Code of Conduct

No alcohol
The environment in-country can be a hazardous one. Raleigh teams are ambassadors for their own countries, and many participants will be guests in country. It is important that participants are always able to behave appropriately, make sound judgements and control their actions to keep themselves and others safe. Therefore, consumption and ownership of alcohol during the programme are prohibited for all participants.

Raleigh International Alcohol Policy 

Our no-alcohol policy provides a safe, nurturing, and productive environment for young adults to make a positive impact, learn valuable life skills, and create lasting memories during their time with us. Other reasons and benefits:

1. Health and Safety:Avoiding alcohol minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and health issues associated with excessive drinking. Participants can focus on their well-being and stay physically and mentally healthy throughout Expedition. Some of our volunteers are also age 17.
2. Clearer Decision-Making:Volunteers to make clear and informed decisions, ensuring that their actions contribute positively to the project’s goals and communities they’re serving.
3. Stronger Connections:Without the distraction of alcohol, participants can form deeper and more meaningful connections with fellow volunteers and the local community. This can lead to lasting friendships and a stronger sense of camaraderie.
4. Enhanced Learning:Volunteers can fully engage in learning experiences and cultural exchange without the impairment that alcohol can bring. This can lead to a richer understanding of local customs, languages, and global issues.
5. Improved Productivity:Increased energy and focus, allowing volunteers to be more productive and effective in their work. This benefits both the project they’re working on and their personal development.
6. Positive Role Modeling:Young volunteers become positive role models for their peers and the communities they serve. They demonstrate that one can have fun and make a difference without relying on alcohol.
7. Conflict Resolution:No-alcohol can lead to better conflict resolution skills as volunteers learn to address issues and disagreements in a clear and constructive manner, helping to maintain a harmonious environment.
8. Personal Growth:The absence of alcohol can provide an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Young participants can gain a better understanding of themselves and their values during their volunteer experience.
9. Safety for Vulnerable Populations:In some volunteer programs, participants may work with vulnerable populations such as children or individuals facing health challenges. An alcohol-free environment ensures their safety and well-being.
10. Focus on the Mission:An alcohol-free environment keeps the focus on the primary mission of the volunteer program, whether it’s environmental conservation, humanitarian aid, education, or community development, leading to more meaningful and impactful outcomes.
11. Ethical Responsibility:Participating in a programme that avoids alcohol aligns with ethical considerations in some cultures and communities. It shows respect for local customs and values.
12. No hangxiety!Removing heightened levels of anxiety post alcohol.

No illegal activities, including drug taking
In some of the countries we operate, the buying, selling, or taking of drugs, including marijuana, is punishable by severe penalties. Participation in any illegal activity, including, but not limited to, consumption or procurement of illegal substances, is not tolerated and can result in the involvement of local authorities and/or immediate removal from the programme.

No acts of violence
Teams working together must learn to respect and trust each other, therefore any acts of violence (which includes serious verbal threats of violence or bullying) between participants, or participants and others in the community or staff will not be tolerated.

Don’t put others at risk
Your behaviour during the programme must not prejudice the safety and wellbeing of any member of the group, or the progress of projects. Raleigh has a strict set of Health & Safety Guidelines that inform every activity we do and everyone participating in a Raleigh programme is expected to adhere to these guidelines. At its worst, illness or injury resulting from flagrantly ignoring safety considerations could result in legal claims of negligence against individuals.

No inappropriate relationships during programmes
Developing any relationships which may put yourself or others at risk of harm, negatively affect how well the team get on, or how the programme is seen by the community. Sexual relationships on placement are not advised, as they almost always affect how well the team get on and how the programme is seen by the community, as well as potentially putting yourself and others at risk of harm.

There is a requirement of oversight and guidance from Volunteer Managers to Volunteers as role models and mentors; as a result, no intimate relationships between Volunteer Managers/Country Office Volunteers/Staff and Volunteers (regardless of age) are allowed during the programme. Nor are intimate relationships between Volunteer Managers/Country Office Volunteers/Staff and community members, project partners and service providers.

Whether or not it is illegal in the country you volunteer, purchasing or coercing sexual acts is prohibited.

Respect local traditions and customs
All participants should seek to be discreet and sensitive in how we operate and show respect for the way of life of those who accept us into their country and communities. We have much to learn from each other’s cultures and, as an ambassador for your country, it is important to understand local traditions and behaviours and be sensitive to them at all times.

Take only photographs, leave only footprints
The potential impact of a project group, both environmentally and socially, is very high. It is important to minimise any detrimental effect we might have on the environment by respecting and protecting the environment for its own sake and future inhabitants and visitors.

