Code of Conduct

1. Why we have this code

Young people trust us with their time, their stories and sometimes their safety. This code sets out what that trust asks of every adult working with them on behalf of Photo 51 CIC. It protects young people first, and it also protects workers, by making clear what good practice looks like.

2. Everyone working with young people for Photo 51 CIC agrees to

1. Put the safety and wellbeing of young people first, above the needs of the session, the project or the organisation.
2. Never be alone with a group. Every group session has at least two workers.
3. Avoid one to one time out of sight. Where one to one work is planned, it happens in view of others or with the agreement of the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
4. Keep contact through official Photo 51 CIC channels only. No personal numbers, social media, direct messages or gaming chats with young people, including after a programme ends.
5. Only photograph or film young people with written consent, on Photo 51 CIC equipment, never on a personal phone, and never share images outside the agreed use.
6. Keep physical contact minimal, appropriate and in public view, and only when it is welcomed.
7. Never give lifts, gifts or money to individual young people, or accept anything beyond a token gift, without the agreement of the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
8. Never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or smoke or vape with young people.
9. Use respectful language at all times, and challenge discrimination, bullying or harmful language when it happens.
10. Keep what young people share confidential, except where it suggests a risk of harm, which always goes to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day.
11. Report any concern about another worker’s behaviour, whoever it involves. Speaking up is expected and protected.
12. Tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead straight away about anything that could affect their suitability to work with young people.

3. Raising a concern

Concerns about a young person, or about the behaviour of anyone working with young people, go to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Sheryll ‘Peaches’ Cadogan, or the Deputy DSL, Nathan Anderson, at safeguarding@photo51.org.uk, the same day. If the concern is about the DSL, go to the Deputy DSL. If a young person is in immediate danger, call 999 first. Our Safeguarding Policy sets out the full procedure, including referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer.

No one will be treated unfairly for raising a concern in good faith, even if it turns out to be unfounded.

4. If the code is not followed

A breach of this code may lead to someone being stood down from delivery while it is looked into, their engagement with Photo 51 CIC ending, and, where the law requires it, a referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer, the police or the Disclosure and Barring Service.