Introduction

The Safeguarding Code of Conduct (‘Code’) outlines the behaviour expected of employees and volunteers of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School Trust (‘Adopt a School’). The underpinning principles of this Code are that:

• the welfare of children and young people is paramount;

• it is the responsibility of all employees, volunteers and persons representing Adopt a School to behave with integrity, maturity and good judgement.

Whilst Adopt a School’s food education programme is primarily delivered to children of primary school age, insofar as the programme might from time to time also be delivered to older children in secondary education, young persons or vulnerable adults, the requirements of this Code and all Adopt a School’s safeguarding policies and procedures shall also apply to those older children, young persons and vulnerable adults. On those occasions, all references to ‘children’ within this Code shall also apply to young persons and vulnerable adults.

Purpose

Following this Code and the requirements of the Safeguarding Policy will help to protect children from abuse and/or inappropriate behaviour from adults, clarify the standard of behaviour expected of employees and volunteers and ensure they do not place themselves inadvertently in situations where unfounded allegations of abuse might be made against them. This is not an exhaustive list, it cannot cover every eventuality and is intended to provide a minimum framework for safer working practice when in contact and working with children.

Upholding the Code

Any breaches of the Code of conduct should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (‘DSO’) who is the Chief Executive, Lisa Jenkins. The DSO can be contacted either by email (lisa@royalacademyofculinaryarts.org.uk) or by mobile telephone (07739 129112).

Employees or volunteers who breach this Code may be subject to Adopt a School's disciplinary procedures.

Any breach of the Code involving a volunteer or member of staff from a school or other organisation at which the food education programme is being delivered will result in the breach being reported to the appropriate safeguarding officer within that organisation.

Serious breaches may also result in a referral being made to a statutory agency i.e. the police and/or the local authority children's social care department, in accordance with the reporting procedure set out in the Safeguarding Policy, if it is thought that the breach amounts to harm or risk of harm to a child.

The role of the employees and volunteers

It is important that employees and volunteers are aware that they may be seen as role models by children and therefore must act in an appropriate manner at all times. They must take particular care that their status and power is not used, or may seem to be used, inappropriately to influence children or to cause them harm.

When engaging with children on behalf of Adopt a School, employees and volunteers are considered to be acting in a position of trust. It is vital for all those in positions of trust to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they must exercise as a consequence of this relationship.

When working with children through any of the Adopt a School's activities or events, it is essential that all employees, volunteers and Trustees or anyone representing Adopt a School ensures they:

• adhere to the requirements of the Adopt a School Safeguarding Policy and uphold this Safeguarding Code of Conduct and any additional safeguarding procedures required and communicated by Adopt a School or the school at which the food education programme is being delivered at all times;

• behave as an excellent role model, displaying a consistently high standard of behaviour and appearance and are professional, organised, disciplined, committed and on time, remembering children learn by example;

• treat children fairly, with respect and dignity, without prejudice or discrimination of any kind and avoid behaviour that could be construed as favouritism;

• establish and address the additional needs of disabled participants or other vulnerable groups that are apparent or communicated by the school;

• listen and respond professionally and respectfully to the opinions of children;

• consider the wellbeing and safety of children at all times;

• always work in an open environment, where possible avoiding private or unobserved situations;

• ensure a safe physical environment is provided and safe working practices are observed in relation to the delivery of each food education session by applying health and safety measures in accordance with law and regulatory guidance and identifying and removing any potential risks;

• take time to explain techniques and instructions to ensure they are clearly understood, using appropriate language and methods of delivery, and making adjustments where needed;

• develop an appropriate, professional, working relationship with the children, based on mutual trust and respect;

• do not use any sanctions that could potentially humiliate or harm children, noting that the care and supervision of the children participating in an Adopt a School session is the responsibility of the class teacher and/or teaching staff who will be present at all times and remain responsible for managing class behaviour and discipline;

• have appropriate contact, interactions, and communications with children which is professional and only relevant to the work of Adopt a School, and they always use language which is appropriate (including correct gender pronouns when referring to a child where advised by the school) and could not be considered bullying, offensive, sexist, racist, homophobic, intimidatory or discriminatory;

• maintain appropriate professional standards in their social media activity, which might be viewed by children;

• maintain appropriate conduct and avoid aggressive, threatening or angry behaviour so that children have no cause to feel anxious or frightened during Adopt a School sessions, events or other activities;

• foster a culture where children and colleagues alike feel comfortable enough to raise any concerns they may have about inappropriate attitudes or behaviour towards children;

• avoid any physical contact with a child and, if a child is distressed seek help from a member of school staff as physical contact may be misinterpreted, no matter how well intentioned.

• address any unacceptable behaviour observed (by advising the class teacher and/or teaching staff present where this involves the children) and ensure allegations or disclosures about abuse by a child or another adult are taken seriously and reported in accordance with Adopt a School’s reporting procedures detailed in the Safeguarding Policy, including peer-on-peer abuse by children and any allegations made against you.

You will conduct yourself in accordance with this Safeguarding Code of Conduct in all your work/volunteering for Adopt a School Trust. Any breach of the Safeguarding Code of Conduct will be dealt with under procedures outlined in the Safeguarding Policy.