Safeguarding and Welfare
Raleigh is committed to working inclusively to overcome discrimination and social exclusion, bringing people together from different backgrounds to promote and celebrate diversity. All participants who participate in projects organised by Raleigh or who are influenced by our work should do so without fear of physical, sexual or emotional harm or neglect. Some participants on Raleigh programmes are under 18 years of age, and there are frequently children in the local community with whom Raleigh programme participants have regular contact. Raleigh recognises that vulnerability is a complex concept and that anybody of any age could also be in a position where they are vulnerable, particularly in an unfamiliar environment.

Participants should always show respect and understanding for people’s rights and their safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Raleigh and helps protect themselves and others from harm.

We have a detailed and proactive Safeguarding Policy and all participants on a Raleigh programme are expected to abide by this policy, which includes the requirement to act in a way which protects themselves from potential allegation and always confidentially report any Safeguarding concerns to a member of Raleigh staff.

Equal Opportunities
Raleigh strives to conduct all its activities with an equal opportunities framework and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all young people with whom we work regardless of gender, age, stage of development, disability, sexual orientation, religion, culture, or ethnicity. As a participant, you are also expected to recognise and act in a way which is proactive towards an equal opportunities approach which never discriminates.

Photographs
Raleigh reserves the right to use any photographic material or video you send to any staff member during or after the programme’s course on our website or other marketing materials. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the permission of any person featured in a photograph or video sent to us.

Communication Technology & Phone Policy

We have a ‘no phones on project policy’. Volunteers will not have access to their phones whilst on project sites. All volunteers will be expected to leave your phone at fieldbase in our allocated safe spaces prior to joining project sites. This can be up to 19 days at a time, however, they will have access to their phones during project changeover at fieldbase.

The communities we work with are generally remote and economically disadvantaged. Although not always evident at the outset, your separation from the outside world considerably enhances your experience in such communities and environments. In addition, your ability to keep such costly items safe and protected is vastly reduced. This does not mean there will be no ability to communicate with home. Our staff team will facilitate volunteers access to signal or wifi during changeover to ensure they can keep in touch with home.

In addition to these fundamental principles, by signing the code of conduct, you agree to:
Participate fully in the programme, but at the same time, recognise that the nature of these aspects varies in each Expedition and there is no experience guaranteed by the programme.

• Not take part in activities that may be incompatible with the objectives of the programme. Not participate in any activity or work for personal monetary gain.
• Not hitch-hike during the programme.
• Not drive any motorised vehicle unless specifically authorised to do so by Raleigh.
• Not ride on any motorbikes, motorised scooters, mopeds or bicycles as driver or passenger.
• Not use any computer or download anything or use external devices such as memory sticks without the express permission of the owner and do not download any inappropriate programmes or material to the computer.
• Not possess or circulate any offensive or pornographic material.
• Not take leave from the programme unless to attend a family emergency, and only then with the full cooperation of the country management team

---

5. If you fail to live up to the code of conduct

If you breach this code, there is a process for initial warnings and guidance to prevent a recurrence. There is a three-step warning system. We reserve the right to contact your Next Of Kin regarding ANY breaches of the Code of Conduct.

The final decision on how we will respond to the Code of Conduct infringements rests with our Expedition Manager in the Expedition country. If you are required to leave the programme, you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred by you for your onward travel.

---

MINOR OFFENCES

• General bad conduct  | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
• Poor punctuality  | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
• Laziness  | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
• Failure to follow rules or instructions from team leaders | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
• Minor breach of safety rules | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
• Minor damage or misuse of company property | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
• Failure to attend an activity without just reason | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
• Being rude unfriendly or disrespecting local customs | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
• Discrimination in any form | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
• Breach of our Child Protection Policy | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
• Not upholding the reputable name of Raleigh International and its partners | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning |
• Disrespecting or potentially harming any animals | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning

---

6. Conclusion

The success of the programme depends on participants treating each other, and all members of host communities, with respect. The repercussions of inappropriate behaviour in a cross-cultural exchange are often impossible for participants to foresee, or even to understand during their quite short involvement. Decisions that may seem sensible to one person, or to a small group of people, can sometimes put an entire programme at risk. To help guard against these problems, all participants must conform to this code of conduct. In our experience, this forms the foundation for a successful programme.

---

7. Agreement

I have read and fully accept the above. The information I have provided to Raleigh International to date is, to the best of my knowledge true and accurate. In signing this agreement, I confirm my acceptance of a place on a Raleigh International Programme.