For our volunteers
Volunteer Code of Conduct
This code keeps the community safe, warm and trustworthy. Every volunteer agrees to follow it, and every woman we support deserves nothing less.
Kindness first
Volunteers listen without judgement, treat every woman with warmth and respect, and never shame, blame or dismiss what someone shares with them.
Know what the role is — and what it is not
Volunteers offer befriending-style support: a listening ear, encouragement and companionship. They are not counsellors, medical professionals or advice workers, and must never present themselves as such or give clinical, legal, financial or similar professional advice.
Confidentiality
What is shared within a match stays private. Volunteers do not discuss the women they support with anyone other than the coordinator, and only then where it is needed for safety or support. The only exception is a genuine safeguarding concern, which must always be passed on.
Boundaries
Volunteers keep the relationship friendly and appropriate. They do not lend or borrow money, exchange gifts of significant value, enter into romantic or sexual relationships with women they are matched with, or continue contact after a match has ended unless both sides and the coordinator agree.
Reliability and honesty
Volunteers are honest about their availability, give notice if they need to step back, and let the coordinator know if anything about their circumstances changes in a way that affects the role.
Equality and respect
Every woman is welcome. Volunteers treat all women with equal respect regardless of age, disability, race, faith, sexuality or background, in line with our commitment to women-only spaces.
Speaking up
If a volunteer is ever worried about a woman's safety, feels out of their depth, or is uncomfortable about anything in a match, they contact the coordinator straight away rather than carrying it alone.