Volunteers’ Code of Conduct
1. About the programme
Our community-centred programme provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and social work services for Residential Care Homes for the Elderly (RCHEs) in Kowloon Central (Yau Tsim Mong and Kowloon City districts) and Kowloon East (Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong and Sai Kung districts). The programme also offers speech therapy in the clusters’ Contract RCHEs and Self-financing RCHEs, and consultation and training for the homes’ staff and caregivers to give residents of the homes access to comprehensive care and positive change.
2. Purpose
Uniting different people, professionals, schools, religious groups, corporations and volunteers to express love and concern for residents through events and activities, thereby improving residents’ social lives and quality of life.
3. Training
Volunteers may enjoy opportunities to participate in training on relevant topics, including how to get to know service users, communicate with senior citizens and wheelchair-handling skills
4. Responsibilities and conduct
A. General requirements
- Volunteers should adhere to Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited’s (the “Organisation’s”) regulations and cooperate with the Organisation’s employees.
- Volunteers should not offer opinions of any sort with regard to the medical conditions or rehabilitation programmes of service users. If asked for their opinions, volunteers should advise service users to consult relevant employees or medical professionals.
- Volunteers are prohibited from promoting products or services for personal gain during services or visits. While performing volunteer services, volunteers are prohibited from engaging in unrelated activities and offering recommendations or suggestions for personal gain.
- Volunteers are forbidden to make personal gain from their services, including accepting monetary compensation or loans.
- Volunteers should be well-groomed with good personal hygiene and manners.
- Relevant employees will contact volunteers via phone call or WhatsApp. If necessary, volunteers can also contact relevant employees via phone call or WhatsApp during office hours (9am to 5:45pm, Monday to Friday).
- Volunteers are prohibited from photographing, recording audio of or filming residents without the consent of the residents themselves, the homes or the Organisation. Under no circumstances shall volunteers arrange media interviews.
- Volunteers should not post or distribute photographs of residents on social media or via other forms of communication, even if they themselves are featured in the photos.
- Volunteers are discouraged from bringing large amounts of cash or valuables to elderly homes to prevent losses.
- Volunteers are encouraged to engage in active communication, participation and discussion as a means of enhancing service quality.
B. Attitude towards and responsibility for service users
- Volunteers should respect residents’ privacy and regard them as equals. They should not divulge any information related to residents.
- Volunteers should respect residents’ ideas, opinions and religious freedom.
- Volunteers should be friendly, sincere, courteous and accepting towards residents.
- Volunteers should refrain from accepting a resident’s invitation to meet in private.
C. Attitude towards and responsibility to the elderly care home
- Volunteers must abide by the rules of the homes and cooperate with employees.
- Volunteers must prioritise the safety of residents and should not attempt to feed or move residents without the consent of employees.
- Volunteers must immediately report all accidents, injuries or unforeseen circumstances to employees.
5. Termination of services
The Organisation reserves the right to terminate the services of volunteers who fail to abide by the Volunteers’ Code of Conduct.