Transform Healthcare Cambodia

CODE OF CONDUCT  Sept 2023

Introduction 

Volunteers and all visitors associated with Transform Healthcare Cambodia (THC) play an important role in ensuring the charity remains true to its values and is respected and credible. This Code sets out the standards and expectations of directors, volunteers and any employees in terms of professional ethics, integrity, acting as a representative and safeguarding, which support THC objectives. 

This Code of Conduct applies to directors, volunteers, visitors on placements or visits arranged by THC, and any friends or family members of visitors to Cambodia if they will be going into Battambang Provincial Hospital, community hospitals or any other health facility that is being visited. They will sign a copy of the Code of Conduct and give it to the team leader in advance of travelling.

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct will result in the person concerned having to leave the volunteer team or cease being a director.

1. Professional ethics and integrity

 It is expected that THC volunteers and any employees will:

o  Establish, maintain and develop relationships based on trust and respect. 

o  Exhibit and defend professional and personal integrity and honesty at all times.

o  Demonstrate sensitivity for the customs, practices, culture and personal beliefs of others.

o  Promote and adhere to THC policies and practices that promote equality of opportunity, diversity and social inclusion and support human rights and dignity

o  Comply with THC’s data protection and confidentiality requirements. Any breach is considered a disciplinary offence and appropriate action will be taken.

o  Support and challenge others if they suspect unlawful or unethical conduct or behaviour.

o  Promptly report any concerns about bribery or corruption. 

o  Promptly report security or safety concerns.

o  Dress appropriately at all times both within the workplace and when representing the organisation 

 2. Acting as a representative of THC

 It is expected that volunteers will:

 ·        Always act in a way, which supports and upholds the reputation of THC and behave as role models to others.

·        Be mindful of their responsibilities as professional people towards the wider community.

·        Comply with prevailing laws and not encourage, assist or collude with others who may be engaged in unlawful conduct.

·        When involved in local religious, or community leadership activities, commit to ensure that THCs mission and objectives in the country are not compromised.

·        Display a neutral, non-partisan attitude and approach towards political matters during their work for THC

3. Safeguarding

 All THC volunteers and any employees will abide by THC’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy including: (2023)

·        Not to harm, children, young people, vulnerable adults or anyone they come into contact with during the course of their engagement with THC, through action or omission

·        Not to expose others to the risk of discrimination, neglect, harm or abuse

·        Not purchase, or coerce, sex acts or other illegal / immoral activities

·        Work in accordance with health, safety and security guidelines and avoid behaviours that create unnecessary risk to themselves, the team, patients or others.

·        It is expected that THC volunteers and any employees will read, understand and adhere to THC’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct

·        Strive to promote a zero tolerance approach to discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse in all working environments

·        Strive to develop relationships with all stakeholders that are based on equality, trust, respect and honesty.

·        Place the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable people above all other considerations.

·        Report any concerns they may have about the welfare of a child or vulnerable person.

·        Report any concerns they may have about the behaviour of a THC representative in relation to safeguarding.

·        In a one-to-one situation with a child or young person, where privacy and confidentiality are important, try to make sure that another adult knows the contact is taking place and why.

 If possible, ensure another adult is in sight and that the child or young person knows another adult is around.

 THC volunteers, visitors and any employees will not:

-   Sexually harass; assault or abuse another person.

Physically harass; assault or abuse another person.

Emotionally harass; abuse another person, such as engaging in behaviour intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade

Condone, or participate in behaviour, which is abusive, discriminatory, illegal, or unsafe.

Develop, encourage or fail to take action of relationships with children or other vulnerable people which could in any way be deemed sexual, exploitative or abusive

Act in ways that may be violent, inappropriate or sexually provocative.

Agree with a child to keep a secret, which has implications for their safety or the safety of other young people.

4. Photography and Social Media

 As with every area of this Code of Conduct, you must be aware of the affect your behaviour will have on the safety and well-being of those being photographed; the charity’s reputation; the reputation of the organisation you work for and the wider NHS, education sector or other organisation as appropriate. Please:

o  Respect the dignity of your team members when taking photographs

o  Ask for verbal consent of the patient or member of staff caring for the patient before taking any photographs. However, we have been advised that the culture in Cambodia would always be to say yes if consent for photographs is asked, so if you are in any doubt about this please speak to your group leader

It may be acceptable to take photographs that do not identify the patient (ie back view; focus on specific area of the body if sensitive and appropriate). Please discuss this with the team leader.

In summary, please treat our Cambodian colleagues and patients in the same way as you would your colleagues and patients at home.

Personal social media

The charity accepts you may want to share your experiences on social media. However, photographs of patients receiving clinical care should never be posted on your own social media.

Photos of you and your team members outside departments where no patients or Cambodian colleagues are present are acceptable. Photographs with our Cambodian

Colleagues are acceptable with their consent. Please be aware of your personal and professional conduct when posting pictures of social events you may go to as part of your visit.

If in any doubt, photographs or issues associated with photos must be shown to and discussed with the team leader.

The charity may post photographs on its Transform Healthcare Cambodia Face book page. This will be done with the consent of volunteers, patients and our Cambodian colleagues.

5. Conflict of interest

In the course of their work it is essential that THC workers avoid any suggestion of bias or favouritism in any of their dealings with partners or other employees, volunteers and stakeholders. Any potential conflicts (direct or indirect) must be declared

6. Gifts

Team members may be offered gifts and hospitality. These should normally be of small monetary value however, before accepting, please ensure that there is discussion with the team leader or a Director of THC.



7. Duty to report

o  Immediately any breaches of this Code to a team leader or Director of the Charity.

o  All suspected breaches of the Code will be investigated and appropriate action taken. 

AGREEMENT

 I have read, understood and agree to abide by THC’s Code of Conduct. 

Name:

Role:

Signature:

Date: