Code of Conduct

Prior to participating in a Tabitha build team in Cambodia every member must complete a code of conduct before arriving in Cambodia.

PLEASE READ AND AGREE TO THE TABITHA CODE OF CONDUCT AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

TABITHA CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT

The Tabitha Code of Conduct sets out the standard of behaviour required of all volunteers participating in Tabitha projects. The Code is designed to ensure that all volunteers are aware of their obligations and responsibilities. Failure to comply with the code may lead to the withdrawal of a person from a Tabitha project.
This policy applies to all volunteers. Team leaders are responsible for obtaining agreement to the code by all team members. People who have been convicted of any criminal offences relating to child abuse, child sex tourism or accessing or possessing child pornography will not be accepted as volunteers.

I understand that:

• I am participating in a project administered by Tabitha Cambodia.
• My conduct is to be governed by the standards defined in the Tabitha Code of
  Conduct.
• I need to abide by all the provisions of the Code during the project.
• Any failure to comply with the Code in any respect may result in my removal from
  the project.
• I have read and will abide by the Tabitha Child Protection Policy.
• I have not been convicted of any criminal offences or am subject to any professional disciplinary proceedings relating to child abuse, neglect or exploitation or for accepting or possessing child pornography, including offences relating to child sex tourism.

TABITHA CODE OF CONDUCT STANDARDS

Volunteers must abide by all reasonable requests and directives made by Tabitha Staff.
They must treat all other participants and Tabitha staff with respect.

LAWS OF CAMBODIA

Volunteers must abide by all the laws and regulations of Cambodia.
They must avoid involvement in party politics and refrain from public comment and demonstrations on political, cultural and religious matters.
Also volunteers must be mindful of the risk of terrorism and ensure they do not participate in any activity that may have links, directly or indirectly to any terrorism-related individuals, groups or activities.
Volunteers must respect the symbols of nationalism and religious practices.
And not promote or attempt to convert any participants or persons in Cambodia to a particular religion or system of beliefs.

DRUG POSSESSION OR USE

Volunteers acknowledge that unauthorised possession or use of narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs is illegal and that possession or use of illegal drugs will result in immediate removal from the project.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Volunteers must take account of any travel advisories or warnings issued by the Australian Government and take appropriate actions.
They must exercise all reasonable caution when undertaking any activity that may result in harm or injury to themselves.
Volunteers must ensure that they have suitable travel insurance with evacuation cover.
They must be responsible for their own health management during the project.

REPRESENTATIONS

Volunteers must refrain from any conduct or wrongdoing that may reflect badly on Tabitha.
They must not participate in any fraudulent activity such as dishonesty obtaining a benefit by deception or any other means that would advantage themselves or any other person.
Volunteers should not make public statements which in any way relate to the activities of the Australian Or Cambodian Governments without the prior explicit approval of Tabitha.

CHILD PROTECTION

Volunteers must abide by the Tabitha Child Protection Policy.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Volunteers agree that if a grievance or concern arises during a project they will notify the Tabitha Team Leader.  They will also refer any irreconcilable disputes or unresolved concerns which occur during a project to the Board of Tabitha Australia upon their return to Australia.

TABITHA CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Tabitha Australia is committed to the protection of children. In particular, the safety and wellbeing of children that come into contact with Tabitha Projects is a paramount concern.
Child abuse is not tolerated, nor is the possession of or access to child pornography.
Tabitha Australia will remove any volunteer from any aspect of our operations when it considers that the volunteer poses an unacceptable risk to children’s safety.
Although Tabitha volunteers are typically not required to work directly with children, it is inevitable that volunteers will be in contact with children while engaging in Tabitha projects. This policy provides guidance on acceptable behaviours and appropriate boundaries when coming into contact with children.

Tabitha Volunteers need to :

• Treat every child with dignity and respect.
• Be visible when working with children.
• Avoid being alone with children and, whenever possible, ensure that other adults are present when working in the proximity of children.
• Immediately raise and report any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child with the Tabitha team leader or Tabitha Board if appropriate.

PHOTOGRAPHY OF CHILDREN

Wherever possible, obtain consent from the child and a parent or guardian of the child before taking photographs.
Ensure photographs present children in a dignified and respectful manner and not in a vulnerable or submissive manner.
Ensure photographs do not reveal identifying information about a child when sending images electronically.
Volunteers will not :

• Engage in any behaviour that is intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade children.
• Use language, make suggestion, offer advice or engage in any behaviour that is inappropriate, offensive, harassing, sexually provocative, demeaning, culturally inappropriate or abusive.
• Take children to their own accommodation unless they are in immediate risk of injury or physical danger.
• Do things of a personal nature that a child can do for themselves, such as changing clothes.
• Sleep in the same room or bed as a child without the explicit approval of the Team Leader and another adult must be present.
• Physically punish or discipline a child.
• Engage any child in any form of sexual activity or acts.
• Act in ways that may be abusive or place a child at risk of abuse.
• Behave physically in a manner that is inappropriate or sexually provocative towards a child.
• Condone, or participate in, behaviour towards children which is illegal, unsafe or abusive.
• Hold, Kiss, cuddle or touch a child in an inappropriate, unnecessary or culturally insensitive way. Touching should only be in response to the need of the child; be only with the child’s permission(except in an emergency); avoid the breasts, buttocks and groin; and be open and non-secretive.
• Access child pornography through any medium.