Code of Professional Conduct/Obligations

Underpinning Principles

  1. The welfare of the child is paramount (Children Act 1989).
  2. Staff are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions.
  3. Staff should work, and be seen to work in an open and transparent way.
  4. Staff should discuss and/or take advice promptly from their line manager or another senior member of staff over any incident, which may give rise to concern.
  5. Records should be made of any such incident and of decisions made/further actions agreed, in accordance with school policy for keeping and maintaining records.
  6. Staff should apply the same professional standards regardless of gender or sexuality.
  7. All staff should know the name of their designated person for child protection, be familiar with the homes safeguarding arrangements and understand their responsibilities to safeguard and protect children and young people.
  8. Staff should be aware that breaches of the law and other professional guidelines could result in criminal or disciplinary action being taken against them.

Respect

  • Treat those whom you serve, with whom you work, and the public with the same degree of respect you would wish them to show you.
  • Respect the privacy of children.
  • Do not use offensive language, verbally or in writing.
  • Never commit any act or form of harassment that could result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to co-workers. .
  • Do not discriminate on the basis of sex, religion, race, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
  • Never abuse your position to withhold assistance, nor give preferential treatment; in order to solicit sexual favours, gifts, payments of any kind, or advantage. The employee should be conscious of not taking advantage of his/her position and may not accept gifts (except for small tokens of appreciation) or bribes.

Confidentiality

  • Do not share the medical or personal details of a child with anyone except those professionals integral to the well being of the child.
  • Do not discuss a child in public places where the conversation may be overheard.
  • Do not publicly identify a child, in spoken words or in writing, without adequate justification.
  • Do not invite or permit unauthorised persons into the home.
  • Do not share details of employee or staff grievances.
  • Do not discuss personal information about colleagues or co-workers.
  • Do not misuse electronic mail business purposes.

Honesty & Integrity

  • Be truthful in verbal and in written communications.
  • Do not knowingly mislead others.
  • Do not cheat, plagiarise, or otherwise act dishonestly.
  • Do not abuse special privileges, e.g., by making unauthorised telephone calls, use of internet
  • Declare romantic or sexual relationships with colleagues to the appropriate manager.
  • Report breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct to the appropriate manager.

Awareness of Limitations

  • Be aware of your personal limitations and deficiencies in knowledge and abilities and know when and whom to ask for supervision, assistance, or consultation.
  • Know when and for whom to provide appropriate supervision.
  • Avoid contact with children when you are, distraught, or overcome with personal problems.
  • Do not engage in unsupervised involvement in areas or situations where you are not adequately trained.
  • Act in accordance with your authorised role and level of responsibility as defined in your Job description.

I have read this and understand my responsibilities within the code of conduct:

Signed:...... Print:......

Dated:………………………………………….