Application Form - Port Stephens Koala & Wildlife Preservation Society Limited

To become a volunteer, you must

• reside in Australia
• be 15 years of age or older (16 or older for maintenance and leafing) 
• must have a valid Working with Childres Check
• be a financial member
• pay an annual fee of $10
• agree to complete onsite training and all other training as requested of you
• agree to follow the organisations policies

PSKH Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct Policy

Purpose

PSKH holds all employees and volunteers responsible for social and ethical behaviour. This policy clarifies the standards of behaviour that PSKH expects of all employees and volunteers and is binding on all personnel in both categories.

Principles

Employees and volunteers contribute greatly to the success of PSKH. PSKH fully endorse that all employees and volunteers are not deprived of their basic human rights.

Furthermore, our employees and volunteers have an obligation to the company, and themselves to observe high standards of integrity and fair dealing. Unlawful and unethical business practices undermine employees and volunteers trust.

Policy

The Code of Conduct policy applies to all employees and volunteers and provides the framework of principles for conducting business dealings with other volunteers and employees. The Code of Conduct does not replace legislation and if any part of it is in conflict, then legislation takes precedence. This policy is based on the following:

• Act and maintain a high standard of integrity and professionalism

• Be responsible and scrupulous in the proper use of company information, funds, equipment, and facilities

• Be considerate and respectful of the environment and others

• Exercise fairness, equality, courtesy, consideration, and sensitivity in dealing with other employees and volunteers.

• Avoid apparent conflict of interests, by promptly disclosing to a PSKH senior manager or director of any interest which may constitute a conflict of interest

• Promote the interests of PSKH

• Perform duties with skill, honesty, care, and diligence

• Abide by policies, procedures and lawful directions that relate to employees and volunteers duties at PSKH

SPECIFICALLY ALL PSKH EMPLOYEE AND VOLUNTEERS AGREE TO:

• Support all decisions properly made by PSKH and not contradict or undermine decisions they don’t agree with.

• Not mislead, make false statements or leave out important information.

• Act with honesty and transparency. Not alter, hide or exaggerate the facts.

• Keep information confidential. Not share non-public information about the organisation, or make public statements on behalf of the organisation, without permission.

• Ensure their actions and decisions are in the best interests of the organisation.

• Make only proper use of any position, duties, status, power or authority they have.

• Use the organisation’s resources and equipment responsibly.

• Obey the law and do not engage in fraudulent or criminal behaviour.

• Be committed to the success of the organisation.

• Ensure that their personal interests and relationships do not create conflicts of interest in their work with the organisation and do not disclose any situation that has the potential for a conflict of interest.

• Care about others and treat them with respect, dignity and kindness.

• Encourage, help, support or mentor other colleagues, as appropriate.

• Treat others respectfully.

• When communicating by email, text or on social media where the opportunities for misunderstandings are greater, ensure compliance with all related PSKH policies.

• Take responsibility for their own actions and behaviour.

• Take responsibility for their own work, performance and behaviour.

• If mistakes are made, admit to them and learn from them.

• Listen to feedback and make any changes if needed.

• Accurately record and report the organisation’s information.

• Act in way that does not harm the organisation’s reputation

• Not engage in unacceptable or unlawful behaviour such as discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying or victimisation.

• Not encourage or participate in malicious gossip.

• Help keep everyone safe

• Let the supervisor know if they have been assigned a task that they think is unsafe or they are not properly trained to do and ask for assistance if unsure.

• Follow all instructions the organisation gives them regarding workplace health and safety.

• Do not willingly place themselves in a situation where their safety is jeopardised.

• Do not engage in any on/off site activity whilst representing PSKH while under the influence of alcohol or drug-related substances.

For wildlife rehabilitators:

• Comply with the terms of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital’s wildlife rehabilitation license, all relevant laws and government codes of practice for koalas and other species they care for.

• Keep up to date with the latest information, standards and training for the species they care for.

• Do not handle any animal that they have not been trained to handle, or any animal that they don’t have the experience to handle safely.

For supervisors, managers and others in leadership positions:

• Lead by example by demonstrating ethical behaviour, promoting respectful relationships, and complying with the PSKH Code of Conduct.

• Actively work as a collaborative member of their team.

• Recognise, support and praise positive behaviour by others.

• Take concerns seriously, treating them promptly and confidentially so far as possible.

• Support all decisions properly made by PSKH. Do not contradict or undermine decisions they do not agree with.

In the development of PSKH’s Code of Conduct , we gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Department of Planning and Environment and the Conflict Management Toolkit for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector in NSW.

Any employees and volunteers, who in good faith, raises a complaint or discloses an alleged breach of the Code, whilst following correct reporting procedures, will not be disadvantaged, or prejudiced. All reports will be dealt with in a timely and confidential manner.

PSKH expects co-operation from all volunteers in conducting themselves in a professional, ethical, and socially acceptable manner of the highest standards.

Any employees or volunteers found to be in breach of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from PSKH, at the direction of the Board of Directors