This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all staff, coaches, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Grit & Growth when delivering activities involving children and young people.

All adults involved in Grit & Growth activities must read, understand, and follow this Code of Conduct.

Our Commitment

1. Everyone working with Grit & Growth must:

• Put the welfare of the child first
• Act as a positive role model
• Treat all children and young people with respect, fairness, and dignity
• Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment

2. Professional Behaviour

Staff and coaches must:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Use respectful, age-appropriate language
• Be punctual, prepared, and suitably dressed for sessions
• Follow all safeguarding, health & safety, and risk assessment procedures
• Challenge poor behaviour in a calm, constructive manner

Staff must never:

• Use aggressive, humiliating, or discriminatory language
• Shout, threaten, or use sarcasm towards young people
• Show favouritism or single out individuals unfairly

3. Physical Contact

Grit & Growth recognises that appropriate physical contact may be necessary in strength & conditioning coaching. Any physical contact must be:

• For a clear coaching or safety purpose
• Explained before it happens
• With the young person’s consent
• Kept to a minimum
• Conducted in an open environment where possible

Physical contact must never:

• Be secretive
• Cause discomfort or distress
• Be used as punishment

4. Communication & Social Media

Staff and coaches must:

• Communicate with young people only through approved channels, via their parents
• Copy parents/carers or relevant adults where appropriate
• Maintain professional boundaries online

Staff must never:

• Communicate privately with young people via personal social media accounts
• Send inappropriate messages, images, or content
• Request or accept young people as “friends” on personal accounts

5. Equality, Inclusion & Respect

All children and young people must be treated equally regardless of:

• Ability
• Gender
• Race
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Background or circumstances

Bullying, discrimination, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated.

6. Safeguarding Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers must:

• Be familiar with Grit & Growth’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Never promise confidentiality to a child
• Record concerns accurately and promptly
• If a child is at immediate risk, emergency services must be contacted.

7. Photography & Media

Staff must:

• Only take photos or videos where consent has been provided
• Use images respectfully and professionally
• Never use personal devices unless authorised

8. Use of Facilities & Equipment

Staff must:

• Ensure equipment is safe and appropriate
• Follow agreed risk assessments
• Supervise young people at all times during sessions
• Report any safety concerns immediately

9. Breaches of the Code of Conduct

• Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in:
• Removal from sessions
• Disciplinary action
• Referral to safeguarding or statutory authorities where appropriate
• Serious concerns will be managed in line with safeguarding procedures.

10. Acceptance of the Code

All staff, coaches, and volunteers working with Grit & Growth must agree to follow this Code of Conduct as a condition of involvement.