Code of Conduct

for Staff, Volunteers, and Students

Last Updated: 16/07/2025

Introduction

Salisbury DJ Academy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all staff, volunteers, and students. This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for behaviour and professional standards to ensure the highest levels of safety, respect, and professionalism. It applies to all activities on and off academy premises, including online learning and communication.

1. General Principles

• Everyone must act with integrity, respect, and professionalism at all times.

• We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, and providing a learning environment free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.

• All individuals must comply with all applicable UK laws and academy policies, including safeguarding and health and safety regulations.
  
  

2. Expectations for Staff and Volunteers

Professionalism

• Maintain clear professional boundaries with students, other staff members and volunteers at all times.

• Avoid any behaviour or actions that could be perceived as favouritism, bullying, exploitation, or grooming.

• Behave in a manner appropriate to a professional educational environment.

• Refrain from smoking and vaping indoors, in front of students and immediately before or during sessions when students are on site.

• Always use the designated smoking areas (if available) and ensure third party venues smoking policies are followed at all times.

Safeguarding and Welfare

• Be vigilant for signs of abuse or neglect and report any concerns immediately in line with academy safeguarding procedures.

• Never be alone with a student (under the age of 18)  in a private setting unless absolutely necessary and agreed upon under academy safeguarding protocols.

• Do not initiate or engage in inappropriate behaviour, verbal or physical contact.

Communication

• Use respectful and appropriate language in all interactions, including online and on social media.

• Refrain from sharing personal contact details or forming personal relationships with students (under the age of 18) outside the academy context.

Equality and Respect

• Treat everyone fairly and with respect, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or belief.

• Support an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and celebrated.

3. Expectations for Students

Behaviour

• Treat staff, volunteers, fellow students, and academy property with respect at all times.

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.

• Refrain from using offensive or abusive language.

• Refrain from smoking and vaping on site at all times.

Safety and Legality

• Do not engage in any illegal activities on or off academy premises.

• Comply with all health and safety rules and listen to instructions from staff and volunteers.

Attendance and Participation

• Attend scheduled lessons, workshops, and events punctually & as agreed.

• Participate actively and positively in all learning activities.

• Report any sickness or absences from booked sessions at the earliest opportunity - Failure to do so may result in your absence being recorded as unauthorised and your fee for that session will be forfeited.

4. Safe Online Learning and Use of the Internet and Social Media

General Guidelines

• Online sessions must be conducted using academy-approved platforms and follow the same standards as in-person lessons.

• Students should join online sessions punctually and from a suitable environment (e.g., a quiet, private space) and dress appropriately.

Behaviour Online

• Maintain respectful and professional communication at all times during online learning or when interacting in academy-related social media groups.

• Do not record, screenshot, or share any online sessions or content without explicit permission from the academy and those involved.

Privacy and Safety

• Do not share personal contact information (such as personal email, phone numbers, or home addresses) in online spaces or on social media.

• Protect personal passwords and accounts; do not share login details with anyone else.

Social Media

• Staff and volunteers should not accept friend or follow requests from students (under the age of 18) on their personal social media accounts.

• Students must not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or view/share harmful or explicit content.

• Any academy-related social media activity should reflect the academy’s values and uphold its reputation at all times.

Reporting

• Any inappropriate online behaviour, cyberbullying, or safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a member of academy staff immediately.

5. Unacceptable Behaviour

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include (but are not limited to):

• Physical or verbal aggression.

• Any form of bullying or harassment (including online).

• Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances or underage alcohol consumption.

• Theft or damage to academy, third party or personal property.

• Inappropriate or sexualised behaviour.

• Misuse of online platforms or social media to harm others or bring the academy into dis-repute.

6. Consequences of Breaching the Code

Breaches of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including:

• Verbal or written warnings.

• Suspension or permanent exclusion from the academy (students) & forfeiture of any fees paid for booked sessions.

• Termination of contract or volunteering role (staff and volunteers).

• Referral to the police or other statutory agencies where appropriate.

7. Reporting Concerns

If you witness or experience behaviour that does not comply with this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to report it promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a member of staff. Reports will be handled sensitively and in line with academy policies.

8. Agreement

All staff, volunteers, and students are required to read, understand, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct before engaging in academy activities.

Additional Notes

This Code of Conduct aligns with:

• UK Equality Act 2010 (equal opportunities and anti-discrimination

• Children Act 1989 and 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance (safeguarding responsibilities)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance

• UK Online Safety guidance from the Department for Education