1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing to volunteer with Parrot Society (Singapore) (hereafter referred to as “the Society”). This document outlines the terms of your volunteer role, including the expectations, responsibilities, and commitments of both the Society and the volunteer. This is a non-paid volunteer position. While some roles involve direct interaction with parrots, others may involve administrative or outreach tasks.

By joining us as a volunteer, you confirm your understanding of these terms and your commitment to supporting the Society’s mission to improve parrot welfare in Singapore. Volunteers below 18 years old will require parental consent and acknowledgement of the volunteer terms and conditions before being accepted as a volunteer.

2. Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers are expected to apply for specific roles and participate according to the needs of those roles. In some cases, you may be assigned additional tasks outside your predefined role. These tasks are optional, and you are free to accept or reject them.

You agree to:

• Fulfil the duties outlined in your volunteer role description.
• Treat all individuals and animals involved with the Society with respect and care.
• Follow the Society’s protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety and welfare of all parrots.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information you encounter.

3. The Society’s Responsibilities

The Society will provide basic training to help you perform your volunteer tasks. You are free to request supplementary coaching if you feel additional guidance is needed. As a growing organisation, the Society acknowledges that some training materials or protocols may not be fully comprehensive. Volunteers are encouraged to provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help improve these resources.

The Society is committed to:

• Providing volunteers with the necessary support and resources to fulfil their roles.
• Ensuring a safe environment for both volunteers and parrots.
• Listening to volunteer feedback to continuously improve operations.

Volunteers are expected to remain flexible and open-minded as the Society grows and evolves.

4. Liability and Risk Acknowledgement

Working with parrots involves certain risks, including bites, scratches, and potential damage to personal property. Parrots can cause damage to furniture, clothing, and other items in your home.

The Society is not liable for any personal injuries, illnesses, or damages to personal property that may occur during your volunteering activities. You agree to take personal responsibility for your own safety and to follow all safety guidelines provided by the Society.

5. Content and Media Usage

All media and content produced during volunteering activities with the Society are considered the property of the Society. This includes, but is not limited to, photographs, videos, written articles, reviews, designs, merchandise, and any other electronic or physical items.

By participating in the Society’s activities, you grant the Society the right to use any media or content generated for purposes such as social media, the website, and promotional materials.

If you do not wish to be featured in any published material, you must notify the Society in writing before the material is made public. You acknowledge and agree that once the material has been shared with the public, it may not be possible to remove or retract it.

6. Termination of Volunteer Role

Your volunteer role may be terminated by either party at any time. The Society reserves the right to terminate your role for the following reasons:

• Mistreatment of animals.
• Unprofessional behaviour.
• Breach of confidentiality.
• Behaviour that puts the Society’s reputation at risk.
• Failure to respond to communications for a period of three months or more.
• Inactivity for a period of one year or more.
• Any other reason at the Society’s discretion.

If you wish to withdraw from your volunteer role, you must notify the volunteer manager in writing.

7. Code of Conduct

As a volunteer with Parrot Society (Singapore), you are expected to uphold the following Code of Conduct to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of parrots, and of people involved with the Society. By joining us as a volunteer, you agree to abide by these guidelines:

7.1 Interaction with Parrots

• Do not force interactions with parrots. Respect each parrot’s space and body language.
• Do not engage in any behaviour that could harm parrots, such as smoking, making loud noises, or sudden movements that may startle them.
• Never leave parrots unattended, even for short periods of time.
• Do not allow visitors or members of the public to come into contact with parrots unless supervised or permitted by the parrot’s owner.
• Ensure that parrots do not come into contact with other animals, including other parrots, to prevent unexpected risky encounters or the spread of mites or zoonotic diseases.

7.2 Respect for Others

• Treat all members of the Society, fellow volunteers, and members of the public with respect and professionalism.
• Avoid spreading misinformation about the Society or its activities.
• Refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour.

7.3 Confidentiality and Social Media Use

• Do not share sensitive information, including photos and videos, and confidential or internal activities of the Society outside of the Society without prior approval from a Committee Member.
• Refrain from posting any content on social media that could harm the Society’s reputation.
• The Society reserves the right to request the removal of any online content featuring its name, activities, or volunteers.

7.4 Safety and Welfare

• Follow all safety protocols provided by the Society.
• Report any safety hazards, welfare concerns, or incidents immediately to a Committee Member.
• Never endanger the welfare of parrots, volunteers, or members of the public.

7.5 Commitment and Accountability

• Inform the volunteer manager promptly if you are unable to fulfil your scheduled tasks or commitments.
• Respond to communications from the Society in a timely manner.
• Repeated unresponsiveness or failure to meet role requirements may lead to termination or reassignment of your volunteer role.

8. Interpretation of this Document

Any questions or disputes regarding the interpretation of this document or the policies of Parrot Society (Singapore) shall be resolved at the discretion of the Society’s Board. The Board’s decision on such matters shall be final.

For more information, contact the Team Leader (Volunteer Management) or write in to volunteer@parrotsocietysg.org.

9. Version Notes

This document was last updated on 08 January 2025.