Volunteer & Staff Code of Conduct
Document Title | Volunteer & Staff Code of Conduct |
Document Ref | NDOPW-CC-001 |
Version | 1.0 |
Status | Active |
Effective Date | August 2026 |
Review Date | August 2027 |
Approved By | NDOPW Board of Trustees |
Applies To | All NDOPW staff, volunteers, Gideons, event stewards, prayer team leaders, and contractors |
Contact | info@ndopw.com | www.ndopw.com |
Table of Content
- 1. Introduction and Purpose
- 2. Our Values : The Foundation of How We Serve
- 3. Who This Code Applies To
- 4. Standards of Conduct
- 5. Conflicts of Interest
- 6. Raising Concerns: Your Responsibility
- 7. Breaches of This Code
- 8. Looking After Yourself : Volunteer and Staff Wellbeing
- 9. Policy Review
- 10. Declaration of Commitment
A message from NDOPW Leadership
Since 2006, the National Day of Prayer and Worship has been a movement, not just an organisation. Thousands of Gideons, prayer leaders, worship facilitators, stewards, and volunteers have given their time, energy, and faith to see communities across the British Isles transformed through united prayer and worship.
Everything we do flows from our belief that every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and love. This Code of Conduct exists not to constrain you, but to give you confidence. It gives us a shared framework so we can all serve with excellence, integrity, and safety.
Thank you for being part of what God is doing through NDOPW.
1. Introduction and Purpose
This Code of Conduct explains the standards of behaviour, values, and responsibilities expected of everyone who serves with or for the National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW), whether you are a paid staff member, volunteer, Gideon network leader, event steward, worship facilitator, prayer team leader, or a contractor working with NDOPW.
It applies across all NDOPW activities including national prayer days, Shine at Midnight events, Shine Your Light carol gatherings, 72-hour fasting campaigns, night-watch events, online Gideon programmes, and any overseas or partner-led extensions of NDOPW’s ministry.
This Code should be read alongside NDOPW’s full policy suite:
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (NDOPW-SG-001)
- Complaints Policy (NDOPW-CP-001)
- Privacy Policy (NDOPW-PP-001)
Where there is a conflict between
2. Our Values : The Foundation of How We Serve
Everything NDOPW does comes from our Christian faith and our call to unite the Body of Christ in prayer, worship, and mission. How we act as individuals, whether in public, online, or behind the scenes, is a form of witness. We ask everyone who serves with us to live out these values:
Christlikeness | We seek to reflect the character of Christ in every interaction — with participants, partners, colleagues, and the public. |
Integrity | We do what we say, say what we mean, and act consistently whether or not we are being observed. |
Dignity and Respect | We treat every person regardless of background, ethnicity, denomination, age, or ability as made in the image of God. |
Unity | We honour the diversity of the Body of Christ and work to build bridges, not walls, across traditions and communities. |
Accountability | We hold ourselves and one another to the highest standards and respond honestly when concerns are raised. |
Excellence | We serve with care, preparation, and professionalism, offering our best to God and to those we serve. |
Safeguarding | We place the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults above all other considerations. |
3. Who This Code Applies To
This Code applies to all individuals serving with NDOPW in any capacity, including:
- Paid staff and directors employed by NDOPW
- Volunteers in any role, such as event stewards, prayer and worship team members, Gideon network coordinators, registration teams, technical and AV crew, and hospitality teams
- Gideon prayer and fasting network leaders (daily, weekly, monthly, 72-hour, and Shine at Midnight)
- Shine Your Light local event organisers and participants acting under NDOPW’s platform
- Night-watch coordinators and Organising a Night Watch participants
- Guest speakers, worship leaders, and ministry partners appearing under NDOPW’s banner
- Contractors and freelancers engaged by NDOPW
- Trustees and directors in their operational (non-governance) capacity
These behavioural expectations apply to everyone, no matter your seniority, how long you have served, or what your role is.
4. Standards of Conduct
4.1 General Behaviour
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Treat every person with courtesy, respect, and Christian dignity • Represent NDOPW honestly and positively in all settings • Follow all NDOPW policies, procedures, and lawful instructions • Raise concerns through proper channels rather than taking matters into your own hands • Arrive punctually, prepared, and fit to serve in your role • Support and encourage your fellow team members • Take personal responsibility for your actions and their impact on others | • Use threatening, abusive, discriminatory, or demeaning language toward anyone • Act in a way that could bring NDOPW, the Church, or the Christian faith into disrepute • Make unauthorised statements on behalf of NDOPW to the media or in public • Misrepresent your role, authority, or qualifications when serving with NDOPW • Use your position for personal advantage, financial gain, or commercial promotion • Engage in disruptive, aggressive, or intimidating behaviour at any NDOPW activity • Consume alcohol or use illegal substances before or during any NDOPW activity |
4.2 Safeguarding Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults
Safeguarding is not optional. Every person serving with NDOPW shares responsibility for the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The following standards are absolute and non-negotiable.
