Writing a Code of Conduct

Managing Boundaries - Lessons from the U.K.

Citizens UK have developed a Managing Boundaries Workbook, which you can read and download below.

Each Citizens UK group is asked to develop a Code of Conduct, with clear boundaries, rules and values. It is important that the volunteers and the families spend time discussing this, so that they understand and agree their boundaries together - and so they don't feel that rules are being imposed on them without their choice or input.

Developing a Code of Conduct

Download the "Managing Boundaries Workbook" below. You will find our advice for defining safe working practices (e.g. visit in pairs at the beginning; don't lend personal money).
Hold a group meeting with the Family Support Team and go through each point together. Decide what your group "rules" will be.
Once you have agreed your rules, write these into a 'Code of Conduct' for volunteers and family members. We've included a template below that you can adapt. Include the Code of Conduct in your Volunteer Handbook, and the resettled family's Welcome Pack.
At an appropriate point after the family's arrival, you should go through this document with them, explain what they can expect of you and what you expect of them. Ask them if they would like to add or amend any points. Once you have all agreed, both sign the document. This should be translated into their native language - you can find an Arabic translation below.
This Agreement should clearly state that formal sponsorship arrangements end after 12 months and the Group will be expecting to wind up its activities by then. Of course, this does not preclude members of the Group from maintaining a relationship with family members and acting as good neighbours and friends - indeed, in many cases, this will happen.