Introduction:

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to outline the conduct expected of all Citizens 4 Change (C4C) staff, volunteers, and representatives. This Code serves to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. It sets appropriate standards of behaviour, helping to reduce the possibility of allegations of abuse being made against staff or volunteers. Given that C4C staff and volunteers are often regarded as role models, they must behave in a manner that reflects the Code both in their professional and personal lives. Staff and representatives must ensure that their behaviour upholds C4C’s reputation at all times, and they must actively protect both children and vulnerable adults.

The designated Safeguarding Focal Person @Raphael Dennis is responsible for receiving, managing, and addressing all safeguarding concerns. Every staff member and volunteer should familiarise themselves with the identity and contact details of this person upon joining the organisation.

You Must:

  1. Treat all children and vulnerable adults equally, respectfully, with warmth and empathy, and listen to their wishes and feelings.
  2. Behave in a calm, positive, supportive, and encouraging way with children and vulnerable adults.
  3. Value and take the contributions of children and vulnerable adults seriously, involving them in decision-making and planning activities where possible.
  4. Ensure you report on any suspicions, concerns, allegations, or disclosures made by a child or vulnerable adult, including any made against you. Concerns about the safety of vulnerable adults should be reported following the same safeguarding procedures. Reports must be made immediately and no later than within 24 hours through this form.
  5. Ensure that the focus of your relationship with any child or vulnerable adult that C4C works with remains professional at all times.
  6. Ensure that if you are required to spend time alone with children or vulnerable adults as part of your duties, or if they request one-to-one time with you, that other staff know where you will be and the purpose of the meeting.
  7. Respect the right to privacy of children and vulnerable adults, but never agree to keep any information that may indicate they are at risk of harm confidential. Always prioritise safeguarding procedures.
  8. Ensure that dangerous or otherwise unacceptable behaviour, including bullying or initiation ceremonies by children or vulnerable adults, is challenged and addressed.
  9. Be aware that children can develop infatuations (crushes) with adults working with them. If this is happening, you should tell the Safeguarding Focal Person, and then respond to the situation in a way that maintains the dignity of all concerned.
  10. Ensure that if a child or vulnerable adult needs physical comfort, this is done in a way that is respectful of their age, personal space, and cultural norms. Always seek the child’s or vulnerable adult’s consent before initiating physical contact and avoid any contact that may be misinterpreted as inappropriate or intrusive.
  11. Encourage a culture of respect, open communication, and vigilance, actively promoting the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable adults.
  12. Digital interactions with children and vulnerable adults must follow C4C’s online safety policies. Avoid unsanctioned or personal online communication, and do not share personal contact details, such as phone numbers or social media profiles.

You Must Not:

  1. Conduct a sexual relationship with a child or vulnerable adult. This would constitute a criminal offence and is never acceptable.
  2. Swear or make sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory, or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to, or in front of, children or vulnerable adults.
  3. Engage in or allow any sexually provocative games involving or observed by children or vulnerable adults, whether based on talking or touching.