Purpose
Volunteers are central to the Link Visiting Scheme. This Code explains the standards we expect from everyone volunteering on our behalf and helps protect Link Friends, volunteers, staff and the reputation of the Link.
The Code applies during volunteering activities, contact with Link Friends and their families or carers, events, training, online activity connected with the Link, and any situation in which a volunteer may reasonably be seen as representing the Link.
Our expectations
When volunteering with the Link, you are expected to:
follow the Link’s policies, procedures, role description, training and reasonable instructions;
act with kindness, honesty, reliability and good judgement;
treat Link Friends, volunteers, staff, families, carers and others with respect and dignity, and support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;
maintain appropriate boundaries and keep the relationship focused on the agreed volunteering role;
respect each person’s choices, independence, privacy, beliefs and right to be involved in decisions affecting them;
protect confidential and personal information, use only approved Link systems, and never share details about a Link Friend with relatives, friends, on social media or through unauthorised digital or AI tools;
follow safeguarding responsibilities and report any concern about a person’s safety or wellbeing to the Link team immediately. Do not investigate concerns yourself;
follow health, safety, lone-working, security and incident-reporting arrangements, and promptly report accidents, near misses, mistakes or data breaches;
be punctual and reliable, and tell the Link promptly if you cannot carry out an agreed activity or if your circumstances affect your role;
raise concerns, uncertainties, conflicts of interest or difficulties with the Link team and ask for guidance when needed;
not attend volunteering activities while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs or another substance that makes the activity unsafe;
not discriminate against, harass, exploit, intimidate or behave inappropriately towards anyone connected with the Link;
not seek or accept loans, significant gifts, money, bequests or other personal financial benefits arising from the volunteering relationship. Any offered gift or proposed bequest must be reported to the Link;
not handle a Link Friend’s money, bank card, PIN, online banking, legal documents or financial affairs unless a specific Link role and written procedure expressly authorise it;
not promote personal business interests, religious or political views, or use the volunteering relationship for personal advantage;
use social media responsibly, make clear that personal opinions are your own, and not publish anything that could compromise privacy, dignity, safety or the Link’s reputation; and
act as a trusted representative of the Link and avoid conduct that could bring the charity into disrepute.
Conflicts, gifts and changes in circumstances
Tell the Link promptly about any actual or potential conflict of interest, concern about boundaries, significant gift, request involving money, or change in health, driving status, criminal record or other circumstances that may affect your suitability or ability to volunteer safely. We will handle this information sensitively and only involve those who need to know.
Reporting concerns
Please report concerns about misconduct, safeguarding, safety, privacy or a possible breach of this Code to the Link team as soon as possible. Reports will be handled sensitively and in line with the relevant safeguarding, complaints, data protection and volunteer procedures.
Immediate danger
Call 999. Do not delay urgent action while trying to contact The Link.
If the Code is not followed
Where a concern is raised, the Link will consider the information fairly, speak with the volunteer where appropriate, and decide what action is proportionate. This may include guidance, additional training, increased support or supervision, a pause in volunteering, a change of role, or ending the volunteering relationship.
Serious safeguarding concerns, criminal conduct or other matters may be referred to the police, local authority, Disclosure and Barring Service, regulator or another appropriate body where required or lawful. A volunteer may be temporarily asked not to volunteer while a serious concern is considered. Volunteering is not employment, and the Link may end a volunteering arrangement where this is necessary to protect people, maintain trust or manage risk.
Our commitment to volunteers
The Link values the time, skills and friendship our volunteers give. We are committed to providing a clear role, suitable induction and training, appropriate support and a named contact. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions, request help and raise concerns without fear of being treated unfairly for doing so in good faith.
Agreement
All volunteers are asked to read this Code before applying and to confirm that they understand and agree to follow it. The current Code remains applicable throughout the volunteering relationship and may be updated when our work, policies or legal responsibilities change.
If you have any questions about this Code, please contact the Link office on 0118 979 8019 or use the contact details on our website.
Updated: September 2026