Orientation & Training - Confidentiality

Sample Wording

Respect and maintain the confidentiality of information about clients, volunteers and staff gained through your role or presence as a volunteer within our organization.

Respect and maintain the confidentiality of information gained as a volunteer, including, but not limited to, all computer software and files, the organization's business documents and printouts, and all volunteer, employee membership, donor and supporter records.

Limits of Confidentiality
Information you gain through your role as a volunteer within our organization is strictly confidential except under the following circumstances:

• There is a legal obligation for staff/volunteers to provide information when required to do so by a court of law.
• There is a legal obligation for staff/volunteers to inform the appropriate authorities if there is reason to believe that the safety of an individual under the age of 19 is at risk.
• Staff/volunteers are required to inform the appropriate authorities if there is intent of danger to self or others.

Why?

Volunteers often have access to important information about clients or programs. Keep in mind that other organizational information such as documents, computer files, funding and donor information can be confidential too.

Often a separate confidentiality agreement is signed to emphasize the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

Volunteers also need to know when they have a legal obligation to share or report confidential information. They may be required to do so in a court of law or when a child or adult is in danger (see wording under limits of confidentiality)

Click here for more information on the obligation to report (PDF, 200KB).