Code of Conduct

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC

Company number 17051741

Code of Conduct

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1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone involved with Walsall Community Active Projects CIC, including staff, volunteers, trustees, sessional workers, contractors, participants and partners. It is designed to keep everyone safe, build trust and uphold our values of fairness, respect and inclusion.

2. Our Values

Everything we do is guided by these values:

• Respect: we treat every person with dignity, kindness and fairness.
• Inclusion: we welcome people from all backgrounds and create safe, accessible spaces.
• Integrity: we are honest, accountable and act in the best interests of our community.
• Aspiration: we encourage people to grow, learn and reach their potential.
• Partnership: we work openly and respectfully with schools, agencies and the wider community.

3. Standards for Staff, Volunteers and Trustees

Everyone representing the organisation will:

• Act as a positive role model at all times
• Put the safety and wellbeing of participants first
• Be punctual, reliable and professional
• Treat colleagues, participants, partners and the public with courtesy and respect
• Use appropriate, inclusive language
• Follow our Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Equality and Data Protection policies
• Take responsibility for their own learning and reflect on their practice
• Raise concerns about colleagues or practice through the right channels

4. Behaviours We Do Not Accept

The following behaviours are unacceptable and may lead to disciplinary action or removal from the organisation:

• Discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation
• Physical violence, aggressive language or threats
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Sexual relationships with participants under our care, regardless of the participant's age
• Misuse of social media, phones or other technology in relation to participants
• Use of illegal drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or other substances while on duty
• Theft, fraud or misuse of organisational resources
• Sharing confidential information without permission
• Bringing the organisation into disrepute, including through personal social media accounts

5. Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults

Specific expectations include:

• Working in open, visible spaces wherever possible
• Avoiding being alone with a child or vulnerable adult in a private room or vehicle, except where this has been agreed and risk assessed
• Never offering lifts in personal vehicles without agreement and a written record
• Using only organisation-approved communication channels
• Never giving personal contact details to participants
• Avoiding inappropriate friendships or relationships with participants or their families
• Not giving personal gifts, lending money or accepting expensive gifts
• Reporting any incident, allegation or concern in line with our Safeguarding Policy

6. Use of Social Media and Technology

Staff, volunteers and trustees will:

• Keep professional and personal social media accounts separate
• Not add or accept participants under 18 as friends or followers on personal accounts
• Not share photographs or videos of participants on personal accounts
• Take care not to share content that could bring the organisation into disrepute
• Report any inappropriate online contact with participants

7. Conflicts of Interest

Anyone with a personal interest that could affect their role must declare it. Examples include:

• Family or close personal relationships with other staff, trustees or participants
• Other paid or voluntary work that could conflict with their role here
• Business interests that could be affected by our work

Declared interests will be recorded and managed in line with our Articles of Association.

8. Standards for Participants

We expect participants to:

• Treat staff, volunteers and other participants with respect
• Take part safely and follow reasonable instructions
• Look after equipment and venues we use
• Avoid discriminatory, threatening or aggressive language and behaviour
• Tell a member of staff if something is wrong

Where a participant does not meet these expectations, staff will work with them and, where relevant, with parents or carers to understand and resolve the issue. In serious cases, a participant may be asked to take a break from sessions, with a clear plan in place to support their return.

9. Reporting Breaches

Anyone with a concern that the Code of Conduct has been breached can:

• Speak to their line manager, the Founder or a Trustee
• Use our Complaints Procedure
• Use our Whistleblowing Policy for more serious concerns

We will protect anyone raising a genuine concern from retaliation.

10. Consequences

Breaches of this Code may lead to:

• Informal conversation and reflection
• Additional training or support
• A formal disciplinary process
• Removal from a role
• Referral to statutory agencies where necessary

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Policy Review

This policy was adopted on 14 February 2026 and will be reviewed annually, with the next scheduled review in February 2027. It will also be reviewed earlier if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or our activities.

All staff, volunteers and trustees will be made aware of any updates and asked to confirm they have read and understood the revised version.

Signed on behalf of the Board