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DBIS Volunteer Code of Conduct

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DBIS VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is committed to protecting children and young people. This Code of Conduct applies to all volunteers who represent the school and interact with children and young people in both a supervised and unsupervised capacity. The Code outlines the conduct expected of all volunteers at DBIS.

The conduct of volunteers acting on behalf of DBIS can inspire and motivate those with whom they interact or can cause great harm if inappropriate. We must, at all times, be aware of the responsibilities that accompany our interactions. Following this Code will help to protect children and young people from abuse and inappropriate behaviour from adults. It will also help volunteers at DBIS to maintain the standard of behaviour expected of them and reduce the possibility of unfounded allegations made against them.

UPHOLDING THIS CODE OF CONDUCT

All volunteers are expected to report any breaches of the Code to the School’s Whole School Designated Child Protection, Deputy Whole School Designated Officer or one of the phase Child Protection Coordinators under the procedures outlined in the DBIS Child Protection Policy.

Any breach of the Code involving a volunteer may result in them being asked to leave DBIS’ campuses and may lead to the termination of their volunteer involvement with the school. Serious breaches may also result in a referral to an outside agency such as the Hong Kong Police or Social Welfare Department.

THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS

When working with children and young people for DBIS, all volunteers act in a position of trust. Volunteers must be aware that they may be seen as role models by children and young people and must always act appropriately.

When working with children and young people, it is important to:

  • Operate within DBIS’ values, aims, policies and procedures;
  • Follow DBIS’ Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times;
  • Listen to and respect children and young people at all times;
  • Avoid favouritism;
  • Treat children and young people fairly and without prejudice or discrimination;
  • Value and take children’s contributions seriously;
  • Ensure any contact with children and young people is appropriate in relation to the task;
  • Show prudent discretion before touching a child or young person, and be aware of how physical touch will be perceived or received, and whether it would be an appropriate expression of greeting, care, concern, or celebration;
  • Be close to where others are working. If a child specifically asks for or needs some private time with you, ensure other staff should know where you and the child are;
  • Conduct one-on-one meetings with a child or young person in a public area; in a room where the interaction can be (or is being) observed; or in a room with the door left open;
  • Always ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory;
  • Follow the e-safety policy and report any breaches;
  • Always ensure equipment is used safely and for its intended purpose;
  • Provide examples of good conduct you wish children and young people to follow;
  • Ensure that whenever possible, there is more than one adult present during activities with children and young people or if this isn’t possible, that you are within sight or hearing of other adults;
  • Respect a young person’s right to personal privacy;
  • Encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like;
  • Recognise that special caution is required when you are discussing sensitive issues with children or young people;
  • Refrain from the illegal possession and/or illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol at all times, and from the use of tobacco products, alcohol and/or drugs when working with children;
  • Intervene when there is evidence of, or there is reasonable cause to suspect that, children are being abused in any way. Suspected abuse or neglect must be reported to the appropriate school and local authorities as described in the Child Protection Policy of the school.

You must not:

  • Physically discipline a child;
  • Patronise or treat children and young people as if they are silly;
  • Allow allegations to go unreported;
  • Develop inappropriate relationships such as contact with children and young people that are not a part of the work of DBIS or agreed upon with a senior leader;
  • Conduct a sexual relationship with a child or young person or indulge in any form of sexual contact with a child or young person. Any such behaviour between an adult member of staff or volunteer and a child or young person using the services of DBIS represents a serious breach of trust on the part of the staff member or volunteer and is not acceptable under any circumstances;
  • Let children and young people have your personal contact details (mobile number or address);
  • Make sarcastic, insensitive, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures to or in front of children and young people;
  • Swear in the presence of a child or young person;
  • Act in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive;
  • Make inappropriate promises to children and young people, particularly in relation to confidentiality;
  • Jump to conclusions about others without checking facts;
  • Accept gifts from, or give gifts to children without the knowledge of their parents or guardians;
  • Buy alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, videos or reading material that is inappropriate and give it to young people.

Communication with children is governed by the key safety concept of transparency. To reduce the risk of private or otherwise inappropriate communication between DBIS parents, staff and children, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Where possible, email exchanges between a child or young person and a person acting on behalf of the school are to be made using a school email address.
  • Electronic communication that takes place over a school network or platform may be subject to periodic monitoring.
  • Volunteers who use any form of online communication, including social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and text messaging to communicate with minors, may only do so for activities involving school business.
  • Never keep photographs of children from DBIS on your personal devices e.g smartphones or computers.

UPHOLDING THIS CODE OF CONDUCT

I promise to strictly follow the rules and guidelines in this Code of Conduct as a condition of my volunteer work or service provision to the children and young people at DBIS.

I understand that as a person working with, volunteering and/or providing services to children and young people at DBIS, I am subject to a criminal history background check every two years. My signature confirms that I have read this Code of Conduct and that I agree to follow these standards. I understand that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take action mandated by this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from DBIS.

Key points for volunteers who are not staff:

  • Volunteers should always be supervised by a member of staff when interacting with children.
  • Volunteers should not transport children alone in their vehicles.
  • Volunteers should not provide personal care to children, such as bathing or dressing.
  • Volunteers should not administer medication to children.
  • Volunteers should not be alone with a child in a closed room.
  • Volunteers should report any concerns about a child's welfare to a member of staff immediately.


Last Review: 06.03.2025

Created: 06.03.2025

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