Principle 10: Policies and procedures, promoting safety
This chapter focuses on the need for your organisation to have policies and procedures documenting how it ensures children’s safety and well-being.
In this chapter, you will learn:
What is appropriate behaviour and how the Code of Conduct supports and regulates behaviours within the organisation
How to build a culture of safety and care
How the Code of Conduct can practically address specific situations and disputes
What are your and your organisation's responsibilities?
Your organisation is responsible for;
Having a clearly documented child safety and well-being policy
Making this policy available to all
Ensuring partner agencies follow these practices
Evaluating how well policies are followed
You, as a child facing team member are responsible for;
· Consistently applying these child safe practices
Code of Conduct
A child-safe Code of Conduct is essential, amongst an array of policies and procedures an organisation will have, to support child safety and provide safer environments.
The Code of Conduct enables you to support the rights of children and vulnerable people, providing a safe environment for all.
This module will review a Code of Conduct appropriate to working with and caring for children and vulnerable people in a community organisation environment.
Your organisation should have its own specific Code of Conduct that will likely mirror many of the key elements here.
Leadership is a position of power and influence over others.
This can sometimes be abused.
A Code of Conduct offers a safeguard against abuse of positional power, providing boundaries for appropriate behaviour.
Appropriate behaviour
What we do as leaders must reflect that we believe children and vulnerable people are valued and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
To do this:
We treat all participants with respect and take notice of their reactions to our tone of voice and manner
We don’t find ourselves alone with a child.
We do not enter the sleeping accommodation of members of the opposite gender except in emergencies.
We should remain visible to another adult in private conversations with a child.
We respect the privacy of situations where children or vulnerable people are changing, showering or using the toilet.
Language
It’s important to use language that affirms the participants' worth, dignity and significance.
Speak to others as people of value.
In attempts at humour, negative or critical language is to be avoided.
Jokes shouldn’t be made at the expense of others, as this erodes the sense of safety and care.
When Speaking
Don’t use derogatory language towards other leaders or participants, even sarcastically or as a joke
Don’t use ‘in jokes’, negative language, put-downs or sexist language with other leaders or participants
Don’t speak down to children or vulnerable people in a superior way
Physical Contact
Physical contact can be a positive expression of care, but not all children or vulnerable people welcome it.
It is your responsibility to be alert and ensure all contact is appropriate, open, and never secretive.
Any physical contact should only respond to the person’s needs, have their permission, and respect resistance.
It must be suitable for their age and development, avoid private areas, and be visible to others.
Sideways contact (e.g. around the shoulders) is more appropriate than around the waist.
Affection may be natural at times, but should never occur in private.
Corporal punishment is never allowed. Physical restraint is only acceptable to prevent harm, stop fights or bullying, or avoid accidents, and must always be reasonable and lawful..
Program style
Children and vulnerable people aren’t always aware of the risks associated with certain activities.
Your program and activity choices need to be made, keeping the participant group’s capability and risk profile in mind.
The chosen activities will speak loudly about the values you and your organisation hold.
Inclusive programs
Leaders should be sensitive to different cultures, family traditions, and authority structures, and show respect at all times.
Avoid ignorant, biased, or ridiculing comments and never use discriminatory language or actions.
Physical contact must always be appropriate and culturally sensitive.
Programs should be inclusive of children and vulnerable people, including those with special needs such as disabilities or autism.
Inclusion is driven by a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and seeing each person’s potential.
Encourage participation, share responsibilities, listen to what participants want, adapt activities creatively, allow space to move, and provide one-on-one support and privacy when needed.
Additional adult help may be required to ensure everyone is supported safely and respectfully.
Child safe ratios
Every program must have enough adult leaders to safely supervise participants.
The recommended ratio is no more than 1 adult to 8 children, and lower ratios are needed when working with younger children or people with special needs.
Some organisations choose even lower ratios to improve safety and relationship building.
Always ensure the number of leaders is appropriate for the activity, the age, and the needs of the participants.
Privacy and Social media
Keep a record
Communicate openly
Abide by the guidelines set by your organisation
Ensure the family or carers grant permission for people under 18
Dispute Resolution
The Code of Conduct is an objective standard everyone should abide by.
If people operate outside of this, they can expect to be held to account, including you.
Team Members, participants and other leaders should all be encouraged to work within it.
The organisation should manage any dispute arising in accordance with their dispute process and subject to the code. You will receive a separate link with the Code of Conduct for OurChurch to sign.