Staff code of conduct

Aims and Principles

This policy aims to set and maintain standards of conduct that MHR Sports Services expects all staff to follow. 

By creating this policy, we aim to ensure when working inside of Schools, it is an environment where everyone is safe, happy and treated with respect. 

Many of the principles in this code of conduct are based on the Teachers Standards. All MHR staff have an influential position and will act as role models for pupils by consistently demonstrating high standards of behaviour. 

We expect that all staff will act in accordance with the personal and professional behaviours set out in the Teachers’ Standards. 

Failure to follow the code of conduct may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Please note that this code of conduct is not exhaustive. If situations arise that are not covered by this code, staff will use their professional judgement and act in the best interests of the company, School and pupils. 

Legislation

In line with the statutory safeguarding guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, we should have a staff code of conduct, which should cover acceptable use of technologies, staff/pupil relationships and communications, including the use of social media. 

General obligations

Staff set an example to pupils. They will: 

-Maintain high standards in their attendance and punctuality 

-Never use inappropriate or offensive language in School 

-Treat pupils and others with dignity and respect 

-Show tolerance and respect for the rights of others 

-Not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, 

individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths 

and beliefs 

-Express personal beliefs in a way that will not overly influence pupils, and will not 

exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law 

-Understand the statutory frameworks they must act within 

Safeguarding

Staff have a duty to safeguard pupils from harm, and to report any concerns they have. This includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, or neglect. 

Staff must familiarise themselves with our safeguarding policy and procedures and ensure they are aware of the processes to follow if they have concerns about a child. All staff receive annual safeguarding training. 

Physical Contact

There are occasions when it is entirely appropriate and proper for staff to have physical contact with students, but it is crucial that they only do so in ways appropriate to their professional role. A ‘no touch’ approach is impractical for most staff and may in some circumstances be inappropriate. When physical contact is made with students this should be in response to their needs at the time, of limited duration and appropriate. 

Staff should always use their professional judgement about the appropriateness of any physical contact. 

Physical contact should never be secretive, or for the gratification of the adult, or represent a misuse of authority. If a member of staff believes that an action could be misinterpreted, the incident and circumstances should be made clear to senior staff. 

Physical contact, which occurs regularly with an individual student, is likely to raise questions unless the justification for this is part of a formally agreed plan (for example in relation to students with SpLD or physical disabilities). Any such contact should be the subject of an agreed and open School policy and subject to review. 

Sharing low level concerns

Low level concerns should be reported to either the on site manager or the school Safeguarding lead/Headteacher.

The school encourages staff to come forward and self-refer if they have found themselves in a situation that could be misinterpreted or if they feel they have behaved in a way that would be considered below the expected standard. 

Staff/Pupil relationships

Staff must observe proper boundaries with pupils that are appropriate to their professional position. They must act in a fair and transparent way that would not lead anyone to reasonably assume they are not doing so.

If staff members and pupils must spend time on a one-to-one basis, staff will ensure that: 

-This takes place in a public place that others can access 

-Others can see into the room 

-A DSL, colleague or line manager knows this is taking place

Staff should avoid contact with pupils outside of School hours if possible. 

Personal contact details should not be exchanged between staff and pupils. This includes social media profiles. 

If a staff member is concerned at any point that an interaction between themselves and a pupil may be misinterpreted, this should be reported to the appropriate staff member accordingly.

Social Contact

Staff should not establish or seek to establish social contact with students, or their families, for the purpose of securing a friendship or to pursue or strengthen a relationship. Even if a young person seeks to establish social contact, or if this occurs coincidentally, the member of staff should exercise her/his professional judgement in making a response but should always discuss this with a senior leader. Staff must be aware that social contact, in certain situations, could be misconstrued as grooming. 

Staff should not give their personal details such as their home or e-mail address; social network sites, or web pages to students unless the need to do so is agreed with senior leadership. In summary, staff should: 

• have no secret social contact with students 
• consider the appropriateness of the social contact according to their role and nature of their work 
• always approve any planned social contact with senior colleagues, for example when it is part of a reward scheme or pastoral care programme 
• advise senior leadership of any regular social contact they have with a student or parent which may give rise to concern 
• report and record any situation, which they feel, might compromise the School or their own professional standing

Acceptable use of technology

Staff will not use technology in School to view material that is illegal, inappropriate or likely to be deemed offensive. This includes, but is not limited to, sending obscene emails, gambling and viewing pornography or other inappropriate content. 

Staff will restrict use of personal mobile phones during School hours to designated areas (those being the staff room and staff offices). They will not use School equipment for personal use. 

Confidentiality

In the course of their role, members of staff are often privy to sensitive and confidential information about the school, staff, pupils and their parents. 

This information will never be: 

• Disclosed to anyone without the relevant authority 
• Used to humiliate, embarrass or blackmail others
• Used for a purpose other than what it was collected and intended for 
• This does not overrule staff’s duty to report child protection concerns to the appropriate channel where staff believe a child is at risk of harm. 

Dress code

Staff will dress in a professional, smart and appropriate manner. This means abiding by the dress code and dressing appropriately for their particular role.

All staff will wear MHR uniform which will be provided to them through the company.