Policy 1 of 6
Code of Conduct
To set out clearly how everyone acting on behalf of Street Buffet is expected to behave, so that the people we serve are treated with dignity and our volunteers know where they stand.
ADOPTED
This policy was adopted by the board of The Schaffa Foundation, recorded as adopted on 22 September 2026. It is reviewed at least every two years, and sooner if the law changes or an incident shows a gap.
Who this applies to
This code applies to board members, staff, volunteers, and anyone else representing the organisation — including students on placement and people volunteering towards an award. It applies at our services, at any event held in our name, and in any public communication about our work.
The standard we hold
Dignity is not conditional. Nobody should have to earn it back before they get a hot meal, a kind word, or a place where they are seen. Everything below follows from that.
- Treat every guest as a person, not a case. No questions are asked and none are required.
- Be friendly and polite. You are not required to make conversation, and neither is anybody else.
- Serve everyone equally, regardless of background, appearance, behaviour, beliefs or circumstances.
- Do not preach, proselytise, campaign or solicit at a service.
- Never photograph or film a guest, and never publish anything that could identify one.
- What you hear at the table stays there.
- Follow the directions of the site leader on the day.
- Do not attend affected by alcohol or drugs.
- Do not give money to, buy from, or enter a financial arrangement with a guest.
- Do not offer lifts, accommodation, or personal contact details to a guest. If someone needs more help than we provide, tell the site leader.
Support on the day
Site leaders are there to support volunteers. If you are unsure about anything, or a situation feels awkward, step away and find one. That is exactly what they are there for, and stepping away is always the right call rather than the last resort.
REMEMBER
Nobody is expected to manage a difficult situation alone. Handing something to a site leader is doing the job properly, not failing at it.
If this code is breached
A minor breach is usually dealt with by a quiet word from a site leader or a director. A serious breach — including any conduct that puts a guest, a volunteer or a child at risk — may mean being asked to leave immediately and not return.
Decisions to stand someone down permanently are made by the board, recorded in writing, and the person is told the reason. Where a breach may be a criminal matter it is reported to police.