• This Code of Conduct is intended for those working with children and young people or adults at risk within the Diocese of Hallam and should be given upon appointment to role. The Code of Conduct should be read in conjunction with Diocesan/CSAS policies and procedures.
• A children’s Code of Conduct is provided for those groups who wish to use it (as it stands or by adapting it) and is not mandatory.
1. Code of Conduct for adults involved in contact with children and young people
YOU SHOULD:
• Operate within the Church’s principles and guidance, and any particular procedures/policy of the Diocese. Policies can be found on hallam-diocese.com and csas.uk.net.
• Treat all children and young people equally and with respect.
• Engage and interact appropriately with children and young people. Ensure own body language, tone of voice and body language is respectful.
• Always aim to work in sight of another adult.
• Respond positively and appropriately to a child in need of comfort, but ensure there are other adults in sight.
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour and provide an example of good conduct you wish others to follow – an environment which allows bullying, inappropriate shouting or any form of discrimination is unacceptable.
• Respect a child or young person’s right to personal privacy.
• Recognise that particular care is required in moments when you are discussing sensitive issues with children and young people e.g. maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Avoid situations that compromise your relationship with children and young people, and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust. This rule should apply to all such behaviours including those which would constitute an illegal act.
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Ensure children and young people know they can talk to someone about a personal concern.
• Record any concerning incidents and give the information to the group leader. Sign and date the record.
• Always share concerns about a child or the behaviour of another worker with your group leader and/or the safeguarding coordinator.
• If you think a child is at risk you must report to the Safeguarding Coordinator or in an emergency contact the statutory authorities without delay.
YOU SHOULD NOT:
• Discuss topics or use vocabulary with children and young people which could not be used comfortably in the presence of parents or another adult.
• Initiate physical contact (e.g. for comfort). Any necessary contact should be initiated by the child.
• Arrange an overnight trip with a child or young person without ensuring that another approved person will be present.
• Invade a child’s privacy whilst washing or toileting.
• Ridicule or reject a child or group.
• Permit abusive peer activities such as bullying.
• Show favouritism to any one child
• Take a chance when common sense suggests another more prudent approach.
• Be sexually suggestive about or to a child.
• Physically, emotionally or sexually abuse or exploit any child.
• Smoke or drink alcohol in the presence of a child.
• Invite a child to your home.
• Give lifts to children on their own or on your own.
• Arrange social activities with a child/children (other than with family members) outside of organized group occasions.
• Allow other unknown adult’s access to children.
• Send inappropriate communications to a child by any means, such as social media, email, letter, telephone etc. You should not add children known to you through church activities, to any personal social media accounts.
• Take photographs of any child without parent/guardian consent.
2. Code of Conduct for adults involved in contact with adults at risk
YOU SHOULD:
• Operate within the Church’s principles and guidance and any particular procedures of the Diocese, religious congregation, parish or club.
• Treat everyone equally and with respect.
• Engage and interact appropriately with adults at risk.
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour and provide an example of good conduct you wish others to follow – an environment which allows bullying, inappropriate shouting or any form of discrimination is unacceptable.
• Respect the sacred dignity of each individual and their right to personal privacy.
• Recognise that particular care is required in moments when you are discussing sensitive issues with adults at risk e.g. maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Avoid situations that compromise your relationship with adults at risk, and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust. This rule should apply to all such behaviours including those which would constitute an illegal act.
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
YOU SHOULD NOT:
• Engage in inappropriate behaviour with adults at risk – physical, verbal or sexual.
• Take a chance when common sense suggests another more prudent approach.
• Physically, emotionally or sexually or financially abuse or exploit any vulnerable adult.
3. Code of Conduct for children and young people (not mandatory).
All those involved within the parish, whether priests, lay workers, children, parents, volunteers or parish members, have their part to play in developing this whole parish ethos so that we may all grow in our understanding of and commitment to the Christian way of life. Please note that the Code of Conduct for children is provided for those groups who wish to use it (as it stands or as a basis for drafting their own) with the young people. It is not mandatory.
Parish Children’s Code of Conduct
• I will respect and take care of others and not hurt or frighten anyone.
• I will be polite to all I meet.
• I will respect and take care of things that belong to the parish and others.
• I will listen to and try to understand others’ opinions.
• I will behave in a way that allows all to enjoy the group/activity.
• I will be quiet when asked to by the activity leaders.
This Code of Conduct has been written so as to provide a happy, safe and nurturing environment for your child when attending a parish children’s activity. We hope that parents/guardians will discuss this Code of Conduct with their child to help them understand the importance of following it. This Code of Conduct is issued to all parents/guardians who give their consent to their children taking part in a parish/diocesan activity.
