The code of conduct/staff behavior policy must be shared with all practitioners on induction and revisited regularly. It is important that all practitioners working with children understand the nature of their work, the responsibilities related to it and that they are in a position of trust.
The governing body must have in effective procedures in place to identify concerns about an employee’s behaviour or practice at the earliest opportunity. This should include effective supervisions and appraisals, performance management and disciplinary procedures, as well as rigorous whistle-blowing procedures.
An effective code of conduct policy should cover:
- expected levels of professional behaviour/conduct;
- professional boundaries/social contact with families;
- dress/appearance;
- smoking, alcohol and other substances;
- medication;
- physical contact;
- social networking sites;
- mobile phones and SMART technologies;
- confidentiality;
- whistle blowing;
- attendance;
- health, safety and hygiene;
- professional development;
- vulnerable situations misconduct;
- disciplinary procedures.
This list is not exhaustive.