Do's & Don'ts Quick Reference
A quick-glance guide to keep you on track. Print this page and keep it handy!
Do
- Listen actively and with empathy
- Be reliable — show up when you say you will
- Be patient — trust takes time to build
- Respect the person's home, choices, and independence
- Keep your coordinator informed of any concerns
- Follow safeguarding procedures at all times
- Keep personal data confidential
- Let someone know where you are during visits
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- Submit session notes and expenses promptly
- Look after your own wellbeing
- Ask for help when you need it
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Be yourself — authenticity matters
Don't
- Give money or accept large gifts
- Share your personal phone number or address
- Connect with service users on social media
- Provide medical, legal, or financial advice
- Perform personal care tasks
- Investigate safeguarding concerns yourself
- Promise to keep disclosures of abuse secret
- Visit outside agreed times without approval
- Consume alcohol during volunteering
- Share details about service users publicly
- Make promises you can't keep
- Try to be a counsellor — refer to professionals
- Ignore your own feelings — talk to someone
- Stay in a situation where you feel unsafe