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.