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I acknowledge that my role as a volunteer will largely be as a representative of Qtopia Sydney and as such, will respect, support and represent the LGBTQIA+ community and all that it stands for.

I understand that if my behaviour or demeanour is not befitting of a Qtopia Sydney representative, or if my conduct is not respectful of other staff, volunteers and visitors, I may be asked to discontinue my shift or not to return for my next shift.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The following sets out the Code of Conduct of Qtopia Sydney. The Code of Conduct assists members of staff, volunteers, and board members to work ethically, professionally, within the law and in the best interests of Qtopia Sydney. The Code of Conduct applies to board members, management, staff, volunteers, interns, contractors, and consultants.

The Code of Conduct outlines your expectations for acting ethically and working as part of an effective team.

You are expected to always use the Code of Conduct when working and participating in Qtopia Sydney activities. If you are not sure whether your actions conform to the Code of Conduct, talk to your manager or supervisor.

About Qtopia Sydney:

Qtopia Sydney will:
- Provide a platform for individuals of all identities to express themselves in ways they wish to do so.
- Allow opportunities for individuals to connect with other like-minded people, reducing the isolation and ostracisation of one’s identity.
- Welcome those from all communities, not just in Sydney, but across the globe.
- Be an avenue towards a more diverse and inclusive future for all, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, occupation, or financial position.
- Encourage a more inclusive environment centred around an increased understanding of identity, empathy and diversity.

We are committed to:
- Working with our partners, supporters, stakeholders and most importantly the LGBTQIA+ community, to deliver a centre for Queer History and Culture.
- Providing a safe space for staff, volunteers, contactors, artists, and visitors.
- Paying homage to our longstanding history as a Queer community and we wish to extend this acknowledgement and respect to First Nations LGBTQIA+ elders and activists.
- Preserving the stories of these years to benefit the future of current and next generations.

We do this by:
- Educating through storytelling and lived experience.
- Promoting pride and a broader message of diversity and acceptance.
- Embracing individuals and groups from the broader community who share our vision

Constantly improving to deliver exceptional creative, colourful experiences.

We will:
- Be transparent
- Act with integrity
- Deliver ethical and sustainable practices
- Provide an inclusive platform for First Nation People
- Expand the development of LGBTQIA+ Communities


Personal and Professional Conduct:
- If in doubt, ASK YOURSELF: "Would I be OK if my supervisor, colleagues or customers knew about this?" If you answered ‘maybe’ or ‘no’ then you need to talk it through with someone before you do anything.

Core Principles:
- Integrity: I will: Act in the best interests of the organisation. Work productively and cooperatively. Follow the law and our organisation's policies. Be consistent and honest. I will not: Present my opinions as those of the organisation. Abuse my position or use power inappropriately. Deceive others or withhold information. Do things for my own personal gain.

- Continuous Improvement: I will: Encourage people to share their thoughts and opinions. Bring new ideas and opportunities to the organisation. Keep challenging myself and others to take a chance. I will not: Give up because it seems too hard. Dismiss ideas because I don't agree with them. Stick to what is comfortable. Copy what everyone else is doing.

Accountability:

I will: I will not:
Accept responsibility for my actions Lay blame on others
Admit my mistakes Make up an answer when I don't know for sure
Do what I say I will do Avoid my responsibilities
Meet expectations and assist others to meet theirs Take on work I can't finish.



Respect:
I will: I will not:
Value people's views and opinions and listen effectively. Intrude in others private lives.
Be polite and courteous. Set unrealistic expectations.
Consider people's feelings. Belittle or demean other people.
Build trusting relationships. Conspire against other people.


Equity:
I will: I will not:
Assume that everyone has something to offer. Seek out all members of Allow my personal views to cloud my judgement
the community. Understand the value of difference and diversity.
Adapt my behaviour to suit the situation.
Exclude or isolate others.
Give favour to a particular group or person. Make people feel
uncomfortable or unwelcome.


To complete your role, you are expected to:
- Be familiar with the Code of Conduct and relevant Qtopia Sydney policies and procedures, particularly those which cover your day-to-day duties.
- Understand: your expectations during work hours, your specific duties, your boundaries, and your expected behaviours.
- You are responsible for your actions and will be held accountable for them. If you are not sure about your duties or how to respond to situations as they arise or if you are concerned that the behaviour of your colleagues might not be appropriate, you should talk to your manager or supervisor.

Making public comment
- You must never present yourself as an official spokesperson of Qtopia Sydney to the media or any other organisation or individual unless you are authorised by the CEO.
- If you have a role in another organisation, do not allow your comments or discussion to be taken as official comment from Qtopia Sydney.

Representing Qtopia Sydney
If you are authorised to be a representative of Qtopia Sydney to another organisation you are expected to:
- Follow the policies of Qtopia Sydney
- Ensure that you report back to your manager or supervisor about your involvement
- Make it clear to the other organisation that you are representing Qtopia Sydney, and any decision requires the consent of the Board or CEO

If you have any criticism of Qtopia Sydney or its work, you are expected to discuss your concerns with your manager or supervisor.

