Code of Behaviour for Volunteers and Users
- Do treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Do set an example for others to follow.
- Do treat all young people equally – do not show favouritism.
- Do plan activities that involve more than one other person being present, or at least within sight and hearing of others.
- Do respect a young person’s right to personal privacy.
- Do avoid unacceptable situations within a relationship of trust, eg a sexual relationship with a young person who is over the age of consent
- Do allow young people to talk about any concerns they may have with parents knowledge and permission.
- Do encourage others to challenge attitudes or behaviors they do not like.
- Do avoid being drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behavior, eg tantrums and crushes.
- Do make everyone (young people, parents and carers, and other helpers) aware of our safeguarding arrangements.
- Do remember this code at sensitive moments, eg when helping someone who has been bullied, bereaved or abused.
- Do tell other volunteers where you are and what you are doing.
- Do remember someone else might misinterpret your actions, even if you mean well.
- Do take any allegations or concerns of abuse seriously and refer them to Safe Space leaders.
- Do not trivialise abuse.
- Do not form a relationship with a young person that is an abuse of trust.
- Do not drink or be under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicant when you are attending Safe Space sessions.
- Do not allow abusive activities, eg initiation ceremonies or bullying.
- Do not take part in inappropriate behaviour or contact, whether physical, verbal or sexual.
- Do not take part in physical contact games with young people.
- Do not make suggestive remarks or threats to a young person, even in fun.
- Do not use inappropriate language when writing, phoning, emailing or using the internet.
- Do not use social media to make threats, suggestive comments or use inappropriate language in communication involving Safe Space or any of the attendees of Safe Space.
- Do not use defamatory language or create/spread rumours about Safe Space and or it's attendees that may cause distress, upset and or damage to the reputation of Safe Space.
- Do not let allegations, suspicions, or concerns about abuse go unreported.
- Do not rely just on your good name to protect you.
Adopted on: 22/03/15
Last reviewed: 03/11/15