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Complete required DBS checks before working in any regulated activity role • Complete NDOPW safeguarding induction training before your first event • Apply the two-adult rule at all times never be alone with a child in an unobserved space • Report any safeguarding concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately • Obtain written parental consent before photographing or filming any child • Use only NDOPW-approved communication channels when contacting minors • Inform the DSL if you become aware of a colleague behaving inappropriately toward a child | • Be alone with a child in a private, unsupervised space under any circumstances • Use personal social media to contact minors connected to NDOPW • Administer medication of any kind to a child refer to a qualified professional • Give lifts to children alone without prior parental knowledge and consent • Engage in any physical contact that could be misconstrued or cause discomfort • Invite a child to your personal home alone • Delay reporting a safeguarding concern — report it immediately, even if uncertain |
If a child discloses abuse to you: Listen calmly. Do not promise confidentiality. Do not
investigate. Do not contact the alleged abuser. Report to the DSL immediately.
If there is immediate risk of harm, call 999 first.
4.3 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
NDOPW is a pan-denominational movement welcoming Christians from every background, tradition, ethnicity, and culture across the British Isles and beyond. We are committed to treating everyone equally and with dignity.
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Welcome and include participants from all Christian denominations and traditions • Use inclusive, accessible language in all NDOPW communications and activities • Challenge discriminatory or exclusionary language or behaviour if you observe it • Make reasonable adjustments to support participants with disabilities or additional needs • Respect cultural and linguistic diversity among participants and partners | • Discriminate against any person on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, denomination, or background • Use language that demeans, stereotypes, or excludes any group • Refuse to serve or engage with a participant on grounds of personal discomfort or bias • Make assumptions about a person’s faith, culture, or background |
4.4 Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
NDOPW events, especially large gatherings, have operational risks that mean all team members need to be alert, responsible, and trained. What you do directly affects the safety of those around you.
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures for each event or venue before it begins • Know the location of fire exits, first aid points, and the event safeguarding point • Report any safety concern, hazard, or incident to the Event Lead or Health & Safety Officer immediately • Follow all instructions from the venue, emergency services, or NDOPW leadership • Take reasonable care for your own health and the safety of those around you • Notify your team lead if you are unwell or unable to serve safely | • Leave your post during an event without notifying your team lead • Ignore a safety hazard, injury, or incident • Attempt to manage a medical or security emergency alone — call for trained support immediately • Block or obstruct fire exits, emergency routes, or access points • Use mobile phones for personal use in ways that distract from your role or safety responsibilities |
4.5 Confidentiality and Data Protection
In the course of your service with NDOPW, you may access personal information about participants, supporters, volunteers, or colleagues. This must be handled with care and in accordance with UK data protection law.
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Handle all personal data in line with NDOPW’s Privacy Policy (NDOPW-PP-001) • Use personal data only for the purpose for which it was collected • Report any suspected data breach to the NDOPW Privacy Lead immediately • Keep paper records secure and electronic data access controlled • Delete or return personal data when your role or the event ends | • Share personal data about participants, donors, or colleagues with unauthorised third parties • Use attendee contact details for personal, commercial, or ministry purposes unrelated to NDOPW • Store personal data on personal devices without authorisation • Take photographs of attendees or participants without consent — especially children • Discuss personal or confidential matters about individuals in public spaces |
4.6 Social Media and Public Communications
As someone who serves with NDOPW, your public conduct online reflects on the movement and the wider Body of Christ. We ask all team members to exercise wisdom and care in their digital communications.
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Share NDOPW content and announcements through your personal platforms positively and accurately • Use the official NDOPW hashtags, accounts, and materials when promoting events • Report any online safeguarding concern (e.g. grooming, harmful content) to the DSL • Apply the same standards of respect and dignity online as you would in person • Seek authorisation before posting photos or video content from NDOPW events | • Make statements on behalf of NDOPW that have not been approved by NDOPW leadership • Post images or video of children from NDOPW events on personal or organisational social media without explicit parental consent • Use NDOPW’s platforms or your association with NDOPW to promote personal commercial interests • Share confidential, sensitive, or internal NDOPW information publicly • Engage in heated, divisive, or offensive public debate in a way that could embarrass NDOPW • Use personal social media to contact minors connected to NDOPW |
4.7 Financial Integrity
NDOPW is a charitable organisation. All financial resources entrusted to us must be used for charitable purposes and handled with transparency and accountability.
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Handle donations, cash, and resources in line with NDOPW’s financial procedures • Declare any conflict of interest to NDOPW leadership before accepting a role or task • Ensure all expenses are properly receipted and submitted through approved channels • Report any suspected financial irregularity or fraud to NDOPW leadership or the Board | • Use NDOPW funds, resources, equipment, or facilities for personal benefit • Solicit donations from NDOPW participants or supporters for personal or unapproved purposes • Accept gifts, benefits, or hospitality that could create a real or perceived conflict of interest • Make financial commitments on behalf of NDOPW without proper authorisation |
4.8 Prayer Ministry and Spiritual Care
Prayer ministry is central to NDOPW’s purpose. Those who serve in a ministry, pastoral, or prayer leadership capacity carry particular responsibility for the wellbeing of those they pray with.
