1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected from all volunteers at Al-Sunnah Mosque (the charity). It ensures volunteers act responsibly, ethically, and in a way that upholds the values and reputation of the charity.

2. Scope

This Code applies to:

• All volunteers serving the charity in any capacity.
• All activities carried out on behalf of the charity, whether on its premises or externally.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This Code aligns with:

• Charity Commission Guidance CC3: The Essential Trustee
• Charity Commission RS10: Safeguarding Children and Young People.
• The charity’s Safeguarding, GDPR and Privacy, and Health & Safety Policies.

4. Volunteer Standards of Behaviour

Volunteers are expected to:

• Fulfil their role to a satisfactory standard.
• Perform duties safely, efficiently, and competently.
• Follow the charity’s policies, procedures, and reasonable instructions.
• Act honestly, responsibly, and with integrity.
• Treat others with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Report concerns about wrongdoing to the Mosque Manager or, for suspected fraud or bribery, the Chair of Trustees.
• Meet agreed time/task commitments or give sufficient notice if unavailable.
• Communicate respectfully and honestly at all times.
• Follow health & safety procedures, reporting concerns promptly.
• Raise any role-related issues with the Mosque Manager, in line with the Volunteer Policy.
• Declare conflicts of interest (e.g. business/employment links).
• Maintain confidentiality during and after volunteering.
• Take care of confidential documents, material, or devices.
• Seek authorisation before speaking externally on the charity’s behalf.
• Maintain appropriate dress and personal hygiene.
• Disclose if charged with or convicted of a criminal offence (spent convictions need not be disclosed unless the role is eligible for a standard or enhanced DBS check, and protected (filtered) convictions and cautions never need to be disclosed).

5. Prohibited Conduct

Volunteers must not:

• Bring the charity into disrepute (including through social media or public criticism).
• Seek gifts, rewards, or hospitality in their role, or accept any gift or hospitality with a value of £50 or more without the prior consent of the Board of Trustees. Small gifts with a value of less than £50 may be accepted and must be recorded in the charity’s Gift & Hospitality Register.
• Engage in abusive, discriminatory, harassing, or harmful behaviour.
• Be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medication while volunteering.
• Provide false or misleading information.
• Damage or take unauthorised possession of the charity’s property.
• Engage in illegal activity while representing the charity.
• Improperly disclose confidential information during or after volunteering.

6. Enforcement

• Breaches of this Code may result in termination of the volunteer role.
• The charity may end a volunteer’s position without cause, though volunteers are requested to give four weeks’ notice if stepping down.
• Volunteers acknowledge this Code does not create an employment relationship.

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