UJEB Code of Conduct

Introduction 

This document is developed referencing the Victorian Teaching Profession’s Code of Conduct. UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors work in an education setting and will be held to the same high standards set for teachers and staff at Victorian government schools. This document is an addition to the UJEB Child Safety Policy and outlines practical direction for UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors. All UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors will be familiar with the UJEB Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

Purpose

The UJEB Code of Conduct identifies a set of principles which describe the professional conduct, personal conduct and professional competence expected of staff/ volunteers/ contractors by their colleagues and the community. The UJEB Code of Conduct has an overarching function of providing for child safety and wellbeing and this underpins the principles set out in the UJEB Code of Conduct. The UJEB Code of Conduct recognises that the educator-student relationship is not equal; educators hold a unique position of influence and trust with students that should not be violated or compromised. 

The purpose of the UJEB Code of Conduct is to:

1. prevent child abuse occurring within all UJEB environments;
2. outline UJEB’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing and what UJEB is doing to prevent and, if needed, respond to child abuse;
3. work towards an organisational culture of child safety;
4. ensure that UJEB participants know who to speak with if they are worried about their safety, and  encouraged to voice their concerns;
5. ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities in identifying possible instances of child abuse;
6. provide guidance on action that should be taken where a person suspects any child abuse within all UJEB environments;
7. provide a clear statement to staff, volunteers, parents/guardians/carers, visitors, contractors, Board members and others attending the programs or activities of UJEB in forbidding any and all abuse; and
8. provide assurance that any and all suspected abuse will be appropriately reported and fully investigated.

Scope

This policy applies to all UJEB staff, volunteers, parents/guardians/carers, visitors, contractors, board members and others attending the programs or activities of UJEB.

Principle 1 – Professional Conduct 

Principle 1.1 – Creating opportunities to engage and connect and learn

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors provide opportunities for Jewish school students to engage, connect and learn. 

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by: 

• Knowing the students well, respecting individual differences and catering for individual abilities. 
• Maintaining a safe and engaging environment. 
• Accepting professional responsibility for the provision of quality activities. 
• Accepting each student without judgement or prejudice. 
• Communicating effectively and appropriately with each student. 

Principle 1.2  – Promoting positive behaviours

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors treat students with dignity and courtesy and promote participation.

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by: 

• working to create an environment that promotes respect. 
• modelling and engaging in respectful language and behaviour. 
• protecting students from intimidation, embarrassment, humiliation and harm. 
• understanding a student’s individual context and specific vulnerabilities.
• enhancing student autonomy by seeking to ensure they 

– have the opportunity to express their views 

– are confident and creative individuals 

– are successful lifelong students 

– are active and informed members of the community.

• respecting a student’s privacy and only revealing confidential matters when appropriate, necessary or required by law.
• using behaviour management strategies and consequences appropriate for a student’s individual context and actions (UJEB Student Behaviour Policy), aimed at supporting positive change.

Principle 1.3 – Professionalism of UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors work within the limits of their professional expertise in fulfilling their role. 

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by: 

• ensuring they have the physical, mental and emotional capacity to carry out their professional responsibilities.
• acknowledging that they are not trained to deal with certain issues within the areas of health, psychology, law enforcement etc. 
• being aware of the role of other professionals and agencies, and knowing when teens should be referred to them for assistance.

Principle 1.4 – Professional relationships with students

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors are always in a professional relationship with students whether at – or outside – the UJEB program in which they work. UJEB staff hold a unique position in that the community as social and professional boundaries can overlap.

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by: 

• behaving responsibly in social environments which overlap with students’ and parents’ lives (in relation to alcohol consumption, promiscuous behaviour and general positive role modelling).

• interacting with students and their families without displaying bias or preference. 

• keeping their personal agendas separate from UJEB programs.

• understanding that living in the community in which they work, they are never “off duty” and are always bound by the behaviours set out in this policy.

Principle 1.5 – Professional Boundaries

Whilst the relationship between a UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors and a student can be more connected due to community and social connections, the relationship is a professional one, intentionally limited to protect the student.

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors hold a unique position of influence and trust that should not be violated or compromised. They exercise their responsibilities in ways that recognise there are limits or boundaries to their relationships with students. 

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors should consider how their decisions and actions may be perceived by others. 

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors should be aware of the specific vulnerabilities of students when determining appropriate professional boundaries. 

The following examples outline some of those limits. 

A professional relationship will be violated if a UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors:

• has a sexual relationship with a student. 
• engages in sexual misconduct which includes behaviour, physical contact, speech or other communication of a sexual nature; inappropriate touching; grooming type behaviour; and voyeurism. 
• touches a student without a valid reason. 
• engages in communications with a student beyond the boundaries of a professional relationship without a valid reason, including via written / electronic / online means (including social media). 
• accepts gifts, which could be reasonably perceived as being used to influence them, from students or their parents / carers / families. 
• gives gifts to students or their parents / carers / families that could be reasonably perceived as showing bias or favouritism. 

