Staff & Host Family Code of Conduct

This policy is to give a distinction between acceptable behaviour and otherwise and to establish a set of standards that we expect from all those who represent WHG.

The relationship between students and staff at WHG is very important. Our LG and Head Office staff are here to guide and support students through their education and time in the UK.

WHG acknowledge that along with a duty of care towards students, we hold a duty of care to all staff employed by us. Any allegations of unprofessional or improper conduct will be investigated fully and impartially.

WHG promotes inclusivity and values diversity. It also seeks to ensure that the work environment for its employees is supportive, and one where individual respect is shown to all. All members of staff and students, regardless of their gender, race, ethnic background, culture, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, age, religion, socio-economic status or any other factor will be supported.

Trust is paramount to the relationship between staff, host families and students. Students should feel comfortable that they can approach WHG staff and rest in our host families with ease.

WHG staff and host families will be fair and transparent to the students entrusted in their care. This is to ensure that students can approach them with anything and to promote their safety and welfare.

AS a WHG member of staff or host family, you have been entrusted to support and protect the students under your care. We expect the same level positive level of care that you would show to your own children.

Professional Judgement is applying your knowledge, skills, and experience, informed by professional standards, laws and ethical principals, to develop an opinion or decision about what should be done to best serve clients.

To apply this, WHG expects the highest possible standards of professionalism in how our staff and home stays interact with students and each other. This may be how we speak with our students, how we dress, being mindful of your responsibility and ensuring the students privacy. Staff and host families should respect the students rights to privacy, most importantly in the students bedroom and when using the bathroom.

There may be times that students are transported in the LG or host family’s car. Please ensure that students always wear a seatbelt.

If any host family or member of staff receives a gift from a student, this is a wonderful gesture of thanks. Please ensure that any high value gifts are declared to WHG.

In the interests of security, employees must carry their ID badges whilst visiting School and host families. Each Id badge has a photo and name of the Local Guardian.

Being a professional outfit, WHG expects staff to speak with care and consideration both internally and externally. At no point should staff use language that could

WHG has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Drinking alcohol with students is forbidden and should be limited to times outside of normal duties.

WHG does not have a dress code for Local Guardians, although we ask that if visiting schools, staff dress appropriately. WHG t-shirts and jumpers are available from Head Office.

WHG will need to receive written confirmation that a student can be included in photos. This will be for marketing purposes only, such as good news stories and pupil achievements. WHG staff must not post photos of students on any social media networks or online in the public domain.

When in a school, please request permission to take any photos as policies will differ from school to school.

There are occasions when it is entirely appropriate and proper for staff to have physical contact with pupils, but it is crucial that they only do so in ways appropriate to their professional role. Staff should, therefore, use their professional judgement at all times.

Staff should not have unnecessary physical contact with pupils and should be alert to the fact that minor forms of friendly physical contact can be misconstrued by pupils or onlookers.

A member of staff can never take the place of a parent in providing physical comfort and should be cautious of any demonstration of affection.

Physical contact should never be secretive, for of the gratification of the adult, or represent a misuse of authority. If a member of staff believes that an action could be misinterpreted, the incident and circumstances should be recorded as soon as possible, the Designated Safeguarding Lead informed and, a copy placed on the pupil's file.

Any physical restraint is only permissible when a child is in imminent danger of inflicting an injury on himself/herself or on another, and then only as a last resort when all efforts to defuse the situation have failed. Another member of staff should, if possible, be present to act as a witness. All incidents of the use of physical restraint should be recorded in writing and reported immediately to Head Office who will decide what to do next.

Physical punishment must never be used on any student for any reason whatsoever.

Staff working in one to one situations with children and young people are more vulnerable to allegations. Staff should recognise this possibility and plan and conduct such meetings accordingly. Every attempt should be made to ensure the safety and security needs of both staff and pupils are met.

Staff should:

Staff are reminded that it is a criminal offence for a person aged 18 or over to have a sexual relationship with a child under 18 where that person is in a position of trust in respect of that child, even if the relationship is consensual.

All staff should be working in compliance with all WHG Policies.

If you are concerned by the way you or someone may have acted in the presence of a student, please contact a DSL +44 3458 686 688

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Policy Updated
13^thOctober 2022

Policy Review Date
1^stOctober 2023