PRINCIPLES

Each and every member of staff and volunteer has a responsibility to ensure that everyone attending Blue Door Education classes, workshops or premises is protected from harm, and that:

• their behaviour according to the Code of Conduct is appropriate at all times,

• they observe the rules established for the safety and security of children, young people and vulnerable adults (all refugees and asylum seekers are potentially vulnerable),

• they follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of child abuse and female gential mutilation (FGM),

• they recognise the position of trust they have been placed in and in every respect, the relationships they form with the children, young people and vulnerable adults are appropriate. 

 

The Code of Conduct (below) provides a list of dos and don’ts. This helps ensure that the welfare of service users is safeguarded and staff and volunteers avoid compromising situations or opportunities for misunderstanding or allegations.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

DO: 

• put this code into practice at all times,

• treat everyone with dignity and respect,

• set an example you would wish others to follow,

• dress appropriately and professionally and to be respectful of different cultures,

• treat all people equally - show no favouritism,

• respect everyone’s right to privacy,

• avoid unacceptable situations within a relationship (e.g. close and intimate relationships),

• allow students to talk about any concerns they have,

• encourage others to challenge any attitudes or behaviours they do not like,

• avoid being drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour,

• follow the no alcohol and no drugs rule,

• make people aware of the safeguarding policy, 

• remember this code in sensitive moments i.e. service users telling their stories or bereavement,

• report any hate crimes or racial abuse,

• keep the Operations Manager informed of where you are when on external visits (e.g. donation collections),

• remember, someone else might misinterpret your actions no matter how well intentioned, 

• take any allegations or concerns of abuse seriously and refer immediately,

• take any concerns about another member of staff, however small, to the Operations Manager immediately.

 

DO NOT: 

• trivialise abuse,

• form a relationship with a child, young person or vulnerable adult, 

• permit abusive peer activities e.g. initiation ceremonies, bullying,

• engage in inappropriate behaviour or contact - physical, verbal, written or sexual,

• make suggestive remarks or threats, even in fun,

• use inappropriate language - writing, phoning, email or internet,

• let allegations, suspicions or concerns go unreported,

• just rely on your good name to protect you,

• visit any client in their homes,

• see students in a situation which could compromise yourself or the student (e.g. do not have a meeting alone with a service user of the opposite sex in a closed room. Always see them in an open space or in a room with the door open).