A professional relationship may be compromised if a UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors 

• socialises with students (including online and via social media) outside of a professional context. 
• invites students back to their homes individually.
• invites students back to their homes for a reason outside the boundaries of the UJEB program.
• is alone with a student (if 1 student only arrives at a UJEB lesson or activity they should remain in clear sight of passers by (this can be done by ensuring the door is open or if the class room is in clear sight through windows by passers by).

If the interaction is online a waiting room should be set up until 2 or more students are present, or the session must be recorded.

• has a sexualised relationship with a former student within two years of the student completing their senior secondary schooling or equivalent. In all circumstances, the former student must be at least 18 before a relationship commences.

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by: 

• Where possible ensuring all encounters with students are conducted in public.
• Travel – UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors must obtain written or textual permission to transport a participant in their car and must always have at least two participants present. Staff should never be alone with a participant in their car.  
• In a room – UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors must avoid being in a room with only one participant. If this was to occur, the door should remain open until additional participants arrive. 
• At a UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractor’s home – Hosting group activities are permitted ensuring that they maintain professional boundaries.
• At a sleepover event separate sleeping and changing areas are required for each sex. Those students that have a different self identification must bring it to the attention of the organiser who will make suitable arrangements.

At a sleepover event UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors must avoid sleeping in the same room as students. If this is unavoidable UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors must not sleep in a room with fewer than 2 students. In this unavoidable situation, UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors members’ sleeping space must be at least 1.5m from the students.

• Social media – All messages should be addressed to the group, individual or private messaging should be avoided. Messaging must be limited to communication that is activity related. No images including participants should be shared without the participant’s consent. 
• To demonstrate the UJEB ethos, UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors should exercise discretion when liking and commenting on participants’ social media posts. 
• Private messaging on any platform must be limited to UJEB related matters. In the case that a UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors receives a private message unrelated to UJEB matters the message must not be erased and must be logged in the Student and Guardian Communication Log and brought to the attention of the appropriate manager.
• If a student has a conversation with a UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors of a personal, private or sensitive nature. The conversation must be logged  in the Student and Guardian Communication Log and brought to the attention of the appropriate manager.

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors are not counsellors and must not act as such.  

• Email – UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors should always email using a UJEB email.
• Virtual events – the meeting organiser must enable a waiting room and not admit students until there are a minimum of 2. If there is only 1 student the session must be recorded, logged and brought to the attention of the staff/ volunteers/ contractors members line manager.

UJEB staff for secondary school programs

There is additional complexity for UJEB High (secondary school programs) staff in ensuring professional boundaries as they are working in a range of environments like camps, conferences and trips as well as in positions that require a closer mentoring relationship. UJEB High staff will maintain the integrity of these limits, recognising the tensions between developing supportive and caring relationships with teens and the need to preserve the boundaries of the professional relationship. 

Conflicts of interest

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors should acknowledge that they are living and working in a shared community with the teens they facilitate. They must register pre-existing or emerging social relationships with teens. Eg. family friends, sporting teammates, work colleagues etc.

• Student and Guardian Communication Log 

Principle 1.6 – Privacy and confidentiality

Students have rights to privacy and confidentiality must be respected. However, there are limits to preserving confidentiality, some of which are outlined by the legal obligations of mandatory reporting. This means that students must be informed from the outset about these limitations. UJEB staff cannot promise unconditional confidentiality in some instances. 

UJEB staff express this by: 

• Explaining their mandatory reporting responsibilities to teens where appropriate.  
• Documenting all private interactions between UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors and participants.

• Student and Guardian Communication Log

• Avoiding any undue invasion of privacy when collecting information about participants and that confidentiality is protected. 
• Ensuring individuals who are not UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors do not have access to teens’ personal information.

• Not sharing any personal information or details of students with other organisations.

Principle 1.7 – Professional relationships with parents, guardians and carers

UJEB  staff maintain a professional relationship with parents, guardians and carers. UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors must understand that in some circumstances, particularly being Jewish and working in a Jewish community organisation, maintaining professional relationships with parents and carers can at times be difficult. 

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by: 

• Respecting the privacy of students and their families.
• Portraying UJEB in a positive light.
• Being respectful of, and courteous to, all stakeholders. 
• Communicating and consulting with parents / carers in a timely and sensitive manner. 
• Using appropriate communication methods with parents / carers when discussing the wellbeing of a student.
• Taking appropriate action when responding to parent / carer concerns.
• Documenting communications with parents should the need arise.

Principle 2 – Personal Conduct 

Principle 2.1 – Professional conduct outside of the work environment

Although there is no definitive boundary between the personal and professional conduct of UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors, are required to reflect community expectations in their leadership.

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by:

• being positive role models while engaged in UJEB activities, in the community and online. 
• respecting and complying with the law.
• not exploiting their position for inappropriate, personal or financial benefit.
• ensuring their personal or financial interests do not interfere with the performance of their duties.
• acting with discretion and maintaining confidentiality in all communications regarding workplace issues.
• being aware of the potentially serious impact that any demonstration of intolerance or prejudice could have on the safety and wellbeing of students.
• being aware that they are representing UJEB when interacting with the community and striving to be positive representatives.
• refraining from engaging in activities that are contrary to UJEB’s ethos.

