Purpose and Scope
This behaviour code outlines the conduct that UK Spaniel Rescue (the Charity) expects from all our workers, trustees contractors and volunteers. This includes anyone who is
undertaking duties for the organisation, whether paid or unpaid.
The code is there to help us protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect or harm.
The role of workers and volunteers
In your role the Charity you are acting in a position of trust and authority and have a duty of care towards the people we work with. You are likely to be seen as a role model and are expected to act appropriately.
We expect people who take part in our services to display appropriate behaviour at all times. This includes behaviour that takes place outside our organisation and behaviour that takes place online.
You are responsible for:
* prioritising the welfare of the people we work with;
* providing a safe environment for them and your fellow workers;*o ensuring equipment is used safely and for its intended purpose
* having good awareness of issues to do with safeguarding and taking action when appropriate,
* following our principles, policies and procedures, including our policies and procedures for safeguarding and whistleblowing;
* staying within the law at all times;
* modelling good behaviour for others to follow;
* challenging all inappropriate behaviour and reporting any breaches of the behaviour code to Andrea Phillips (tel: 07935652999, email: hello@ukspanielrescue.co.uk);
* reporting all concerns about abusive behaviour, following our safeguarding policies, including inappropriate behaviour displayed by anyone and directed at anybody of
any age.
Respecting our beneficiaries
You should:
* listen to and respect beneficiaries at all times;
* value and take their contributions seriously, actively involving them in planning activities wherever possible;
* respect their right to personal privacy as far as possible – if you need to break confidentiality in order to follow safeguarding policies, it is important to explain this
to them at the earliest opportunity.
Diversity and inclusion
You should:
* treat everyone fairly and without prejudice or discrimination;
* understand that everyone is an individual with individual needs;
* respect differences in gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, ethnicity, disability and religious belief systems, and appreciate that all participants bring something
valuable and different to the group/organisation;
* challenge discrimination and prejudice; and
* encourage people to speak out about attitudes or behaviour that makes them uncomfortable.
Appropriate relationships
You should:
* promote relationships that are based on openness, honesty, trust and respect;
* avoid showing favouritism;
* be patient with others;
* exercise caution when you are discussing sensitive issues with beneficiaries;
* ensure your contact with beneficiaries is appropriate and relevant to the nature of the activity you are involved in;
* ensure that whenever possible, there is more than one worker or volunteer present during activities and events;
** if a situation arises where you are alone with a beneficiaries, ensure that you are within sight or can be heard by other workers or volunteers;
** if a beneficiary specifically asks for or needs some individual time with you, ensure other workers or volunteers know where you and the beneficiary are,
* only provide personal care in an emergency and make sure there is more than one worker or volunteer present if possible, unless it has been agreed that the provision
of personal care is part of your role and you have been trained to do this safely.
Inappropriate behaviour
When working for the Charity, you must not:
* allow concerns or allegations to go unreported;
* take unnecessary risks;
* smoke, consume alcohol or use illegal substances;
* develop inappropriate relationships with beneficiaries;
* make inappropriate promises to beneficiaries;
* engage in behaviour that is in any way abusive, including having any form of sexual contact with a beneficiary;
* act in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive;
* patronise or belittle beneficiaries; or
* make sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to or in front of anyone.
Upholding this code of behaviour
You should always follow this code of behaviour and never rely on your reputation or that of
our organisation to protect you.
If you have behaved inappropriately, you will be subject to our disciplinary procedures.
Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you might be asked to leave the Charity. We might also make a report to statutory agencies such as the police and/or the local authority.
If you become aware of any breaches of this code, you must report them to Andrea Phillips (tel: 07935 652999, email: hello@ukspanielrescue.co.uk). If necessary, you should follow our whistleblowing procedure and safeguarding procedures.
The person responsible for this policy/procedure is: Andrea Phillips
This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees.
Policy approved date 22nd October 2024
This policy is reviewed on an annual basis by the Board of Trustees.
Next Review due: October 2025