Code’s 5 Core Values

The Code is structured upon five fundamental values: Solidarity, Social Justice, Ecological Sustainability, Respect, and Integrity. Code members are encouraged to consider where these may be present in their work, and to explore how they could further strengthen their practice. Each value is accompanied by a set of principles and indicators that provide guidance for the development and implementation of volunteer-sending programmes.

Solidarity

involves mutually supportive relationships that recognise the interconnectedness and interdependence of people and the planet. It acknowledges power differentials and the importance of taking longer-term action on priorities identified by those we are in solidarity with. Our organisation works to support change in relation to those issues through sustainable and equitable partnerships. All areas of our work – nationally and internationally – are based on a commitment to ongoing critical reflection that supports action for positive change.

Social Justice

is about recognising our common humanity and our diversity. It involves a commitment to systemic change to advance freedom, protection of human rights, and equality of outcomes, particularly in economic terms and in power relations. Our work is informed by an awareness of the interdependence between wealth and poverty, and of the drivers of injustice and inequality everywhere. Our organisation commits to identifying and responding to these drivers wherever we work.

Ecological Sustainability

is about recognising the entanglement of the work we do within wider systems. Our organisation works to address unsustainability in all its forms: for individuals, organisations, the systems driving unsustainability, as well as earth’s ecosystems. We work to integrate processes of learning and unlearning that challenge unsustainability and seek out emerging ways of being in response to this.

Respect

is about openness and flexibility in how we think and act. It involves consideration and empathy for people’s diverse identities, beliefs, understandings, and situations. Our organisation commits to building the conditions for respectful relationships with everyone we work with – volunteers, staff, partners, and communities – and to critically reflecting upon our practice in an ongoing manner.

Integrity

is about honesty, transparency, quality, and accountability. We uphold good governance, accountability, and safeguarding across our work. We commit to looking honestly at ourselves, our policies, and practices, identifying where and how we need to change and then to making those changes.

The Importance of the Code of Good Practice

The Code aims to support and challenge Volunteer Sending Agencies, accompanying a journey of reflection and change. It seeks to strengthen practice within living, learning organisations that are open to new approaches and willing to seek out emerging ways of being, even if these are not always clear and easily defined.

It is not about ticking boxes to achieve a narrowly defined status which fits neatly into a photo frame. Perfection is not the goal – mistakes are part of the process and vital for learning within a continuously evolving process that we are all part of.

The Code of Good Practice aims to:

• Support a strong community of practice among Volunteer Sending Agencies (VSAs) who are committed to continuous learning, critical reflection and challenging harmful practices.
• Work with living and learning organisations to seek out emerging ways of being and doing.
• Encourage practice rooted in Global Citizenship Education.
• Challenge the colonial power dynamics of volunteering and development and promote a safe and values-led culture across the sector.
• Promote values-led volunteering and action for social change.
• Advocate for child-safe volunteering and challenge institutionalisation.

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