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The Volunteer Code of Conduct (Code) is a statement of behavioural principles, expectations and ideals. It reflects how we respect and treat each other as members of CFA and provides an ethos that guides our decision making. It incorporates principles of natural justice and a fair go all round so that everyone knows what is expected of them.

The Code is intended to motivate and assert values to which we can aspire. It is a “living” document reflecting the values of the past, guiding an ever emerging future and seeking ways to continuously improve all our activities.

It is a vision which aims to both explain the commitment of experienced members and to guide the induction of new Volunteers.

The Code is consistent with our traditional values expressed in the CFA Fire Service Star.

As CFA Volunteers we:

Safety

• put safety first in all our activities
• respect and use all equipment in the way in which it was intended
• follow all procedures to the best of our ability at all times
• promote healthy and safe work practices
• recognise and congratulate those members who follow safe and caring practices
• follow our duty of care to ourselves and others
• report all injuries, illnesses, accidents and near misses immediately to the appropriate people
• recognise that training is fundamental to our safety

• respect the cultures, beliefs, opinions and decisions of others although we may not always agree
• treat each other with courtesy, sensitivity, tact, consideration and humility
• accept the Chain of Command and respect each other regardless of position
• respect the Laws of the land as the basis for our behaviour as CFA Volunteers

• value the trust we have in each other
• seek to understand and appreciate each other’s abilities by working together and providing support
• honour the confidentiality people place in us

• endeavour to balance organisational and individual needs
• give honest, constructive feedback and value the input of others
• treat each other fairly

• are truthful with our colleagues and ourselves
• admit when we are wrong and accept responsibility for our actions
• express our views openly and directly without fear or favour, with tact and in accordance with known, available facts

• value our role in ensuring the safety of each other and the community
• foster an environment of well being, happiness, health and prosperity
• take care of, respect and support each other

• demonstrate commitment to the goals of the organisation
• support, be faithful to and honour the integrity of the organisation and its positions

• exercise self control in managing stress, anger and our behaviour
• know when to walk away
• recognise our limitations and those of others
• believe in doing a job the right way and with appropriate enthusiasm

• rely on each other
• have a bond that has grown through shared experiences over time
• work together towards an identified and common goal
• recognise and acknowledge each other’s skills and abilities
• create an environment that is supportive and encouraging to all members
• acknowledge that our combined efforts exceed the sum of our individual efforts
• accept that there are differing roles within the team
• promote participation and cooperation

• share the load and provide encouragement to fellow members
• offer sympathy and understanding when appropriate
• help others achieve their endeavours and aspirations

• value effective two-way communication
• respect constructive comment and feedback
• practise effective listening
• are alert to non-verbal forms of communication
• seek advice whenever appropriate

• recognise the Chain of Command as part of our leadership structure
• encourage non-confrontational leadership
• give clear directions
• lead in a responsible, patient and motivational manner
• share leadership through delegation and empowerment
• defuse conflict by focusing on the issues
• act in a responsible manner at all times, both in and out of uniform
• take pride in our actions and tasks being undertaken

• acknowledge that commitment comes from within
• guard against over commitment
• do as much as we are able without detriment to ourselves or our families
• share and promote the culture, purpose and objectives of our Brigade

• provide fair access to training and development opportunities
• treat all people as unique individuals and value their beliefs, opinions, knowledge and experiences
• use appropriate language that will not offend others
• actively discourage bullying, victimisation or demeaning humour
• assign roles according to talents and abilities
• encourage people to achieve and grow
• stand up for the rights of others as well as our own
• recognise and congratulate the achievements of others
• stand up for our rights and seek equitable solutions
• value others irrespective of race, religion, colour, age, gender or creed