Volunteer Code of Conduct

For volunteers who support us on an ad hoc basis at events, walks, retreats and workshops.

1. What volunteers can expect from Touch Grass
   As a volunteer, you can expect that we will:

   • Treat you with respect, care and appreciation.

   • Tell you clearly what your role is, who is leading the space, and how to ask for help.

   • Offer a briefing before your role, including safety, accessibility and key information.

   • Aim to make the experience inclusive and accessible, and listen to your needs.

   • Reimburse pre-agreed expenses in line with our policy (where possible).

   • Take any concerns about safety, discrimination or harm seriously.

     
     

2. What we ask from volunteers
   Before the event

   • Only sign up for events you can realistically do.

   • Let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or are running late.

   • Tell us about any access needs or things that will help you feel safe and well.

During the event
We ask volunteers to:

• Follow the guidance of the Event Lead and core team at all times.

• Wear any agreed badge/lanyard so participants know who you are.

• Help create a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental atmosphere.

• Respect participant privacy and treat personal information as confidential.

• Use people’s names and pronouns correctly, and correct yourself if you slip up.

Uphold our anti-oppressive values:

• No racism, colourism or anti-Blackness

• No queerphobia or transphobia

• No ableism, fatphobia, classism, xenophobia or other forms of discrimination

If you witness harm or feel uncomfortable, let the Event Lead or wellbeing contact know as soon as you can.

Boundaries & behaviour
Arrive sober and fit to volunteer. We do not accept volunteers being drunk or high during their role.

Keep physical contact to what is appropriate and consented to (e.g. ask before hugging).

Do not use your volunteer role to pursue romantic or sexual contact with participants.

Do not share participants’ personal information (stories, photos, contact details) outside the event without their clear permission.

Follow all safety and safeguarding instructions, including around equipment, outdoor routes, water, fire, etc.

3. Photography, social media & storytelling
   Only take photos or videos of participants where:

• We have explicit consent, and

• It’s in line with the Event Lead’s instructions.

• Do not post identifiable photos of participants from events without consent.

You are welcome to share your experience of volunteering, but avoid:

• Sharing personal details about others,

• Speaking on behalf of Touch Grass without agreement,

• Misrepresenting the purpose, partners or funders of an event.

4. Behaviour that is not okay
   The following are not acceptable while volunteering with Touch Grass (or in spaces connected to our events):

   • Harassment, bullying or intimidation.

   • Any form of discrimination or hate speech.

   • Unwanted physical contact, sexual comments or advances.

   • Being drunk or under the influence of drugs in a way that affects safety, care or judgement.

   • Ignoring safety instructions or putting yourself/others at risk.

   • Sharing confidential information about participants without consent, except where needed for safety/safeguarding.

     Breaches of this code may lead to us:

   • Asking you to leave an event, and/or

   • Not inviting you to volunteer with us in future.

     
     

5. Raising concerns as a volunteer
   If at any point you:

   • Feel unsafe or uncomfortable,

   • Witness discrimination, bullying or harassment,

   • Notice a safety issue,

   • Have concerns about how a situation is being handled,

Please speak to:

• The Event Lead,

• The named Wellbeing or Safeguarding contact at the event, or

• Contact Touch Grass afterwards via our usual email / contact point.
  We will listen, take concerns seriously, and follow up as needed.