Guiding Principles

CESO volunteers are individuals who reach out beyond the confines of paid employment and normal responsibilities to contribute time and service to those with social and economic needs. They, therefore, believe their activity is beneficial to others as well as satisfying to themselves.

Volunteers perform tasks with direction from and, on behalf of CESO, without compensation or the expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement for approved out-of-pocket expenses. Volunteers have no economic or other beneficial interest in the services they perform.

Like the paid staff of CESO, volunteers understand the importance of commitment, adhering to normal work standards and behaviour, and strive for the highest level of quality service. Integral to this commitment is a respect for all people which will not be compromised by gender, racial, social or religious bias. The success of Volunteer Advisers is based on their willingness to share knowledge by working alongside clients and designated counterparts, as partners dedicated to a common goal.

Volunteers understand that their time and expertise are deployed within a framework of policies, procedures and targets established and/or approved by the CESO Board of Directors.

Upon enrolment as a Volunteer Adviser or as a volunteer working in any CESO office, volunteers agree to abide by these principles and to cooperate with staff members in furthering the aims of CESO.

Code of Conduct

The CESO mission and values are reflected in the daily conduct of all those representing CESO in any capacity.

• We treat clients with the same dignity, respect and professionalism with which we expect to be treated.
• We treat each other within CESO in the same manner.
• We uphold the mandate and interests of CESO at all times.
• We behave respectfully, which includes being sensitive to cultural and religious differences, differences in values, life experience and in personality.
• We reflect in our behaviour and communications with clients and with each other the spirit of human rights legislation in Canada. We avoid all expressions of racism and sexism and any other forms of discriminatory behaviour as cited in the statute (Canadian Human Rights Act, Chapter H6, January 1989).
• We are responsible, objective and reliable, ensuring relevancy and effectiveness in all dealings, whether internal or external.