YOU SHOULD | YOU MUST NOT |
• Always pray with others in pairs or groups never alone with an individual in a private space • Ask permission before laying hands on anyone in prayer • Be sensitive to the emotional and spiritual state of those you pray with • Signpost to professional support (mental health, pastoral care) where a person’s need exceeds your competence • Respect the denominational diversity of participants and avoid imposing a single tradition • Maintain confidentiality about anything shared during prayer ministry | • Pray alone with a child or vulnerable adult in an unsupervised space • Engage in extended personal pastoral counselling beyond your training or mandate • Make theological pronouncements, prophecies, or declarations that could be harmful or divisive • Use prayer ministry to solicit personal information, financial support, or ongoing personal contact • Persist in praying for someone who has declined or withdrawn consent |
5. Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest happens when your personal interests, whether financial, relational, or otherwise, could influence or appear to influence your conduct, decisions, or service in your NDOPW role.
You must declare any conflict of interest to your team lead or NDOPW leadership as soon as you become aware of it. This includes:
- A personal or business relationship with an NDOPW supplier, contractor, or partner
- A financial interest in any organisation or product that NDOPW endorses or procures
- A personal relationship with someone subject to a complaint or safeguarding concern you are involved in handling
- Any other situation where personal interest could be seen to influence your role
Declaring a conflict of interest is not a disciplinary issue, but failing to declare one is. All declarations will be recorded and reviewed by NDOPW leadership.
6. Raising Concerns: Your Responsibility
NDOPW is committed to a culture of openness and accountability. If you observe or experience any of the following, you have both the right and the responsibility to raise a concern:
- Conduct by a colleague, volunteer, or leader that breaches this Code
- A safeguarding concern relating to a child, young person, or vulnerable adult
- Suspected financial fraud, misuse of resources, or corruption
- A breach of data protection or confidentiality
- Unsafe conditions at an NDOPW event or activity
- Harassment, bullying, or discrimination
How to raise a concern:
Safeguarding concerns : Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) right away
Conduct/policy breaches: Your team lead or NDOPW leadership
Concerns about senior leadership: Chair of Trustees
Formal complaints :info@ndopw.com (see Complaints Policy NDOPW-CP-001)
Data protection: NDOPW Privacy Lead (adam@ndopw.com)
If you raise a genuine concern in good faith, you will not face any negative consequences. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern is a serious breach of this code and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
7. Breaches of This Code
Breaches of this Code will be taken seriously and handled in a way that matches the nature and seriousness of the conduct. The following principles apply:
- All reported breaches will be considered fairly, promptly, and with appropriate confidentiality
- The person accused of a breach will be given an opportunity to respond
- Where appropriate, the matter may be referred to statutory authorities (e.g. the Police, DBS, Local Authority Designated Officer, or Charity Commission)
Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, consequences may include:
- A conversation and informal guidance
- A formal warning
- Removal from a specific role or event
- Suspension from all NDOPW activities pending investigation
- Permanent termination of the individual’s involvement with NDOPReferral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which is required in certain safeguarding casesses
- Referral to the Police or other statutory authorities
Serious breaches, such as any safeguarding failure, financial fraud, or conduct that puts someone at risk of harm, will always be escalated beyond an informal resolution.
8. Looking After Yourself : Volunteer and Staff Wellbeing
NDOPW values everyone who serves with us and understands that ministry can be demanding in spiritual, emotional, and practical ways. We are committed to supporting our team’s wellbeing.
- You are not expected to serve beyond your capacity. Please let your team lead know your limits.
- If you find yourself struggling emotionally, spiritually, or physically as a result of your role, please speak to your team lead or a trusted leader within the NDOPW community
- NDOPW will seek to ensure that all major events include appropriate rest breaks, sustenance, and support for volunteers
- If you encounter a distressing situation (such as a safeguarding disclosure or a pastoral emergency) you will be offered appropriate debrief and support
- Your team lead will conduct a wellbeing check-in after any particularly demanding event or incident
Healthy ministry starts with healthy people. We want you to thrive as you serve.
9. Policy Review
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually by NDOPW leadership and the Board of Trustees, or earlier following any significant incident, change in legislation, or material change to NDOPW’s activities.
It was last reviewed and adopted in August 2026. The next scheduled review is August 2027.
10. Declaration of Commitment
I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the NDOPW Volunteer & Staff Code of
Conduct (NDOPW-CC-001 v1.0). I understand that a breach of this Code may result in removal from my role or, where required, referral to statutory authorities. I understand that my commitment to safeguarding is unconditional and takes precedence over all other considerations.
I also confirm that I am not on the DBS Barred List for work with children or vulnerable adults, and that I will notify NDOPW immediately if my DBS status or any relevant personal circumstances change.
Individual Full Name: _______________________________ Role / Team: _______________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________________________ | Authorising Lead Name: _______________________________ Role: _______________________________ Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________ |
A signed copy of this declaration should be retained by NDOPW in the individual’s volunteer or staff record. A copy should also be provided to the individual for their own reference.