Code of Behaviour
Policy
Principles
As an adult working in Unite 4 Humanity – whether as a member of staff or a volunteer – you have a responsibility to ensure that everyone attending Unite 4 Humanity’s activities, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults, are protected from harm. It is the responsibility of each adult working in Unite 4 Humanity to ensure that:
- their behaviour is appropriate at all times;
- they observe the rules established for the safety and security of children, young people and vulnerable adults;
- they follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of child abuse;
- the recognise the position of trust in which they have been placed; and
- in every respect, the relationships they form with the children, young people and vulnerable adults in their care are appropriate
All persons who wish to work in Unite 4 Humanity, must accept and understand this policy. They must also agree to put Unite 4 Humanity’s policies on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults into practice.
Meeting your responsibilities
To give positive guidance the Code of Behaviour (below) provides a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ to help you ensure that:
- the welfare of the children and/or young people and/or vulnerable adults for whom you have a duty of care is safeguarded;
- you avoid compromising situations or opportunities for misunderstandings or allegations.
Code of Behaviour
- DO put this code into practice at all times;
- DO treat everyone with dignity and respect;
- DO set an example you would wish others to follow;
- DO treat all young people equally – show no favouritism;
- DO plan activities that involve more than one other person being present, or at least are within sight and hearing of others;
- DO follow recommended adult/young people ratios for meetings and activities;
- DO respect the right to personal privacy of a child, young person or vulnerable adult;
- DO avoid unacceptable situations within a relationship of trust, eg: a sexual relationship with a young person or vulnerable adult over the age of consent;
- DO have separate sleeping accommodation for children, young people, adults and Young
Leaders working with a younger Section in any overnight activity;
- DO allow children, young people and vulnerable adults to talk about any concerns they may have;
- DO encourage others to challenge any attitudes or behaviours they do not like;
- DO avoid being drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour, e.g.: tantrums and crushes;
- DO follow Unite 4 Humanity’s ‘no alcohol’ guidance;
- DO make everyone aware of Unite 4 Humanity’s procedures for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults;
- DO remember this code even at sensitive moments, e.g.: when responding to bullying, bereavement or abuse;
- DO keep other members of staff/volunteers informed of where you are and what you are doing;
- DO remember someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well intentioned;
- DO take any allegations or concerns of abuse seriously and refer immediately.
- DO NOT trivialise abuse;
- DO NOT form a relationship with a child, young person or vulnerable adult that is an abuse of trust;
- DO NOT permit abusive peer activities, e.g.: initiation ceremonies, bullying;
- DO NOT engage in inappropriate behaviour or contact – physical, verbal, sexual;
- DO NOT play physical contact games with children, young people or vulnerable adults;
- DO NOT make suggestive remarks or threats to a young person, even in fun;
- DO NOT use inappropriate language – writing, phoning, email or internet;
- DO NOT let allegations, suspicions, or concerns about abuse go unreported;
- DO NOT just rely on your good name to protect you.