Standard 3 - Code of Conduct
A code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children
This Means:
Setting clear expectations for appropriate behaviour with children by:
- Providing written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children
- Detailing acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in situations as they relate to your organisation. For example, physical contact, personal care, online communication, staff to child ratios and camps.
- Educating staff, volunteers, parents and children about the required standards of behaviour and what will happen if a person does not comply
Examples of how your organisation can meet this Standard:
- Develop a new (or review your existing) code of conduct to ensure it outlines clear standards for working with children in a range of situations and environments
- Embed child safe statements into any current codes of conduct (i.e. Staff, Board, Coaches, Officials, Volunteers)
- Build ownership and commitment to the code of conduct by providing opportunities for staff, volunteers, families and children to contribute to the code of conduct.
- Ensure all personnel (paid and volunteer) are aware of the code of conduct and have them sign and agree to it. This may be handwritten or electronic.
- Require agreement with the code of conduct as part of the membership or registration process
- Provide a contact person or persons to assist with enquiries and activities
- Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children outlining acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in situations as they relate to your organisation. For example, physical contact, personal care, online communication, staff to child ratios, camps etc.
- Educate staff, volunteers, parents and children about the required standards of behaviour and what will happen if a person does not comply. This may occur at:
- Team meetings
- Induction nights
- Registration days (or as part of an online registration process)
You can support your members by:
- Providing an outline of the process to develop a code of conduct
- Providing access to a sport specific code of conduct or the Vicsport Club Policy Template that they can adopt
- Providing a contact person/people to assist with their enquiries and activities
- Providing written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children
- Detailing acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in situations as they relate to your organisation. For example physical contact, personal care, online communication, staff to child ratios and camps.
- Educating staff, volunteers, parents and children about the required standards of behaviour and what will happen if a person does not comply. This may be done at:
- Team meetings
- Induction nights
- Registration days (or as part of an online registration process)
Helpful Resources:
Developing a Child Safe Code of Conduct
Child Safe Code of Conduct Template
Guidelines for Communication When Working with Children