Code of Conduct for Staff, Volunteers, and Participants

Policy Statement:

At Altar of Earth, our mission to connect individuals to ancestral ties and nature for mental well-being is founded on trust, respect, and safety. This Code of Conduct sets out the expected standards of behaviour for all individuals associated with or participating in our activities, including employees, volunteers, contractors, and all participants. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and conducive to healing and growth, free from any form of harm, harassment, or discrimination, in line with ethical practices and legal requirements in both the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US).

We believe that by articulating these standards, we create a clear framework for positive interactions, ensuring that everyone feels valued, heard, and secure. This Code is an embodiment of our commitment to integrity, empathy, and collective well-being within the Altar of Earth community.

1. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals:

• Employees (paid and unpaid): All staff, whether full-time, part-time, temporary, or paid on a project basis.

• Volunteers: All individuals offering their time and services without financial compensation.

• Contractors and Consultants: Any external individuals or organisations providing services on behalf of Altar of Earth.

• Participants: All individuals engaging in Altar of Earth programs, workshops, events, or online communities.

This Code applies during all Altar of Earth activities, including:

• In-person sessions, workshops, and retreats.

• Online sessions, forums, and communications (e.g., video calls, email, social media groups).

• Any official representation of Altar of Earth.

• Interactions with fellow participants, staff, volunteers, and the wider public in connection with Altar of Earth.

2. Guiding Principles

The behaviours outlined in this Code are rooted in the following core principles:

• Respect: Treating all individuals with dignity, courtesy, and consideration, regardless of their background, beliefs, or vulnerabilities.

• Integrity: Acting honestly, ethically, and transparently in all interactions and activities.

• Professionalism: Maintaining appropriate standards of conduct, particularly when representing Altar of Earth or engaging in a formal role.

• Safety: Prioritising the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of oneself and others.

• Inclusivity: Actively contributing to an environment where diversity is valued, and everyone feels welcome and able to participate.

• Confidentiality: Respecting the privacy of others and the sensitive nature of shared information.

3. Expected Behaviours

All individuals under this Code are expected to:

• Treat Others with Respect:

  • Communicate politely and constructively, both verbally and non-verbally.

  • Listen actively and empathetically to others' perspectives and experiences.

  • Value and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

  • Be mindful of cultural differences and adapt communication accordingly.

• Maintain Appropriate Boundaries:

  • Maintain clear professional and personal boundaries in all interactions.

  • Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as exploitative, manipulative, or inappropriate.

  • Do not engage in unsolicited physical contact.

  • Recognise and respect the unique vulnerability of individuals participating in healing-oriented programs.

• Act with Integrity and Honesty:

  • Be truthful and transparent in all dealings.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest or declare them promptly if they arise.

  • Use Altar of Earth resources and property responsibly and appropriately.

• Ensure Safety and Well-being:

  • Comply with all health and safety guidelines and instructions.

  • Report any hazards, accidents, near misses, or safety concerns immediately.

  • Be aware of one's own limitations and seek support when needed.

  • Prioritise the well-being of vulnerable individuals, children, and adults, in line with Altar of Earth's Safeguarding and Vulnerable Adults Policies.

• Respect Confidentiality and Privacy:

  • Protect sensitive and personal information shared by or about others.

  • Do not disclose personal information obtained through Altar of Earth activities without explicit consent, unless there is a legal or safeguarding obligation to do so (as per Data Protection and Safeguarding Policies).

  • Be mindful of online privacy settings and responsible sharing of information.

• Adhere to Legal and Ethical Standards:

  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the UK, US, and any other relevant jurisdictions.

  • Act in accordance with Altar of Earth's policies, including Safeguarding, Vulnerable Adults, Data Protection, and Equal Opportunities.

• For Staff and Volunteers (Additional Expectations):

  • Act in the best interests of Altar of Earth and its participants.

  • Perform duties diligently and to the best of their ability.

  • Attend mandatory training, including safeguarding and health and safety.

  • Not offer personal advice or services that fall outside their scope of role or competence.

  • Report any personal circumstances (e.g., changes in criminal record status) that may impact their suitability for their role.

• For Participants (Additional Expectations):

  • Participate in activities constructively and respectfully.

  • Follow instructions from Altar of Earth staff and volunteers, especially concerning safety.

  • Communicate any personal needs or concerns that may impact their participation or safety.

  • Respect the shared space and experience of all participants.

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate action:

• All forms of Abuse: Physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, or neglect of any individual, particularly children and vulnerable adults. (As defined in Altar of Earth's Safeguarding and Vulnerable Adults Policies).

• Discrimination: Any direct or indirect discrimination based on protected characteristics/classes (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, etc.).

• Harassment: Any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic/class that violates an individual's dignity or creates an offensive, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This includes bullying, cyber-bullying, insults, offensive jokes, and inappropriate gestures or comments.

• Sexual Harassment: Any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.

• Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have made a complaint or supported a complaint under this or any other Altar of Earth policy.

• Illegal Activities: Engaging in any activity that is unlawful or violates applicable laws.

• Intoxication: Attending or participating in Altar of Earth activities while under the influence of illegal drugs or excessive alcohol.

• Disruptive Behaviour: Actions that significantly disrupt the delivery of services or create an unsafe or hostile environment for others.

• Misrepresentation: Falsifying information or misrepresenting oneself or Altar of Earth.

• Breach of Confidentiality: Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or personal information.

5. Reporting Concerns

If you experience or witness any behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, or if you have any concerns about the conduct of an individual associated with Altar of Earth, you have a responsibility to report it immediately.

• Contact: All concerns should be reported to the Designated Lead for Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety, who also serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead:

  • Melissa Main (Founder)

  • Email: contact@altarofearth.org

• Procedure:

  • Reports can be made verbally or in writing.

  • All reports will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality, as far as possible, consistent with the need to investigate and take appropriate action.

  • Altar of Earth is committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly, impartially, and promptly.

  • Individuals who make reports in good faith will be supported and protected from victimisation.

6. Consequences of Breach

Any breach of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and may result in a range of actions depending on the severity and nature of the breach. These may include:

• Formal warning.

• Additional training or counselling.

• Suspension from duties or participation.

• Termination of employment, volunteer role, or contract.

• Exclusion from Altar of Earth programs and activities.

• Reporting to relevant statutory authorities (e.g., police, social services, professional bodies) if the breach involves illegal activity, safeguarding concerns, or serious misconduct.

7. Policy Review

This Code of Conduct will be reviewed and updated regularly, at least annually, or as required by changes in legislation, best practices, or organisational needs. All individuals covered by this Code will be made aware of any updates.

Disclaimer: This Code of Conduct provides a comprehensive framework for expected behaviours at Altar of Earth. However, specific legal requirements and cultural norms can vary. This document should be considered a robust template and must be reviewed, adapted, and approved by qualified legal counsel in the specific UK region and relevant US states where Altar of Earth operates to ensure full compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations.