Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

A note on Codes of Conduct

A copy of the relevant Code of Conduct relating to working with children and young people or adults at risk is to be given to a volunteer upon appointment.

Code of Conduct for adults involved in contact with children and young people

YOU MUST:

  • Operate within the Church’s principles, guidance and any particular procedures of the Diocese, parish or club.
  • Treat all children and young people equally and with respect.
  • Engage and interact appropriately with children and young people.
  • Challenge unacceptable behaviour and provide an example for good conduct you wish others to follow – an environment which allows bullying, inappropriate shouting or any form of discrimination is unacceptable.
  • Respect a child or young person’s right to personal privacy.
  • Recognise that particular care is required in moments when you are discussing sensitive issues with children and young people e.g. maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • Avoid situations that compromise your relationship with children and young people, and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust. This rule should apply to all such behaviours including those which would constitute an illegal act.

YOU MUST NOT:

  • Discuss topics or use vocabulary with children and young people that could not be used comfortably in the presence of parents or another adult.
  • Arrange an overnight trip with a child or young person without ensuring that another approved person will be present.
  • Take a chance when common sense suggests another more prudent approach.
  • Physically, emotionally or sexually abuse or exploit any child.

Code of Conduct for adults involved in contact with adults at risk

YOU MUST:

  • Operate within the Church’s principles, guidance and any particular procedures of the Diocese, religious congregation, parish or club.
  • Treat everyone equally and with respect.
  • Engage and interact appropriately with adults at risk.
  • Challenge unacceptable behaviour and provide an example of good conduct you wish others to follow – an environment which allows bullying, inappropriate shouting or any form of discrimination is unacceptable.
  • Respect the sacred dignity of each individual and their right to personal privacy.
  • Recognise that particular care is required in moments when you are discussing sensitive issues with adults at risk e.g. maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • Avoid situations that compromise your relationship with adults at risk, and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust. This rule should apply to all such behaviours including those which would constitute an illegal act.

YOU MUST NOT:

  • Engage in inappropriate behaviour with adults at risk – physical, verbal or sexual.
  • Take a chance when common sense suggests another more prudent approach.
  • Physically, emotionally or sexually or financially abuse or exploit any vulnerable adult.

Code of Conduct for children and young people

All those involved within the parish, whether priests, lay workers, children, parents, volunteers or parish members, have their part to play in developing this whole parish ethos so that we may all grow in our understanding of and commitment to the Christian way of life.

Please note that the Code of Conduct for children is provided for those groups who wish to use it, as it stands or as a basis for drafting their own, with the young people in the group. It is not mandatory.

Parish Children’s Code of Conduct

  • I will respect and take care of others and not hurt or frighten anyone.
  • I will be polite to all I meet.
  • I will respect and take care of things that belong to the parish and others.
  • I will listen to and try to understand others’ opinions.
  • I will behave in a way that allows all to enjoy the group/activity.
  • I will be quiet when asked to by the activity leaders.

This Code of Conduct has been written so as to provide a happy, safe and nurturing environment for your child when attending a parish children’s activity. We hope that parents/guardians will discuss this Code of Conduct with their child to help them understand the importance of following it.