Principle 2.2 – Collegiality

Collegiality is an integral part of the work of UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors in UJEB programs and events.  

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by: 

• Treating each other with courtesy and respect. 
• Valuing the input of their colleagues.
• Using appropriate forums for constructive debate on professional matters.
• Sharing expertise and knowledge in a variety of collaborative contexts.
• Respecting different approaches to leading.
• Providing support for each other, particularly those new to UJEB.
• Sharing information to support the wellbeing and safety of students.

Principle 3 – staff/ volunteers/ contractors expectations 

Principle 3.1 – Promotion of UJEB’s ethos 

UJEB staff have a responsibility to be positive role models and must behave in a way that promotes the ethos of UJEB. 

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors express this by:

• dressing appropriately for the occasion.
• avoiding lewd and derogatory language.
• avoiding demonstrating or encouraging risky or dangerous behaviour.
• expressing a positive passion towards Jewish practice.
• communicating with respect and availability. 
• positively and equally encouraging all students to participate.

Principle 3.2 – Unacceptable practice

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors are expected to act professionally and appropriately with and in the presence of students in UJEB programs. 

Committing any of the following is not only condemned by UJEB, but can have legal ramifications.  

• Invading the privacy of young people when they are toileting, showering, changing or dressing.
• Inappropriate physical or sexually provocative games.
• Making sexually suggestive comments.
• Touching of any form.
• Scape-goating or ridiculing a student.
• Allowing inappropriate, foul, sexualised or discriminatory language to remain unchallenged.
• Any form of physical punishment.
• Use or the presence of drugs.
• Use of alcohol during an event.
• Bullying of any form, including name calling or constant criticism.
• ‘Picking on’ a young person because of their family background, manner of dress or physical characteristics.
• Racism, sexism or sectarianism of any form.
• Favouritism and exclusion – all young people should be equally supported and encouraged.
• Abusive language or gestures. 

Principle 3.3 – Reporting abuse 

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors may find themselves in situations where they witness or experience instances of bullying, harmful behaviour towards others or abuse. 

A situation like this may be:

• an incident of unprofessional conduct by another staff member towards a student or students.
• a student behaving disrespectfully or inappropriately. 
• bullying between students.
• inappropriate behaviour of carers. 
• an incident of antisemitism.
• possible abuse towards a student. 

If any person associated with UJEB believes a child is in immediate risk of abuse, they must telephone 000.

In an event of a student behavioural issue staff should refer to the UJEB Student Behaviour Policy

Mandatory reporting

UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors, if not  VIT registered, are not legally mandatory reporters. UJEB does, however, have a procedure to ensure that UJEB fulfils its duty of care  to its students.  The procedure is as follows:

1. Any suspected abuse must be reported to the relevant program manager.
2. The program manager will then convey that report to the Executive Principal who will in turn bring it to the attention of the President of UJEB. 
3. The Executive Principal or President are then responsible  to communicate their action and any resolution to both the program manager and the UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors. 
4. The UJEB staff/ volunteers/ contractors, who reported the incident, and the program manager have the right to know the progress of the report and if not satisfied can seek advice from the relevant authorities.

Legislation

In Victoria there are a range of legislative requirements relating to child safety, including:

• Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic);
• Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic);
• Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic);
• Crimes Act 1958 (Vic); and
• Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic).

UJEB’s Commitment to Child Safety

UJEB is a community organisation committed to providing the highest quality formal and informal Jewish education to Jewish students outside the Jewish day school system. UJEB’s purpose is to provide the building blocks for a connected Jewish life for students of government and independent non-Jewish schools. By attending UJEB’s programs students develop a lifetime of knowledge and skills in a dynamic educational environment which ensures their ability to participate in Jewish communal life.

UJEB aims to ensure that future generations of Jewish students understand, and connect to, their heritage, their culture and their history. UJEB’s commitment to the principles of child safety, empowerment and inclusion are inculcated in our mission, values, policies and procedures. UJEB practises zero tolerance in relation to child abuse. 

UJEB is committed to developing and maintaining a culture that prioritises the safety of children and where children always feel valued and listened to. UJEB encourages active participation from parents/guardians/carers based on a partnership approach and shared responsibility for children’s health, wellbeing and safety.  

UJEB embraces the moral and legal responsibility to ensure all children are safe in its care and that the responses are timely, effective and supportive for children who are at risk of abuse and/or harm as outlined in the UJEB Child Safety Policy.

Duty of Care

UJEB staff will ensure a safe and supportive environment for its participants and avoid exposing students to physical, psychological or emotional harm or injury. They will assess risk and manage the safety of all activities. The planning of all UJEB activities will include a risk assessment. All UJEB staff will be familiar with the risk assessment document before embarking on the activity.