Volunteer Policy

Eligibility and Registration

Volunteers register through the FCO website or an approved program channel and provide accurate personal, educational and contact details. Some roles may require a minimum age, specific skills, availability or additional verification, and acceptance into a role is at FCO's discretion.

Code of Conduct

• Behave professionally, respectfully and inclusively at all times
• Follow the Child & Student Safeguarding Policy in every student-facing activity
• Be punctual and communicate in advance if unable to attend
• Follow the instructions of the program coordinator and the host institution
• Never discriminate, harass, bully or use inappropriate language or conduct

Confidentiality

Volunteers may have access to student, school or organisational information. Such information must be used only for the assigned activity, must not be shared outside FCO, and must not be retained after the engagement ends.

Photography, Media and Social Media

Volunteers must follow the Photography, Video & Media Policy. Photographs of students may not be taken or posted without the required permissions. Personal social media posts must not present the volunteer as an official spokesperson of FCO, must not disclose student information, and must be respectful of beneficiaries.

Branding and Representation

Volunteers may not use the FCO name, logo or letterhead for personal purposes, make commitments on behalf of FCO, raise funds in FCO's name without authorisation, or make claims about FCO programs, approvals or affiliations.

Responsibilities and Attendance

Volunteers are expected to complete assigned tasks reliably, attend the sessions they commit to, and report any concern, incident or risk to the program coordinator promptly.

Leadership, Certificates and Recommendations

Volunteers may be considered for leadership roles, certificates, letters of recommendation, internships or project participation. These are subject to eligibility, actual participation and performance, and are not automatically guaranteed by registration alone.

Conflict of Interest

Volunteers must disclose any personal, financial or professional interest that could conflict with their FCO role, including any relationship with a participating student, school or vendor that could affect fairness.

Ending a Volunteer Engagement

A volunteer may step away at any time by informing the coordinator. FCO may end an engagement where conduct, safeguarding, confidentiality or reliability expectations are not met, or where a role is no longer required.