Staff conduct policy
This Code of Conduct aims to establish a set of principles which underpin the expected conduct of staff at Coach Joe's Sports Coaching Ltd, with the intention of encouraging staff to achieve the highest standards of conduct at work and of minimising the risk of improper conduct occurring.
The Code of Conduct is not exhaustive in defining acceptable and unacceptable standards of conduct and behaviour and in circumstances where guidance does not exist individuals are expected to use their professional judgement and act in the best interests of the business and its attendees.
Staff are expected to demonstrate the highest possible standards of personal and professional conduct and behaviour and consistently act with honesty and integrity. We expect staff to treat each other, attendees, parents and the wider school community with dignity and respect at all times. Furthermore, staff must have regard for the ethos and values of the business as well as its policies and procedures and act in accordance with these at all times. Staff must act in accordance with their duty of care to pupils and ensure that the safety and welfare of the children and young people at the school are accorded the highest priority. In this and other ways staff should always maintain standards of conduct and behaviour which sustain their professional standing and that of the business.
Staff will be introduced to children with their parents/carers/school contact present, so they can be identified during future sessions.
All staff must be aware that Jonathan Parkes is the Designated Safeguarding Lead - see Safeguarding Policy for details.
Relationships
Individuals who work with children are in a position of trust. Staff should be mindful of the need to maintain professional boundaries appropriate to their position and must always consider whether their actions are warranted, proportionate, safe and applied equitably.
Staff should act in an open and transparent way that would not lead any reasonable person to question their actions or intent. Staff should think carefully about their conduct so that misinterpretations are minimised. Staff must avoid unnecessary physical contact with children. Where physical contact is essential, e.g. for safety reasons, the pupil’s permission should be gained for that contact wherever possible. If physical contact is made to remove a pupil from a dangerous situation or an object from a pupil to prevent either harm to themselves or others, then this should be recorded and reported to the DSL. In cases where accidental physical contact was made, it should be reported to the DSL.
Any sexual behaviour by a member of staff with or towards a pupil, child or young person whether inside or outside of work is unacceptable. Staff are reminded that under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is a criminal offence for a person aged 18 or over to have a sexual relationship with a child under 18, where that person is in a position of trust in respect of that child, even if the relationship is consensual. Keeping Children Safe in Education defines a child as everyone under the age of 18.
Staff are expected to interact with parents and/or carers in a polite and respectful manner and recognise their entitlement to express any concerns they may have about their child, including their safety or wellbeing. Staff should avoid discussing school matters with parents/carers outside of the provision space if approached and should instead refer the parent/carer to the normal business communication channels.
ICT and social media
Social networking sites offer the opportunity for communication with children, young people and their parents outside normal professional boundaries. Staff must take care to protect their privacy and protect themselves from risk of allegations in relation to inappropriate relationships and cyberbullying. Staff must not have any unauthorised contact or accept ‘friend’ requests through social media with any pupil (including former pupils and/or those who attend other schools) unless they are family members. Staff must exercise caution when having contact online through social media with parents so as not to compromise the business' reputation.
Confidentiality and disclosure of information
Staff must ensure that they do not disclose confidential information to anyone who does not have the right to receive it. Where information is disclosed this should be in line with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2016 and the Data Protection Act 2018. Equally staff should not prevent another person from gaining access to information to which that person is entitled by law. If there is doubt about whether or not to share information, advice must be sought from the DSL. Information obtained during the course of an individual’s work should never be used for personal gain or benefit, nor should it be passed onto others who might use it in such a way.
Dress and appearance
An individual’s dress and appearance is a matter of personal choice; however, staff should ensure that they dress appropriately, decently and safely for the environment and for the role they undertake, as well as setting a good example to both children and visitors. Staff should have particular regard to the health and safety risks involved with certain activities and the need to dress appropriately and safely when undertaking these activities, such as wearing appropriate footwear, removing jewellery, tying back and/or covering hair etc. Staff should maintain high standards of personal hygiene and grooming, and ensure that clothing is clean and tidy.
We recognise the diversity of cultures and religions of staff and will take a sensitive approach when this affects dress and uniform requirements. However, priority will be given to health and safety, security and other similar considerations of other staff and children.
Conduct outside work
Care should be taken by staff to avoid any conflict of interest between activities undertaken outside school and responsibilities within school. In no case should outside activities bring the business into disrepute. Staff must disclose any misconduct or alleged misconduct made against them, including any incidents arising from alternative or additional employment outside of this school. Disclosure must be made to the DSL without delay, after which consideration will be given to the relevance or otherwise of the misconduct to their role in the school.