Code of Conduct

 

 

This behaviour code outlines the conduct expected of staff and volunteers from Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated and staff from other organisations who engage with children and young people through Way of the Horse Coaching  Incorporated and its activities.

It has been informed by the views of the participants and attendees of Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated.

 

Purpose

Following this code will help to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse and inappropriate behaviour from adults. It will also help staff and volunteers to maintain the standard of behaviour expected of them and will reduce the possibility of unfounded allegations of abuse being made against them

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Upholding this code of behaviour

All members of staff and volunteers are expected to report any breaches of this code to the Committee  of Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated, or, if necessary, under child protection procedures.

Staff and volunteers who breach this code of behaviour may be subject to Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated  disciplinary procedures. Any breach of the code involving a volunteer or member of staff from another agency may result in them being asked to leave Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated Serious breaches may also result in a referral being made to a statutory agency such as the police, the local authority children’s social care department and/or the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

 

The role of staff and volunteers

When working with children, young people and vulnerable adults for Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated  all staff and volunteers are acting in a position of trust. It is important that staff and volunteers are aware that they may be seen as role models by participants, and must act in an appropriate manner at all times.

 

    

          POLICY:

Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated  Code of Conduct

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Patronise or treat children, young people or adults as if they are silly; allow allegations to go unreported;

 

Develop inappropriate relationships such as contact with participants that is not a part of the work of Way of the Horse Incorporated or agreed with the manager or leader;

 

Conduct a sexual relationship with a participant or indulge in any form of sexual contact with a participant. 

 

Any such behaviour between an adult member of staff or volunteer and a participant using the services of Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated represents a serious breach of trust on the part of the staff member or volunteer and is not acceptable under any circumstances;

• avoid favouritism;

• treat all participants at Way of the Horse Coaching Incorporated  fairly and without prejudice or

discrimination;

• value and take children’s and adults contributions seriously, actively

involving participants in planning activities wherever possible;

• ensure any contact with children and vulnerable adults is appropriate

and in relation to the work of the project;

• always ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or

discriminatory;

• follow the e-safety policy and report any breaches;

• always ensure equipment is used safely and for its intended purpose;

• provide examples of good conduct you wish participants to follow;

• challenge unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations/suspicions

of abuse;

• ensure that whenever possible, there is more than one adult present

during activities with participants, or, if this isn’t possible, that you are

within sight or hearing of other adults;

• be close to where others are working. If a participant specifically asks

for or needs some private time with you, ensure other staff should know

where you and the participant are;

• respect a participants’ right to personal privacy;

• encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring

enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like;

• recognise that special caution is required when you are discussing

sensitive issues with children or young people and vulnerable adults.

 

You must not:

   

• let children and young people have your personal contact details (mobile number or address);

• make sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to or in front of any participants;

• act in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive;

• make inappropriate promises to participants, particularly in relation to

confidentiality;

• jump to conclusions about others without checking facts;

• either exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues;

• rely on your reputation or that of the organisation to protect you.

The role of parents and carers

Way of the Horse Coaching  Incorporated welcomes and encourages parental involvement. Parents and carers are regarded as valuable partners in promoting positive behaviour and will be involved as appropriate.

In the event of their child becoming the subject of behaviour sanctions, parents/carers will be informed and involved.