Volunteer Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is designed to provide all Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)® volunteers with a set of principles and expectations for appropriate conduct and behavior. 

All volunteers shall abide by and conform to these professional standards:

1. Act honestly and ethically while in the performance of their volunteer duties.
2. Treat IDC® employees, volunteers, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity.
3. Do not discriminate and be respectful of ethnic, national, and cultural differences.
4. Do not bully, harass, or mistreat staff or other volunteers.
5. Obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws, while acting on behalf of IDC®, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace.
6. Deter wrongdoing and ensure accountability for adherence to the Code of Conduct.
7. Assist and cooperate with all IDC® investigations.
8. Report violations or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct through the policies section of IDC’s website (www.diversitycertification.org/about/idc-policies).
9. Seek assistance if they have questions about any volunteer guidelines via email to info@diversitycertification.org.

Adherence to Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

IDC® develops policies, procedures, and guidelines with input from both staff and volunteers and with consultation from legal, finance, and risk management experts; they are updated regularly. Both volunteers and staff are expected to comply with IDC® policies including those described in this document. Failure to comply may be grounds for disqualification and/or removal.

Attendance and Punctuality

IDC® requests volunteers and staff be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled volunteer activities. While IDC® will attempt to be flexible in all cases, volunteers are expected to notify a staff member if they will be absent or late, so arrangements can be made for handling their responsibilities.

Bullying

IDC® does not condone bullying in any form, including harassment. Bullying is defined as unwelcome or unreasonable behavior that demeans, intimidates, or humiliates people, either as individuals or as a group. Bullying behavior is often persistent and part of a pattern, but it can also occur as a single incident. Some examples of bullying behavior include but are not limited to abusive and offensive language, insults, teasing, and spreading rumors. It can also include manipulation of the work environment or psychological manipulation.

Compliance

Volunteers may be asked to complete paperwork, provide updated information or complete a criminal background check for certain volunteer roles. Failure to complete these requirements may disqualify a volunteer from serving in a particular role. If appropriate based on the circumstances, volunteers who are disqualified for a volunteer role may have the option to explore other volunteer opportunities with their staff partner.

Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use

Business-related activities must be conducted free from the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. In addition, these substances may not be possessed or distributed on IDC® premises. During business functions where alcohol is served, volunteers and employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Use of tobacco or e-cigarettes in IDC® offices, on premises, in vehicles, at IDC® events and functions, and while representing IDC® at any time or function is prohibited.

While medical and recreational marijuana use is legal in some areas of the United States, federal and state laws indicate that IDC® has no obligation to accommodate cannabis use in our offices or at our events.

A volunteer may not report to the workplace impaired, nor should they smell of marijuana or alcohol per the expectation for scents and hygiene in the workplace.

The workplace consists of all property and facilities owned, leased, or rented by IDC®, including grounds, buildings, vehicles, and any other equipment, and any site where an employee/volunteer performs work.

Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, employers must prohibit in the workplace the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances, including marijuana that is otherwise lawful under some state laws.

If the employee or volunteer’s personal vehicle is parked within an area defined as the workplace, the rules governing a drug free workplace apply. If an employee or volunteer parks in a private lot not under the control of IDC®, the employee/volunteer is subject to any applicable restrictions of the property owner and the laws applicable to marijuana in vehicles.

Good Stewardship

Serving in a volunteer position requires good judgment and management of reasonable risks. All volunteers will be given specific training to understand and manage the risks in carrying out their specific jobs. Volunteers will be required to comply with company policy and to conduct IDC® business at the direction of IDC® and within the scope of their duties as a volunteer. This will help minimize the risk of liability to IDC® and reduce the risk of injury (physical or economic) to the volunteer and the people the volunteer associates with or tries to help.

IDC® activities with inherent risks would include organizing in-person events, serving in a governance role, on a committee, or in a leadership role. There are specific company procedures and manuals that guide the volunteer in conducting these activities in a safe manner.

IDC® indemnifies its volunteers against liability incurred while performing volunteer duties conducted at the request of IDC®. IDC® purchases and maintains insurance policies, wherein volunteers are additional insureds, to provide the financial ability to fully indemnify, defend and settle any claims of liability.

Term of Disqualification and/or Removal

IDC® is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both staff and volunteers.

Volunteers who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to disqualification and/or removal.

Violations to the Code of Conduct

Anyone may submit a Code of Conduct violation or concern. To do so, visit www.diversitycertification.org/about/idc-policies and submit a Disciplinary Complaint form.

The Disciplinary Complaint process investigates allegations of misconduct and takes appropriate action if necessary. The process is fair and impartial, and all Complainants and Designees are treated with respect. Professional integrity is essential to the IDC, and any allegations of misconduct will be taken seriously.