I agree to

At all times, I will:

• comply with this Code of Conduct;

• comply with Connect’s policies and procedures;

• comply with all applicable legislation, regulation, standards, and guidelines;

• take reasonable steps to ensure my own health, safety and wellbeing, and that of the child under my care;  

• respect other people’s privacy;

• act with integrity, honesty, and transparency;

• take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of harm, abuse, or neglect;

• show respect for cultural and individual differences;

I will not:

• discriminate against a staff member, volunteer or family on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, disability, pregnancy, marital status or sexual preference;

• engage in any unlawful conduct

• volunteer under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• smoke whilst with the child;

• accept gifts or benefits which give rise to any actual or potential conflict of interest;

• bring Connect into disrepute

In addition to the above, at all times I will:

• follow Connect's child protection and child services policies and procedures at all times;

• listen to and respect children;

• avoid favouritism;

• treat children and young people fairly and without prejudice or discrimination;

• value and take children’s and young people’s contributions seriously, actively involving children and young people in planning activities wherever possible;

• ensure any contact with children and young people is appropriate and in relation to my work and the work of the service being provided;

• ensure my language is appropriate;

• follow the Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy and report any breaches;

• role model behaviour for children and young people to follow;

• respond appropriately to unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse;

• respect a child’s or young person’s right to personal privacy;

I will not:

• patronise or be condescending towards children and young people;

• allow allegations to go unreported.

• develop inappropriate relationships such as contact with children and young people that is not a part of my work or agreed to with Connect responsibilities.

• conduct a sexual relationship with a child or young person or indulge in any form of sexual contact with a child or young person.

• provide children and young people with my personal contact details (mobile number or address).

• make sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to or in front of children and young people;

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

• make inappropriate promises to children and young people, particularly in relation to confidentiality;

• jump to conclusions about others without checking facts;

• exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues;

I will report any breaches or suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct to the Connect CEO.