The following code of conduct applies to all ELCC staff working with children, young people and vulnerable adults:

● Avoid unnecessary physical contact.

● Avoid taking a young person alone in a vehicle on journeys, however short.

● Avoid taking a vulnerable adult alone in a vehicle on journeys, however short.

● Unless circumstances make it impossible to comply, avoid taking a child or vulnerable adult to the toilet unless either (a) another adult is present or (b) another adult is aware (this may include a parent or group leader).

● If you find you are in a situation where you are alone with a child, young person or vulnerable adult, wherever practicable make sure that others can clearly observe you.

● Avoid close personal relationships with a child, young person or vulnerable adult in relation to whom they are in a position of trust.

● Never make suggestive or inappropriate remarks to or about a child, young person or vulnerable adult, even in fun, as this could be misinterpreted.

● If a child, young person or vulnerable adult accuses a student or member of staff of abuse or inappropriate behaviour this should be reported immediately to the relevant person.

● The duty to report applies equally to complaints or accusations of historic, and not just recent, abuse/inappropriate behaviour.

● Recipients of any complaint or accusation from a child, young person or vulnerable adult, must listen without making or implying any judgement as to the truth of the complaint or accusation.

● If a child, young person or vulnerable adult makes a complaint, or if there are other reasons for suspecting abuse, this should be reported immediately to the designated staff member responsible for the safeguarding of children,
young people and vulnerable adults named in the contacts section of this policy. If the complaint is against that staff member, then the Senior Management or Trustee should be contacted.

● All staff and volunteers should participate in the training available to support them in your work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

● Staff and volunteers should remember that those who abuse children, young people and vulnerable adults can be of any age (even other children and vulnerable adults), gender, ethnic background or class, and it is important not
to allow personal preconceptions about people to prevent appropriate action taking place.

● Good practice includes valuing and respecting children, young people and vulnerable adults as individuals, and the adult modelling of appropriate conduct, which would exclude bullying, aggressive behaviour and discrimination in any form.

● Those dealing with any allegations of abuse or misconduct should adhere to the principles set out in the policy.
Any information received should be acted upon sensitively, effectively and efficiently. Wherever possible, those making allegations should be given information about the outcome.

● If the person making the allegation feels they need counselling or other appropriate support from ELCC, they are encouraged to seek it.

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