Volunteer Code of Conduct

Thank you being part of The Bread and Butter Thing (“TBBT”). Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, and your time and effort make a huge difference in helping to keep families fed. This guide explains how we expect everyone to work together safely and respectfully.

Volunteer helping to unload food from The Bread and Butter van

About this Code of Conduct

This code applies to all volunteers at TBBT. Volunteers are key to keeping our operations running smoothly, and we value the hard work you do in our warehouses and on the road.

The goal of this code is to set clear expectations so that volunteering with TBBT is a safe and positive experience for everyone.

Trustees are responsible for safeguarding and ensuring that volunteers are trained and equipped to carry out their roles. If any volunteer doesn’t follow this Code, we may have to ask them to step down.

This code should be read alongside other important guidelines like our Safeguarding and Health and Safety Policy.

How we expect volunteers to act

Volunteers should:

  • act honestly, responsibly and with integrity;

  • behave in accordance with our charitable objectives and values;

  • do your tasks safely, efficiently and to the best of your ability;

  • communicate your availability with a TBBT manager;

  • follow all relevant TBBT policies and procedures;

  • follow instructions from TBBT staff;

  • use TBBT’s information and resources (including money, vehicles, supplies and other property) responsibly and cost-effectively;

  • let us know if you have any personal or business interests that might conflict with your work or the work of TBBT (e.g. other business interests or employment); and

  • get permission before agreeing to be nominated as a prospective candidate or other official role for any political party.

    Volunteers should not:

  • engage in illegal activity;

  • do anything that would harm TBBTs reputation; or

  • make statement or posts (including on social media) that could damage TBBT’s good name.

Working with others

Volunteers must:

  • treat everyone – volunteers, staff, hub members and suppliers - with fairness, dignity and respect;

  • work collaboratively as a team to provide the best possible service to our hub members and partners;

  • communicate openly, honestly and respectfully;

  • promote and uphold the privacy, confidentiality, health and wellbeing of fellow volunteers and people who use our services;

  • never engage in harassment, abuse, or exploitation of any kind.

Van Driver volunteers

Volunteers who drive vans for TBBT must:

  • have a full, clean, UK driving licence, and let us know as soon as you are aware if there are any changes to your licence;

  • follow all traffic laws and The Highway Code while driving for TBBT;

  • be respectful to other road users

  • never drive if you’re impaired (e.g. by substances or tiredness) and take regular breaks if driving for longer periods ; and

  • report any accidents immediately to a TBBT manager.