Dignity and respect
- All people at Qtopia Sydney deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Our commitment to diversity means accepting and embracing difference.
- We strive to create a workplace where everyone enjoys an environment free from all forms of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment, including sexual harassment.

Discrimination includes but is not limited to:
- Gender, race, ethic or ethno-religious background, political affiliation, occupation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, sexual or gender diversity or carer's responsibilities.

We expect that you will never:
- Harass, bully or discriminate against colleagues, customers or the public
- Encourage or support anyone who is harassing, bullying or discriminating against others.
- Transmit, share, or access any material that may discriminate against, harass, or vilify.
- Victimise, take unreasonable action against people, or make malicious or vexatious allegations.

Sexual harassment is unacceptable. It includes covert or overt sexual behaviour that is unwanted, unreciprocated and causes you or your colleagues to become uncomfortable.

Examples of sexual harassment include
- Making offensive or sexual comments or gestures
- Making comments about a person's sexual activities or private life
- Forcing or coercing a person to engage in sexual activities
- Following people home from their workplace
- Making threats or accusations because someone has refused your sexual advances
- Unwanted physical contact such as patting, pinching, or touching sexual assault

Use of equipment and resources
You are expected to:
- Use all equipment, goods and materials provided to you for work related purposes only and maintain and safeguard the property appropriately.
- Never use Qtopia Sydney's resources, physical, human or financial for your own gain or for any private commercial purposes.

You may use telephones, fax machines and the internet for short and infrequent private use provided that it does not interfere with your work.
Speak to your manager or supervisor if you have an issue with the allocation of resources or other concerns.


Confidentiality
Australian and New South Wales Privacy and information laws apply to your position.

You are expected to:
- Keep information you obtain or access in the course of your work confidential.
- Never use or disclose this information without proper authority unless required by law.
- Never misuse information you obtain or access in the course of your work for personal gain.
- Always maintain the security of confidential and sensitive information. Physical documents must be kept in locked cabinets and electronic files must be access controlled.
- Maintain the confidence and trust of your work colleagues by never releasing information about any member of staff or volunteer without authorisation of the Chief Executive Officer.

By signing this code of conduct you agree to and understand your responsibilities about confidential information. If you breach confidentiality, you may be legally liable.

If you are unsure, ask your manager or supervisor.

Child Safety & Protection
New South Wales child protection laws apply to your position. As part of your induction, you were provided with a copy of the Qtopia Sydney Child Safety Policy.
You are required to:
- Maintain a current NSW working with children check (WWC) if required for your role.
- Advise the CEO if you are accused, arrested, or charged with any child related crime.

If you are unsure or have any concerns, speak with your manager, supervisor, or the CEO.

Workplace Health and safety
Australian and New South Wales Health and Safety laws apply to your position. As part of your induction, you were provided with a copy of the Qtopia Sydney Health & Safety Policy.

We are committed to the safety of all staff, volunteers, visitors, guests and contractors. Under WH&S legislation all persons have responsibilities for their own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.


You are expected to:

Understand and follow all WHS policies and procedures and ensure that they are followed by other members of staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Take reasonable care for the health and safety of people who are at your workplace.

Comply with legal requirements and report hazards, incidences and near misses when you become aware of them.

Never intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything given to you in the interest of health, safety or welfare.

Prevent work related injuries to yourself and others.

Report an injury to your manager or supervisor and seek first aid or medical attention.


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member of the Health and Safety committee or the CEO.


Breach of the Code of Conduct

Everyone is expected to work together in a spirit of cooperation. The Code of Conduct assists you to understand what behaviours are expected of you and what you have a right to expect from your colleagues.

Your commitment to the Code of Conduct allows us to function effectively. Talking about the Code of Conduct with your colleagues will improve everyone's understanding.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct are serious and may lead to role adjustments, shift cancellation, disciplinary action or termination of employment contract or volunteering.

Permissions:
You acknowledge, authorise, and agree that:
(a) your participation may be filmed, photographed, broadcast and/or recorded (Recordings);
(b) Qtopia Sydney and its employees, agents, contractors, licensees, and others acting with Qtopia Sydney permission or authority is permitted to:
(i) use, reproduce, broadcast communicate to the public, publish, modify, adapt, and otherwise exploit the Recordings (Use); and
(ii) collect, use and disclose the name, likeness, image, personality, voice and biography of the person in connection with the Use of the Recordings (or modification or adaptation of the Recordings) or promotion of a Qtopia Sydney event or activity including your participation in the event or activity.
(c) Qtopia Sydney holds the Intellectual Property Rights of future recordings.
(d) due to mobile phone and other technology, audience members may film any performance elements, and this is outside of Qtopia Sydney's reasonable control; and
(e) you may only use Recordings provided by Qtopia Sydney (including by social media, website, print, audio-visual releases) with prior written approval from the CEO and provided that:
(i) Qtopia Sydney is credited appropriately; and
(ii) such use does not knowingly or purposefully result in breach of any broadcasting agreement.

Check here to show you accept the terms stated above for yourself or for a minor volunteer for which you are a parental guardian.
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