Client code of conduct.

Why we have this code

TechProudly is a community, not an agency. We connect small businesses, charities and community groups with skilled volunteers who give their spare time for free. This code explains what you can expect from us, and what we ask of you in return, so every introduction is a good experience for everyone involved.

It applies to everyone at your organisation who works with a TechProudly volunteer.

What you can expect from us

• Volunteers we've checked before they join, who have all agreed to our builder code of conduct.
• A friendly introduction to a volunteer whose skills match your request.
• Honest updates. We can't always guarantee a match, but we'll let you know where things stand.
• If our volunteers can't help, we'll do our best to point you to someone who can. Sometimes that's another business in our community.
• Your information kept confidential, and only shared with volunteers so they can help you.
• No charge for help from TechProudly or our volunteers. Their help is always free.

Treat volunteers with respect

• Volunteers are giving their free time. Please be patient, polite and appreciative.
• Use people's names and pronouns as they ask.
• Keep in touch through the channels you agree with your volunteer, and respect their privacy.
• Respect that volunteers have day jobs. Replies may come in the evenings or at weekends, and not always straight away.

Working with your volunteer

• Agree together what you'll work on, and roughly when, before you start.
• Share the information, content and feedback your volunteer needs, when you said you would.
• Nominate one person at your organisation to make decisions.
• Ask before adding more to the list. Your volunteer can always say no.
• Let your volunteer and us know early if your needs or plans change.

Your responsibilities

• Keep your logins safe, and share access only as you need to.
• Any paid services, like your domain, hosting or booking software, are yours to choose. TechProudly can buy them for you and invoice you, or you can pay the provider yourself.
• Only share content, images and logos you own or have permission to use.
• Make sure what you publish is accurate and lawful, including your prices, claims and any regulated information.
• You're responsible for how your business handles your own customers' data. Your volunteer can help you set things up sensibly.

Requests we can't take on

We won't share requests for anything that:

• is unlawful
• promotes hatred or discrimination against any group
• is designed to mislead or deceive people
• puts the safety or privacy of others at risk

Behaviour we won't accept

We ask our volunteers to meet high standards, and we ask the same of the businesses they help. We won't tolerate:

• abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour
• harassment or discrimination of any kind, including homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, racism, sexism and ableism
• unwelcome personal or sexual attention towards any volunteer
• pressuring a volunteer to do more than they've agreed to

If something goes wrong

If you're unhappy with how things are going, or with how a volunteer has treated you, please email hello@techproudly.com. We'll listen, look into it fairly and help put things right where we can, which might mean finding you a different volunteer.

If this code isn't followed on your side, we'll talk to you first. Where problems continue, or in serious cases, we may stop sharing your requests with our volunteers.