficiary is unaware.
  • Members must never be under the influence of alcohol or other substances when they are involved or participating in activities with the Organizers.
  • Members must not engage in activities or suggestions of a sexual nature.
  • Members must not give a Beneficiary any personal items or money.
  • Members should not bring gifts for specific Beneficiaries or give them directly to a Beneficiary. Should a Member wish to provide gifts, they should first check with the Organizers to ensure the gifts are appropriate and distributed equally or in a fair manner.

PERSONAL DATA

  • Members must not encourage a Beneficiary to pass on sensitive information such as that which may be found on his/her Hong Kong Identification Card or Passport.
  • Members should not exchange any personal contact details (e.g., phone number, social networking, and email address) with Beneficiaries unless it is part of their Members’ responsibilities. If a Beneficiary passes such information to a Member, the Member should report this to the Organizers.


REPERCUSSIONS AND PENALTIES

  • Uplifters expects all Members to abide by this Code of Conduct. These are minimum standards and by no means cover every contingency.
  • Failure to comply with these standards will be sufficient grounds for disciplinary action up to and including the temporary or permanent suspension of the Member from participating in the activities organized by or through Uplifters.
  • If Members are uncertain of the application of this Code of Conduct, Members should contact the CEO of Uplifters, for clarification or further information.