Code of Conduct for Volunteers
1. Purpose of the Code
1.1. We recognise that although the role is a voluntary one, all church volunteers agree to be bound by church regulations, as well as those acting in roles such as PCC members/charitable trustees and employers. It is therefore vital that standards of conduct are set in the best interests of everyone involved.
1.2. This Code has been adopted by the Parochial Church Council (the ‘PCC’) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Dartmouth ("Parish") as an expression of what it means, in the context of the life of the parish, to respond to the Gospel imperative to “Love God and love our Neighbour as ourselves”..
1.3. The Code was adopted by the PCC on 24th April 2026. It will be reviewed at two yearly intervals, or more frequently if required.
2. Conduct of Volunteers
2.1. Volunteers must conduct themselves at all times in ways which further the best interests of the Parish; supporting the incumbent, staff, and PCC to enable the Mission Action Plan and inspire trust and confidence in the PCC. They should not undertake any action which could bring the PCC or the Parish into disrepute.
2.2. They should perform their duties in accordance with the seven principles of public life enunciated by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. These are: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.
3. Conduct generally
3.1. Volunteers must act towards one another as they would expect to be treated themselves, that is in a manner which is respectful, considerate and courteous, even in the face of disagreement, and which helps to build collective trust.
3.2. When attending meetings or other events on behalf of the Parish, volunteers should conduct themselves in a manner which reflects positively on the Parish.
3.3. Volunteers must also ensure that in using social or other media they do not bring discredit on the Parish.
4. Conflicts of Interest
4.1. Volunteers must act at all times in the best interests of the Parish and avoid situations where there may be an actual or potential, real or perceived, conflict of interest between their personal interest and the interest of the Parish.
4.2. Volunteers must declare, as soon as they become aware of it, any conflict of interest which may arise in relation to a matter under consideration by the PCC.
5. Safeguarding
Volunteers must familiarise themselves and comply with the Safeguarding Policy agreed by of the PCC. They must complete any Safeguarding Declaration required of them and be willing to undertake DBS checks and safeguarding training from time to time as required.
Duties and Responsibilities of Members of the PCC
It is recognised that the role of PCC member involves more significant responsibilities than that of other church volunteers in the Parish, and the following supplements the Code of Conduct for Volunteers for PCC Members ("Members"):
6. Duties of Members of the PCC
6.1. The primary duty of members of the PCC is to ensure that the functions of the PCC are discharged effectively, in cooperation with the Incumbent and in compliance with the relevant requirements of the Church of England and of applicable secular legislation.
6.2. Members of the PCC are responsible for the management of the resources (buildings and money) held by the PCC on behalf of the Parish and have all the duties and responsibilities of Charity Trustees in relation to that management.
6.3. Members must complete, on their election or appointment to office, the required Declaration that they comply with the ‘Fit and Proper Persons’ legislation and so are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee.
6.4. Members should seek to represent and promote the interests of all members of the congregation and Parish.
6.5. Where that conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the PCC, Members must declare at the earliest opportunity any conflict of interest which may arise in relation to the matter under consideration; they may speak on the matter, but shall not participate in the PCC’s decision on that matter.
6.6. Members of the PCC must not purport to speak on behalf of the PCC unless specifically authorised to do so by a meeting of the PCC or by a standing committee or Chairman of the PCC.
Dispute Resolution
7. Failure to Comply with this Code
7.1. Any alleged failure by a volunteer to meet the terms of this Code must be reported in writing to the Secretary of the PCC, detailing the nature of the alleged failure. The Secretary shall report the receipt of such a complaint to the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the PCC.
7.2. After conferring with the Vice-Chairman, the Chairman may direct the Secretary or one of the Churchwardens to enquire into the circumstances of the alleged failure and in so doing to seek an explanation from the person who is the subject of the complaint.
7.3. Upon receipt of the report of such an enquiry, if it appears that there is a prima facie case that the requirements of this Code have not been observed but that the breach of the Code is minor and the person who is the subject of the complaint accepts the finding of the inquiry, the Chairman of the PCC may, after conferring with the Vice-Chairman, issue a verbal or written warning to the person who is the subject of the complaint in question.
7.4. If it appears that the breach of the Code is major (or a sufficient cumulation of multiple minor breaches) and/or the person who is the subject of the complaint contests the findings of the inquiry, the Standing Committee of the PCC may establish a panel of three members of the Committee not previously involved in the case to:
7.4.1. hear the complaint;
7.4.2. inform the person complained about of the nature of the complaint and the evidence presented;
7.4.3. invite the person who is the subject of the complaint to attend the hearing and respond; and
7.4.4. hear the response.
7.5. The panel shall conduct the hearing in private, respecting the confidential nature of all complaints and report the outcome to the PCC and to the person who is the subject of the complaint. If the panel upholds the complaint, the PCC may in its absolute discretion resolve to do any of the following in respect of the person against whom the complaint has been upheld:
7.5.1. Issue a written warning, or a final written warning as appropriate depending on the severity of the complaint and whether it is a first such occurrence;
7.5.2. Suspend the person from all Parish activities for a finite period of time;
7.5.3. Notify the congregation that following a Code of Conduct hearing the PCC are no longer able to support the participation of the person in the active ministry of the Parish, noting that the PCC is praying that their concerns would be heard and that reconciliation might be achieved;
7.5.4. Invite the person to resign from their position; or
7.5.5. Relieve the person from all volunteering roles in the Parish.