Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct

Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct

1. Purpose and Scope

This Code of Conduct outlines the behavioral expectations for all employees, volunteers, contractors, and representatives of The Guild of Jewellery Designers. Its purpose is to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) and to protect staff from false accusations by promoting transparency.

2. Personal Conduct & Integrity

W commit to treating every child with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their gender, race, religion, disability, or background. We will:

• Act as a positive role model.

• Respect a child's right to privacy.

• Be aware of the power imbalance between myself and the children I serve.

3. Mandatory Behavioral Rules

The "Never" List (Prohibited Actions)

• Physical: We will never engage in any form of sexual activity with a child (defined as anyone under 18), regardless of local "age of consent" laws. We will never use physical punishment or aggressive touch.

• Privacy: We will never be alone with a child in a private or unobserved space (the "Two-Adult Rule").

• Digital: We will never communicate with a child through private social media accounts, personal phone numbers, or gaming platforms.

• Financial: We will never provide individual children with money, personal gifts, or special favors that could be perceived as "grooming."

• Media: We will never take photos or videos of children without formal organizational and parental consent.

The "Always" List (Required Actions)

• Visibility: We will ensure all interactions with children occur in open, visible environments.

• Transparency: We will inform my supervisor of any pre-existing personal relationships with a child or their family.

• Reporting: We will report any concern, suspicion, or allegation of abuse immediately to the Child Safeguarding Lead.

4. Use of Technology

• All digital communication must be for professional purposes only.

• We will not store images of children on personal devices (phones, laptops, cloud storage).

• We will not access or share sexually explicit or inappropriate content in the presence of children or using organizational equipment.

5. Duty to Report

We understand that silence is complicity. If I witness a colleague violating this Code, or if a child discloses abuse to us, we are professionally and ethically bound to report it according to the Guild of Jewellery Designers reporting procedure.