Volunteers

Volunteer Classification - Foreign, Thai, and Short-Term Visitors

All foreigners working under FCF are classified as volunteers and considered “staff.” While it’s possible for foreigners to be employed as paid staff under a social foundation, FCF has chosen not to do this.

Thai volunteers who wish to serve regularly under an FCF Project need to contact HR to fill out an application, read the Child Protection Policy and Media Policy, and then sign the Code of Conduct which can be kept on file at the Project.

Short-term Project visitors for less than 14 days are not classified as volunteers. They do not need to fill out an application or apply for a work permit. They do need to read the Child Protection Policy and Media Policy and then sign the Code of Conduct which can be kept on file at the Project.

Foreign Volunteer Application Process

Every long-term foreign volunteer must complete and submit a volunteer application. FCF reserves the right to request additional information about any potential volunteer and/or reject said candidate based on the personal profile of the candidate.

After the applicant has been approved, FCF will issue a visa packet, including a formal invitation letter from the foundation. When the volunteer arrives in Thailand or successfully switches to FCF from another Thai organization, they will go through orientation before starting their work with a Project. To learn more about the volunteer employment application process or add an employment opportunity to our website, email hr@fcfthailand.org.

To qualify for an FCF Work Permit, new candidates must…

• read all FCF policies, affirm our commitment to follow Thai law, and sign the Code of Conduct.

• align with FCF’s Statement of Faith.

• be under the oversight of an FCF project.

• meet the minimum professional experience and qualification standards required by the role they are applying for.

• be legally employable as an unpaid volunteer in Thailand.

• be able to commit to the legal minimum of 16 hours per week of work.

Fundraising

Volunteers are responsible for making sure they are fully funded before arriving on the field. FCF has some great fundraising resources available by contacting finance@fcfthailand.org.

Financial Responsibilities of Volunteers

• Medical care when they suffer from injury or illness

• Living costs such as food, housing, and utilities

• Travel costs of returning to their home country in the event of an emergency

• Cost share program contributions

• Government fees and fines

• Language school expenses to meet the necessary level for serving in their role at a project

• Health and medical evacuation insurance are mandatory, and a copy must be provided to HR before arrival in Thailand.

• Any other personal expenses necessary for living and working in Thailand

International Travel & Home Ministry Assignment

As soon as international travel is known, volunteers need to communicate expected travel dates with hr@fcfthailand.org so they can help ensure the volunteer’s visa & work permit is not invalidated.

When it comes to the length of time and purpose of a home ministry assignment or furlough, most volunteers are already subject to their home church or sending agency’s policy on this topic. FCF only requests that travel plans are communicated to HR, communicated to the Project team they serve on, and that reasonable steps are taken to ensure that their extended absence does not negatively affect the team.

Bereavement, Sick Leave, Vacation

As an unpaid volunteer, FCF has no policy on this topic. Extended time off should be arranged between the volunteer and their team. If you intend to take more than one month off and not leave the country, please provide hr@fcfthailand.org with a documented reason to be used if there are government questions about your absence.

Personal Vehicles, Rent, Finance & Living in Thailand

If you have any personal finance questions, such as how to open a bank account, send money internationally, rent a home, buy a vehicle, or other similar topics, feel free to reach out to finance@fcfthailand.org. If we don’t have the answer, we can likely help you get in touch with someone that can. We are happy to help if we can, but FCF does not provide investment, financial, accounting, legal, tax or other professional advice and should not be relied upon or regarded as a substitute for such advice. We recommend that you also seek advice from a qualified professional advisor.

Transition to another FCF Project

If a volunteer desires to transition their primary work to another Project under FCF, the HR team needs to be informed so they can update the volunteer’s job description for work permit purposes.

Transitioning Out of FCF

• When a volunteer leaves FCF, HR will conduct an exit survey.

• The physical work permit should be returned to HR, which must be returned to the Ministry of Labor in some provinces.

• The volunteer’s visa will be canceled in coordination with HR to help the volunteer with a smooth transition of legal status.

• Upon separation from FCF, staff Google Workspace accounts will immediately have their passwords reset and information archived. The staff member must ensure they have copies of any desired personal data (email, documents, contacts, etc.) before their last day of service. No copies of foundation data may be taken with the staff member or volunteer. 

• FCF assets must be returned to the project or main office.

Dress Code

FCF staff are encouraged to wear their FCF polo shirt at government functions and locations unless a higher standard of formal dress is required. All staff are issued 1 shirt for free when they initially begin working under FCF. Email hr@fcfthailand.org or drop by the office to get one or if you have questions about cultural dress standards.

Conflict Resolution

In the event of unresolved conflict between staff, both parties can seek resolution by meeting with leadership in the following order of succession:

• Project Director

• FCF Human Resources hr@fcfthailand.org

• FCF Executive Director timdunham@fcfthailand.org

• FCF Executive Board executiveboard@fcfthailand.org

In the event that the conflict involves someone on the list above, move to the next level of authority on the list.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, & Illegal Drugs

Being under the influence of or possession of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illegal drugs is prohibited in all FCF facilities, at all FCF events, or while representing FCF in any way. Failure to follow this policy is grounds for immediate dismissal of employees or cancellation of visas and work permits for volunteers.

Online Conduct

As FCF representatives, employed staff and volunteers are integral to upholding our reputation and values. While we respect everyone's right to express themselves online within the confines of Thai law, we caution against sharing opinions and content that could reflect negatively on our foundation. Please be mindful that your online presence can negatively influence perceptions of the organization and your co-workers.