Volunteer Agreement

Before you start volunteering, World Skills Employment Centre requires your agreement on the following: I understand there is a volunteer screening process in place, and that I may be asked to participate in an interview and orientation, interview, and reference checking, depending on the nature of the volunteer position for which I am applying. I understand that I am representing World Skills during my time volunteering and I agree to act in a professional manner at all times. I agree not to share details of my political or religious views with clients of World Skills, nor in any way attempt to influence their affiliation or opinions.

World Skills recognizes impairment as a serious health and safety issue as it can reduce the abilities and judgement of volunteers. We also recognize that substance abuse and dependency are medical issues that some volunteers may struggle with. World Skills is committed to creating a safe and healthy workplace by prohibiting the unsafe use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace and providing support to anyone with dependency issues. To protect our organization, volunteers, employees, clients, and the public at large, World Skills prohibits the use of any substances that lead to impairment such as drugs or alcohol, whether legal or illegal, while in the workplace or representing World Skills, unless they have been authorized in writing for medical reasons or in special circumstances at a company event.

I understand that confidentiality is fundamental to all programs of World Skills and I will be sensitive to the need for confidentiality. By signing below, I am indicating that I will not use or disclose in any manner to any third party any information without the prior express written consent of World Skills. I hereby release and discharge World Skills, its agents, employees and licensees from any claim or action that I may have with respect to the use of any of the above or my participation in any related World Skills activities, while volunteering with World Skills. By signing below, I acknowledge that the information provided is true and accurate and that I have read, understood, and will abide by the Volunteer Agreement above. I grant World Skills permission to contact the references listed on my application form, as needed, and follow up on any information provided.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

World Skills volunteers are responsible for ensuring that respect and tolerance is shown to all those they deal with, including but not limited to other staff, clients, volunteers, partner associations and the public at large dealing with World Skills.

Personal Gains

Volunteers must not use their status as a World Skills volunteer to obtain personal gain from those doing or seeking to do business with World Skills. Additionally, volunteers should neither seek nor accept gifts, payments, services, fees, special valuable privileges, pleasure or vacation trips, accommodations or loans from any person or from any organization or group that does, or is seeking to do business with World Skills.

Conflict of Interest

Volunteers must avoid all situations in which their personal interests conflict or might conflict with World Skills related responsibilities, and are required to promptly report any potential or actual conflict of interest to the Manager of Human Resources and Volunteer Services. A conflict of interest may include, but is not limited to:

• Private or monetary interests in an organization which does business or competes with World Skills business interests; or
• Private or monetary interests, direct or indirect, in any concern or activity of the Employer of which the Employee is aware or ought reasonably to be aware.

For greater certainty, “monetary interests” include those of the volunteer as well as their family members or a private corporation of which the Volunteer or their family members is a shareholder, director, officer, partner, investor, employee, or contractor.

Confidentiality

I understand that all personal data relating to clients of World Skills Employment Centre is confidential and may not be disseminated, made public or communicated to anyone other than to employees or volunteers of World Skills (who are themselves under an obligation of confidentiality and non-disclosure) acting in the performance of their duties.

To the extent that I may come into possession of or obtain knowledge of the personal data of World Skills’ clients, as a result of my volunteer work, I hereby irrevocably undertake and agree to:

• Maintain all such information (including but not limited to names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and the fact that individuals are clients of World Skills) confidential and further undertake not to copy for myself or otherwise disclose such information to anyone other than employees and volunteers of World Skills acting in the performance of their duties.
• Use personal and confidential data ONLY for the purpose of fulfilling volunteer responsibilities and for no other reason.
• Ensure that any personal and confidential records that are not immediate being used are:
  • Stored properly in a locked storage space; or
  • Destroyed (shredded)
• Ensure that any personal and confidential electronic records are stored on a password protected computer and are deleted when no longer needed.
• Indemnify World Skills and its staff and volunteers for any and all damages arising as a result of the misuse of confidential information by me, whether caused or permitted to be caused wilfully, negligently or otherwise.

Intellectual Property

Information trademarked and / or developed by World Skills Employment Centre such as certain programs, manuals, educational materials and products are considered proprietary to the agency. Propriety information is and remains the property of World Skills Employment Centre at all times, and may not be shared with or be used to benefit another organization or individual without the express permission of the agency.

Respectful Conduct

Volunteers must treat all clients, staff, and fellow volunteers with whom they interact with respect. World Skills believes that every client, volunteer, employee, and partner is entitled to a work environment free from violence and harassment. World Skills cannot and will not, and employees must not, condone behaviour in the workplace that is unacceptable and likely to undermine work relationships or productivity. World Skills is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and supportive work environment for all that is free from workplace violence, and will not tolerate any such incidents that are perpetuated by or against an employee, client, volunteer, vendor or visitor. Any volunteer who has concerns or questions should contact the Manager of Human Resources and Volunteer Services.

Photography and Video Release (optional)

I hereby authorize World Skills to publish photos and video images of me as well as my name and likeness for use in World Skills print, online and video-based marketing and outreach materials as well as other organizational publications. I hereby release and hold harmless World Skills from any reasonable expectation of privacy or confidentiality associated with the images specified above. I further acknowledge that my participation is voluntary and that I will not receive financial compensation of any type associated with the taking or publication of these photographs or participation in organizational marketing materials or other World Skills publications. I acknowledge and agree that publication of said photos confers no rights of ownership or royalties whatsoever. I hereby release World Skills, its contractors, its employees and any third parties involved in the creation or publication of marketing /outreach materials, from liability for any claims by me or any third party in connection with my participation.