CODE OF CONDUCT

The Cellar Coffee Bar is an extension of the outreach and ministry of Bridgwater Baptist Church. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for our volunteers and local community visitors to enjoy. Adhering to this code of conduct helps everyone to have a clear sense of expectation and responsibility, and to have a positive experience.

Be Welcoming

As a part of Bridgwater Baptist Church it is important that we demonstrate the Christian values of love, kindness and compassion to each other and our visitors. For some of our visitors we may be the only representation of Christianity that they experience and so we want to be good ambassadors for the church and for the faith. We are open to the public and can expect to welcome people from many different backgrounds so please be kind and welcoming to everyone regardless of race, colour, religion, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.

Behaviour and language that is aggressive or abusive is unacceptable and should not be expected or tolerated by anyone, volunteer or visitor. If you witness, experience or have any concerns over unacceptable behaviour, discrimination or harassment it should be reported to the Host, lead volunteer or the management team immediately.

Be Aware

Part of our outreach is to offer group wellbeing sessions, in partnership with local organisations, open to anyone and with a focus on people struggling with their mental health. As we are open to the public, we may also have visitors who bring children or are vulnerable adults. For this reason, and in the interest of creating a safe space for all, safeguarding awareness will be introduced to all volunteers as part of their welcome training. Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the Host, lead volunteer or management team. Anyone wanting to take a lead role will be required to take further safeguarding training.

If a safeguarding incident occurs it is important for the person who deals with it to listen carefully without judgment and without leading questions, make no promise of confidentiality, and to report it using the appropriate form, which should be filled out as soon as possible after the incident and given to the Host or lead volunteer, to be passed on to the safeguarding team.

Be Safe

Volunteers have a responsibility to keep themselves safe by attending training sessions and following training and guidelines when working in the coffee bar. Appropriate clothing, footwear and PPE (where necessary) should be worn. Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed when using equipment and cleaning products.

 Be Clean

As a food provider we have a responsibility to keep ourselves and our environment clean, hygienic and safe for food production and service. Please ensure clothes are clean and appropriate for working in the coffee bar environment. Hair should be tied back where possible. Hands and nails should be clean.

 Be Fit for Work

It is essential that anyone handling food should be free from any illness or disease that could be a risk to food safety. If you are suffering from, or carrying, an illness that might compromise food safety (in particular vomiting and/or diarrhoea) you must inform you host, lead volunteer or management team immediately. You will be asked to stay home or go home straight away. Anyone who has had vomiting and/or diarrhoea will need to have had no symptoms for 48  hours before returning to the coffee bar. 

 Be in Communication

Good communication is key to a successful team. If you are expected at a session and will be unable to make it, please give as much notice as possible. You will be provided with host and management team communication details for your convenience. You may be invited to join a group message board (such as WhatsApp) for convenient communication.

NO Alcohol and Drug Use

Bridgwater Baptist Church has a strict NO alcohol and drug policy on the premises. No one may bring alcohol and drugs onto the premises or consume or use them. This applies to all staff, volunteers, and visitors. Anyone bringing these substances onto the premises or found to be under the influence will be asked to leave and may face further discipline.