CODE OF CONDUCT

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to guide the behaviour, attitudes and actions of everyone representing MOWANA Safe Space. It reflects our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and trauma-informed environment where every person is treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

Our Code of Conduct applies to all volunteers, MOWANA Care Companions, Steering Committee members, contractors, students and anyone acting on behalf of MOWANA Safe Space.

OUR COMMITMENT

At MOWANA Safe Space we believe:

• Every person deserves to be heard without judgement.
• Emotional safety is just as important as physical safety.
• Hope grows through connection.
• Recovery looks different for everyone.
• We walk beside people — we do not walk ahead of them.

EXPECTED STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

All volunteers and representatives of MOWANA will:

BE PRESENT

• Give guests our full attention.
• Put phones away unless required for MOWANA duties.
• Listen deeply before responding.

BE PROFESSIONAL

• Arrive on time.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Be reliable.
• Complete agreed shifts or arrange suitable cover.
• Follow all MOWANA policies and procedures.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

To protect everyone, we will not:

• Give guests our personal phone number.
• Connect with guests on personal social media.
• Invite guests to our home.
• Visit guests at their home.
• Loan or borrow money.
• Enter personal or romantic relationships with guests.

PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY

Information shared within MOWANA belongs to the guest. We will:

• Keep conversations confidential.
• Only share information where required for safety or by law.
• Store information securely.
• Never discuss guests outside authorised debriefs.

CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Every volunteer has responsibility for safety. We will:

• Never work alone.
• Report hazards immediately.
• Follow emergency procedures.
• Maintain awareness of exits.
• Report incidents and near misses.

SUPPORT WITHOUT JUDGEMENT

We understand that people may arrive:

• distressed
• frightened
• overwhelmed
• intoxicated
• grieving
• isolated
• suicidal

We will respond with compassion rather than judgement.

CARE FOR OURSELVES

Good peer support begins with self-awareness. We will:

• Recognise our own limits.
• Step back if emotionally overwhelmed.
• Participate in debriefing.
• Ask for support when needed.
• Practise healthy self-care.

SOCIAL MEDIA

When using social media we will:

• Protect the privacy of guests.
• Never identify or photograph guests without written consent.
• Speak respectfully about MOWANA.
• Avoid comments that may damage the reputation of MOWANA or its volunteers.
• Refer media enquiries to the Steering Committee.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

We will disclose any actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest that could affect our role or MOWANA’s integrity.

REPORTING CONCERNS

If we witness behaviour inconsistent with this Code, we will:

• Speak with a Steering Committee member.
• Complete an incident report where appropriate.
• Raise concerns respectfully and confidentially.

MOWANA supports a culture of learning rather than blame.

BREACHES OF THE CODE

Failure to follow this Code may result in:

• Informal coaching or support
• Additional training
• Temporary suspension from volunteering
• Review by the Steering Committee
• Removal from the volunteer program where serious misconduct has occurred

Serious matters involving illegal conduct may be referred to the appropriate authorities.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ONE ANOTHER

At MOWANA Safe Space we understand that people remember how they were made to feel.

Every interaction is an opportunity to help someone feel:

• Safe
• Seen
• Heard
• Respected
• Valued
• Hopeful

We commit to creating a place where no one has to face emotional distress alone.