Code of behaviour

Code of behaviour

All trustees, volunteers and contractors have a responsibility to ensure that everyone attending MindSpace’s activities, particularly young people and vulnerable adults, are protected from harm.

It is the responsibility of each adult working with MindSpace to ensure that:

  • their behaviour is appropriate at all times,
  • they follow procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of abuse;
  • they recognise the position of trust in which they have been placed; and
  • the relationships they form with young people and vulnerable adults in their care are appropriate in every respect.

All persons who wish to work in MindSpace, must accept and understand this policy. They must also agree to put MindSpace’s policies on safeguarding into practice.

Below are some general guidelines for behaviour at our events:

Do's Do's

  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
  • Avoid being drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour, eg: tantrums and crushes.
  • Set an example you would wish others to follow.
  • Follow MindSpace's 'no alcohol or illegal drugs’ guidance.
  • Plan activities that involve more than one other person being present, or at least are within sight and hearing of others.
  • Keep other members of staff/volunteers informed of where you are and what you are doing.
  • Respect the right to personal privacy of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
  • Remember someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned.
  • Allow children, young people and vulnerable adults to talk about any concerns they may have.
  • Take any allegations or concerns of abuse seriously and refer immediately.
  • Encourage others to challenge any attitudes or behaviours they do not like.

Don't Don't

  • Trivialise abuse.
  • Play physical contact games with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
  • Form a relationship with a child, young person or vulnerable adult that is an abuse of trust.
  • Make suggestive remarks or threats to a young person, even in fun.
  • Permit abusive peer activities, eg: initiation ceremonies, bullying.
  • Use inappropriate language - writing, phoning, email or internet.
  • Engage in inappropriate behaviour or contact - physical, verbal, sexual.
  • Let allegations, suspicions, or concerns about abuse go unreported.