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Chapter 4: Code of conduct for workers, parents, children and young people Children and young people have the right to the means to develop a personal identity, self respect, awareness of their own worth and a sense of responsibility. Two key pillars of a safeguarding culture are rigorous risk assessments and a code of conduct. It is essential that everyone involved in your organisation knows what behaviour is acceptable and what is not. Creating a safeguarding culture within an organisation is much easier if everyone is fully aware of the behaviour and conduct that is expected from all. A code of conduct should help workers avoid getting into situations where they may make themselves vulnerable and open to false accusations and will encourage paid staff, volunteers, children and young people to become alert to potential situations of abuse and danger, and to report concerns and unacceptable behaviour. A code of conduct should: be simple and straightforward and not include too many rules; involve children and young people, parents, carers, and workers in its development; take into account safeguarding concerns including bullying, discrimination, violence, aggression and abusive behaviour and language; include a statement on your organisation’s policy on smoking, alcohol and drugs; include rules on appropriate physical behaviour and social relationships with children and young people; give people the confidence to carry out their roles and develop positive relationships with children and young people; avoid being a negative list of rules and include positive statements about how your organisation expects workers to act towards children;
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