Code of Conduct

This Code sets out the standards expected of everyone volunteering, fundraising or officially representing SwimTayka. It protects the people we work with, the donations entrusted to us and the trust placed in the charity.

• Act honestly, responsibly and in the best interests of children and communities.
• Follow the policies and reasonable instructions relevant to your role.

It applies to programme volunteers, swimming instructors, English Channel relay swimmers and team members, ambassadors, volunteer fundraisers, event organisers and anyone authorised to represent SwimTayka. It applies during activities, travel, events and communications connected to the charity.

• Independent supporters raising funds in aid of SwimTayka are not automatically official charity representatives. They should still follow relevant fundraising, safeguarding, safety and branding standards.

Treat children, volunteers, swimmers, colleagues, donors, partner organisations and the public with dignity and fairness.

• Respect backgrounds, abilities, beliefs and local customs.
• Communicate clearly, politely and constructively.
• Do not bully, harass, intimidate, discriminate against or exploit anyone.
• Raise disagreements respectfully and never retaliate against someone reporting a genuine concern.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Children, adults at risk, volunteers and people affected by our work must be protected.

• Complete the safeguarding checks and training required for your role.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries; avoid unnecessary one-adult/one-child situations.
• Never behave sexually, abusively or exploitatively towards a child.
• Ensure instructional physical contact is necessary, appropriate and consistent with guidance.
• If someone discloses abuse, listen, avoid leading questions and report promptly. Do not investigate yourself or promise secrecy.
• Contact safeguarding@swimtayka.org. If your usual contact is implicated, speak to the Safeguarding Officer or an uninvolved trustee.
• Where there is immediate danger, contact appropriate local emergency services without delay.

Safety always comes before an event timetable, a fundraising target or an individual achievement.

• Follow the applicable risk assessments and safety instructions from organisers, lifeguards, pilots, instructors and local coordinators.
• Only take on activities suitable for your competence and qualifications.
• Report accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Stop or raise concerns about any activity that you reasonably believe is unsafe.
• Swimming instructors must follow the separate aquatic safety and supervision requirements; this Code does not set teaching ratios.

Fundraising must be honest, respectful and transparent. Official fundraising on behalf of SwimTayka and independent fundraising in aid of SwimTayka must be clearly distinguished.

• Explain who is organising the activity and where the proceeds will go.
• Never pressure donors, invent impact claims or make unapproved promises.
• Follow applicable fundraising rules and obtain permits where required.
• Use authorised fundraising platforms when required and refer significant sponsorship proposals for approval.

Money raised for SwimTayka is charitable money, not personal income.

• Keep clear records of donations received and transfer funds promptly by agreed methods.
• Where practical, have cash collections counted and recorded by two unrelated people.
• Do not redirect donations or deduct expenses without prior approval.
• Do not use personal bank accounts for charity collections unless a specific arrangement is authorised in advance.
• Report missing money, discrepancies, suspected fraud or misuse immediately.

Organisers must plan events responsibly and understand where their own duties begin and end.

• Obtain any necessary venue permissions, collection licences and suitable insurance.
• Prepare proportionate risk assessments and safeguarding arrangements.
• For open water and endurance challenges, follow all relevant safety directions and stop when conditions become unsafe.
• SwimTayka may refuse association with an activity that presents unacceptable risks.

No one should carry out duties while impaired by alcohol, drugs or another substance.

• Illegal drugs must not be possessed, supplied or used during SwimTayka activities.
• Never supervise children, teach swimming, drive or perform safety duties while impaired.
• Behave responsibly at charity-linked social and fundraising events.

Treat everyone fairly and make activities as accessible and welcoming as reasonably practicable.

• Do not discriminate on grounds including disability, age, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Respect individual needs and support reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

International volunteers are guests in the communities with which SwimTayka works.

• Listen to local instructors, coordinators, families and partner organisations.
• Avoid stereotypes or portraying people as helpless or dependent.
• Respect local customs while upholding essential safeguarding and safety standards.
• Support local leadership and the long-term sustainability of programmes.

Protect personal, safeguarding, donor and internal information.

• Do not share personal details or confidential documents without an authorised reason.
• Do not use donor contacts or information obtained through SwimTayka for personal marketing.
• Only share information where necessary and in line with the charity’s privacy procedures.
• Confidentiality must never be used to prevent a safeguarding report.

Share the charity’s work carefully, accurately and respectfully.

• Follow the SwimTayka Media and Branding Guidelines.
• Obtain appropriate permission before recording or publishing identifiable people, particularly children.
• Never share sensitive details or images of children in distress or unsafe circumstances.
• Do not develop inappropriate private online relationships with programme participants.
• Seek approval for promotional materials where required and never imply you speak officially for SwimTayka without authorisation.

Our name and logo must be used in line with the charity’s branding requirements.

• Do not suggest unauthorised partnerships, sponsorships or endorsements.
• Do not use charity branding to advertise personal businesses, political campaigns or merchandise without approval.
• Independent fundraisers must not imply their event is run by SwimTayka if it is not.

Disclose any personal or financial interest that could affect decisions made for SwimTayka.

• Declare relevant connections with suppliers, donors and event partners.
• Do not use charity relationships to generate undisclosed private benefits.
• Only claim legitimate expenses in accordance with agreed procedures.

We value the people who give their time and want everyone to feel supported.

• Ask for appropriate information, guidance and support when needed.
• Raise unreasonable expectations, unsafe conditions, bullying or harassment.
• You may step away from an unsafe activity without being pressured to continue.
• Treat fellow volunteers with kindness and consideration.

Raise concerns promptly with your programme coordinator, event leader or SwimTayka contact. If that is inappropriate, approach an uninvolved trustee or the safeguarding contact.

• Safeguarding: safeguarding@swimtayka.org.
• Other concerns: info@swimtayka.org or the charity’s complaints page.
• Report urgent risks to emergency services where appropriate.
• Do not investigate serious allegations yourself. Good-faith concerns must not result in retaliation.

Responses depend on the seriousness of the concern and the risks involved.

• Actions may include guidance, training, a warning, restrictions, suspension, removal from an event, ending involvement or referral to authorities.
• Decisions should be proportionate, documented and fair; where practicable, the person concerned should be able to respond.
• Precautionary suspension does not establish wrongdoing.
• Immediate action may be necessary to protect a child or another person at risk.

Read this Code alongside the Volunteer Handbook, Safeguarding Children Policy, Media and Branding Guidelines, fundraising procedures, privacy policy and relevant programme or event safety instructions.

• Where a separate safeguarding, safety or legal requirement is stricter, that requirement applies.
• Useful links: /safeguarding/, /complaints/, /privacy-policy/, /fundraising/ and https://swimtayka.org/media.

Every volunteer and fundraiser helps children gain skills to stay safer in and around water. We ask you to act honestly, kindly and responsibly, and thank you for the time and support you give.