Written by This page was last updated 28/03/25 06:16
The NBCW exists to amplify the voices of women, building communion, advocating for women and encouraging participation in Jesus Christ’s mission.
The purpose of the Code of Conduct for Volunteers is to set out standards of behaviour expected from members of the NBCW in order that we can have productive and supportive relationships with each other and the other persons the NBCW interact with. All members should ensure that they have read and comply with this Code of Conduct.
The NBCW members should maintain the highest standards of behaviour in the performance of their duties by:
- Acting in accordance to the core values of the Christian faith;
- Acting honestly, responsibly and with integrity;
- Treating others with fairness, equality, dignity and respect;
- Refraining from using discriminatory, offensive or aggressive language and behaviour;
- Dealing with differences of opinion with respect and good conduct;
- Acknowledging the limitations of time, experience, skill and competence knowing where and how to ask for support when needed;
- Working with people’s strengths, not bullying, abusing, manipulating or denigrating others;
- Communicating respectfully and honestly at all times;
- Maintaining an appropriate level of confidentiality and not mistaking this with secrecy;
- Foster teamwork, co-operation and inclusivity to include all, promoting trust and mutual respect;
- Acting in a way that is in line with the purpose and values of the NBCW and that enhances the work of the organisation;
- Performing their role to the best of their ability in a safe, efficient and competent way;
- Meeting time and task commitments and providing sufficient notice when they will not be available so that alternative arrangements can be made;
- Exercising caution and care with any documents, material or devices, containing confidential information and at the end of their involvement with the NBCW;
- Seeking authorisation of two members of the Executive committee before communicating externally on behalf of the NBCW;
- Encouraging people to take responsibility for their own conduct;
- Respect, promote and support the right of all people to make their own choices and decisions, provided this does not threaten the rights, safety and legitimate interests of others.
The NBCW is committed to the Eight National Safeguarding Standards and therefore members will:
- Standard 1: Embed safeguarding in the Church body’s leadership, governance, ministry and culture
- Standard 2: Communicate the Church’s safeguarding message
- Standard 3: Engage with and care for those who report having been harmed Standard
- 4: Effectively manage allegations and concerns
- Standard 5: Manage and support subjects of allegations and concerns (respondents)
- Standard 6: Implement robust human resource management
- Standard 7: Provide and access training and support for safeguarding
- Standard 8: Quality assure compliance to continuously improve practice
See the NBCW Safeguarding policy.
We also encourage all members to undertake the free Level 1 safeguarding training offered by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency to raise awareness of issues and signs that everybody should be aware of. You can access the training by making an account on their website.
Any breach of this Code of Conduct should be reported to the Executive Body, if this breach concerns a member of the Executive Body it should be reported directly to the President, if it concerns a breach by the President it should be reported to the CBCEW liaison.
More serious or persistent breaches will result in the member being stood down from the organisation.