CFSID Volunteer Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics outlines the standards governing the conduct of all board members, staff and volunteers of The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (CFSID).  It is based on the following values:

• Excellence in service to the public
• Fairness and respect for human rights and dignity of all people
• Accountability

Professional Excellence

• We strive for excellence, efficiency, accuracy and reliability in the performance of work-related activities.
• We operate within the parameters of our job roles and responsibilities, while recognizing our skills, knowledge, and areas of competence.
• We keep abreast of developments in our fields, and endeavor to improve and expand our skills and competencies.
• We actively promote the role of peer supporter, and encourage and foster the continued development of this role.
• We work in co-operation with other community service providers, recognizing and acknowledging their expertise and contributions.
• We act in accordance with Canadian laws; we do not participate in or condone dishonesty, fraud, or deception.

Personal Integrity

• We represent accurately the professional qualifications, affiliations, education, skills, and accomplishments of the individual and/or of CFSID.
• We take individual responsibility and credit only for work actually performed by ourselves, or to which we have contributed.
• We work toward self-awareness so as to minimize personal bias in our dealings with others and to maximize clarity about our individual needs and contributions in the workplace.
• We abstain from use of substances (i.e. alcohol or drugs) when at work or participating in other work-related activities, with the exception of substances taken for medical purposes if they do not impair functioning.

Responsibility to Members and Families

• We believe that information and referral families have the right and capacity to determine their own needs and how they will get them met, and we work to support this end.
• We supply information and about resources, the system of service, and the options available to the family. We may advocate on their behalf.
• We help all in a non-judgmental way and non-partisan way, without stigmatization or bias. All are served equally and with dignity, regardless of race, age, religion, gender, sexual preference, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, or disabling condition.
• We employ a friendly, courteous, respectful, empathetic, and professional manner in providing service.
• We aim to communicate clearly to ensure mutual comprehension, asking relevant, clarifying questions that promote understanding of service needs.
• We strive to ensure that clients with special needs have equal access to our service.
• We maintain confidentiality except when disclosure is compelled by law; identifying written or electronic information is protected.

 Responsibility to Community and Society

• We encourage respect for cultural and social diversity in our society by promoting policies and practices that safeguard rights for all people.
• We seek to reflect the diversity of gender, race, culture, age, sexual orientation, and other distinguishing features of people in the greater community in CFSID staff, volunteers, and board members.
• We keep informed about current research issues and the community services network as they affect clients, customers, and the community at large.

Responsibility to Colleagues 

• We treat colleagues with consideration and respect, appreciating differences in opinion and styles of working. We do not tolerate discrimination, unwarranted negative criticism, or any kind of abuse.
• We work co-operatively and supportively to advance the services and objectives of CFSID.
• We acknowledge the work and contributions made by others.
• We strive for good communication and clear understanding of expectations.
• We maintain confidentiality with respect to personal information about our colleagues, volunteers, donors or bereaved families.

Responsibility to CFSID

• We provide service consistent with CFSID’s mission statement, philosophy, and goals as determined by the board and/or management.
• We support and uphold CFSID’s reputation in the community.
• We do not use our positions in association with CFSID for personal gain. We acknowledge conflicts of interest and voluntarily withdraw from any such situations.
• We treat the workplace and CFSID property in a respectful and non-wasteful manner.
• We remit all monies raised during fundraising in our communities in a timely fashion and all paperwork necessary for taxation purposes.