Conduct outside work
Chaperones working with children and young people have a responsibility to maintain public confidence in their ability to safeguard the welfare and the best interests of children and young people. It is expected that they will adopt high standards of personal conduct in order to maintain the confidence and respect of the public and all those they work with.
There may be times, for example, when an adult behaviour or actions in their personal life come under scrutiny from local communities, the media or public authorities. This could be because their behaviour is considered to compromise their role as chaperone and their suitability to work with children and young people. Misuse of drugs, alcohol, social media or acts of violence would be examples of such behaviour. Chaperones looking after children and young people should understand and be aware that safe practice involves using judgement and integrity about behaviours in places other than the work setting.
The behaviour of a chaperone's partner or family member may raise similar concerns. We would consider carefully whether there may be a potential risk to the children and the young people that the chaperone has responsibility for.
Chaperones should always consider whether their actions are safe, warranted, proportionate and applied equitably.
This means that chaperones should:
- be aware that behaviour in their personal lives may impact upon their role as a chaperone
- understand that behaviour and actions of their partner, or other family members, may raise questions about their suitability to continue their role as chaperone
- be vigilant in maintaining their privacy and mindful of the need to avoid placing themselves in vulnerable situations
- be mindful of the need to maintain professional boundaries
- refrain from asking children and young people to undertake personal jobs or errands