Terms of Service

Volunteer agreement and service terms for Svika.org

Last updated: 10/1/2025

Agreement Overview

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your relationship with Svika.org as a volunteer, service user, or website visitor. By applying to volunteer, using our services, or accessing our website, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Important: These terms include important information about liability, conduct expectations, and your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer or service user.

Volunteer Terms and Conditions

Volunteer Eligibility and Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years old (18+ for EMT roles)
  • Successfully complete background check and screening process
  • Maintain required certifications and training
  • Commit to minimum service hours as agreed upon
  • Follow all organizational policies and procedures
  • Maintain professional conduct at all times

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Provide accurate and truthful information in applications
  • Report any changes in personal circumstances that may affect service
  • Maintain confidentiality of all patient and organizational information
  • Participate in required training and continuing education
  • Report incidents, concerns, or safety issues promptly
  • Return all equipment and materials upon termination of service

Code of Conduct:

Expected Behavior:
  • Professional and respectful communication
  • Punctuality and reliability
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Continuous learning and improvement
  • Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity
Prohibited Actions:
  • Discrimination or harassment of any kind
  • Substance abuse during service
  • Unauthorized use of equipment or information
  • Soliciting donations during emergency calls
  • Misrepresenting Svika.org or personal authority
Emergency Medical Service Terms

Service Commitment:

  • All emergency medical services are provided free of charge
  • Services are available 24/7 to all community members
  • No discrimination based on ability to pay, race, religion, or other factors
  • Response times may vary based on location and circumstances
  • Services complement but do not replace professional medical care

Service User Rights and Responsibilities:

Your Rights:
  • Respectful and professional treatment
  • Privacy and confidentiality of medical information
  • Informed consent for treatment
  • Right to refuse treatment
  • Access to complaint and feedback processes
Your Responsibilities:
  • Provide accurate medical history when possible
  • Cooperate with emergency responders
  • Use emergency services appropriately
  • Respect volunteer time and resources
  • Follow up with professional medical care as advised
Liability and Insurance Coverage

Volunteer Protection:

  • Comprehensive liability insurance covers volunteers during authorized activities
  • Workers' compensation coverage for injuries sustained during service
  • Legal defense coverage for actions taken within scope of duties
  • Equipment and vehicle insurance for organizational property

Limitations and Exclusions:

  • Coverage applies only to authorized volunteer activities
  • Personal vehicle use requires separate coordination
  • Intentional misconduct or criminal acts are not covered
  • Personal property damage may not be covered
  • Activities outside approved scope may void coverage

Service User Understanding:

By using our emergency medical services, you acknowledge:

  • Services are provided by trained volunteers, not professional medical staff
  • Emergency care has inherent risks and limitations
  • Volunteers act in good faith to provide appropriate care
  • Professional medical follow-up may be necessary
  • Svika.org maintains appropriate insurance for service delivery
Training and Certification Requirements

Mandatory Training:

  • Initial orientation and organizational policies training
  • Role-specific technical training (EMT, dispatch, support)
  • Safety protocols and emergency procedures
  • Privacy and confidentiality training
  • Cultural competency and communication skills
  • Equipment operation and maintenance training

Ongoing Requirements:

  • Annual recertification and skills assessment
  • Continuing education credits as required by role
  • Regular safety training updates
  • New procedure and protocol training
  • Performance evaluations and feedback sessions

Training Support:

Svika.org provides all required training at no cost to volunteers. We cover training materials, certification fees, and provide flexible scheduling to accommodate volunteer availability.

Termination and Disciplinary Procedures

Voluntary Termination:

  • Volunteers may resign at any time with 30 days written notice
  • All organizational property must be returned
  • Final service records and evaluations will be completed
  • Exit interview may be requested for feedback
  • Re-application possible after 6-month waiting period

Involuntary Termination:

Volunteer service may be terminated for:

  • Violation of code of conduct or organizational policies
  • Failure to maintain required certifications
  • Inability to perform essential job functions
  • Criminal conviction affecting volunteer eligibility
  • Repeated performance issues despite corrective action
  • Breach of confidentiality or privacy requirements

Progressive Discipline Process:

  1. Verbal counseling and performance improvement plan
  2. Written warning with specific corrective actions
  3. Suspension from volunteer duties pending review
  4. Final written warning with termination notice
  5. Termination of volunteer service

Serious violations may result in immediate termination without progressive discipline.

Dispute Resolution and Grievances

Grievance Process:

  1. Informal discussion with immediate supervisor or coordinator
  2. Formal written complaint to volunteer services director
  3. Review by organizational leadership team
  4. Mediation with neutral third party if needed
  5. Final decision by board of directors

Appeal Rights:

  • Right to appeal disciplinary actions within 30 days
  • Right to representation during formal proceedings
  • Right to present evidence and witnesses
  • Right to written explanation of decisions
  • Right to external mediation for unresolved disputes
Legal Terms and Conditions

Governing Law:

These terms are governed by the laws of Zimbabwe. Any legal disputes will be resolved in the courts of Zimbabwe, with jurisdiction in Hwange.

Modifications:

Svika.org reserves the right to modify these terms with 30 days written notice to active volunteers. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

Severability:

If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement:

These terms, along with our Privacy Policy and volunteer handbook, constitute the complete agreement between volunteers and Svika.org.

Questions About These Terms

If you have questions about these Terms of Service or need clarification about any provisions, please contact:

Volunteer Services Director

Svika.org

123 Medical Drive

Hwange, Zimbabwe

Email: volunteers@svika.org

Phone: (555) 123-HELP

Acknowledgment of Terms

By submitting a volunteer application, using our services, or continuing to participate as a volunteer, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.