Conflict Reporting and Termination Policy

Feedback:

We encourage feedback at every step of the volunteer process. If you have feedback for the Rescue, we are open to any suggestions about how to improve our processes, complaints, concerns, etc. You can talk to any staff member in person or email volunteer@seattleareafelinerescue.org.

Conflict Resolution and Grievance Procedures:

• If a volunteer has a grievance with a staff member, or another volunteer, a conversation between the two parties should occur first to try to sort out the problem informally.

• If this is not appropriate to the situation, the person with the grievance may bring it to the attention of the Volunteer Manager (or the Operations Director if the grievance is with the Volunteer Manager).

• The Volunteer Manager will investigate the problem and discuss it with the staff member or volunteer. The Volunteer Manager will determine what action, if any, to take. When possible, an answer will be given within one week of the matter being raised. If the staff member or volunteer agrees to the proposal made, this will be the end of the matter.

• If the staff member or volunteer involved does not agree, or if the Volunteer Manager is unable to deal with the matter, then the issue will be referred to the Operations Director. Whenever possible, any referral will take place within one week of the original complaint.

• The decision of the Operations Director is final.

Termination Policy:

SAFe Rescue reserves the right to terminate volunteers immediately if they do not follow volunteer protocols, or if they endanger the safety and health of animals or other volunteers or staff in any way. If a volunteer is found to be repeatedly breaking a protocol, the Volunteer Manager may choose to first issue a written warning and discuss the matter with the volunteer. If after the written warning the volunteer continues with the inappropriate behavior, the volunteer may be terminated.

Volunteers may also be terminated for the following reasons:

• Violation of our attendance policy may result in termination at the discretion of rescue staff. Please refer to our volunteer attendance policy for more information.

Being Unsafe

• Willful violation of any SAFe Rescue policy or procedure, or any deliberate action that is extreme in nature and is obviously detrimental to SAFe Rescue.

• Willful violation of security or safety policies or failure to observe SAFe Rescue safety policies; tampering with any SAFe Rescue equipment or safety equipment.

• Negligence or any careless action, which endangers the life or safety of another person or SAFe Rescue animal.

• Unauthorized possession of firearms, weapons or explosives on SAFe Rescue property, or while on duty.

• Engaging in criminal conduct or acts of violence, or making threats of violence toward anyone on SAFe Rescue property, horseplay or provoking a fight on SAFe Rescue property, or negligent damage of SAFe Rescue property.

Being Under the Influence

• Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, within the facility, or while on duty at any SAFe Rescue event.

Disrespecting Volunteers or Staff

• Insubordination or refusing to obey instructions issued by the Volunteer Manager or supervising staff.

• Theft of SAFe Rescue property or the property of fellow volunteers; unauthorized possession or removal of SAFe Rescue property, including documents from the premises, without prior permission from management; unauthorized use of SAFe Rescue equipment or property for personal reasons.

• Dishonesty; willful falsification or misrepresentation on your application for volunteering or other volunteer records; alteration of SAFe Rescue records or other documents.

• Malicious gossip and/or spreading rumors; engaging in behavior designed to create discord and lack of harmony; interfering with another volunteer on the job; willfully restricting volunteer output or encouraging others to do the same.

• Immoral conduct or indecency on SAFe Rescue property.