Why we have a behaviour code

This code of behaviour is there to make sure everyone who takes part in Aurum Autism Support’s activities and events including, but not limited to, staff, trustees, volunteers, attendees and speakers as well as parents/carers, know what is expected of them so that all can experience a safe, inclusive and respectful environment, whether the activities are in
person or online.

This code of behaviour aims to:

• identify expected and unacceptable behaviour
• encourage cooperation, honesty, fairness and respect
• create an environment where self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence will grow
• prioritise the privacy and safety of children and adults at risk
• encourage all to recognise and respect the rights of others
• encourage all to take responsibility for their own behaviour
• help resolve conflicts and make it clear what will happen if anyone does not follow the code.

Aurum Autism Support will ensure that everyone taking part in our activities and events has seen, understood and agreed to follow the code of behaviour, and that they understand what will happen if their behaviour does not meet our expectations. We expect people who take part in our services to display appropriate behaviour at all times.

Expected behaviour

You should:

• be supportive and kind to others
• be inclusive of other group members during activities
• listen to others
• be helpful
• be courteous
• treat everyone with respect, being mindful that people have diverse needs
• adhere to activity or safety instructions from our staff team
• respect physical and virtual boundaries
• take responsibility for your own behaviour
• talk to your group lead about anything that worries or concerns you
• follow this code of behaviour and other rules (including the law)
• join in as much as you can and have fun!

You shouldn’t:

• be disrespectful to anyone else
• bully other people
• behave in a way that could be intimidating, including use of language that may be discriminatory, offensive or inappropriate
• be abusive towards anyone.
• take photographs or videos of anyone at Aurum Autism Support groups or events.

What happens if I do not follow the code of behaviour?

This code of behaviour is part of our process for making sure everyone who takes part in our activities gets the support they need.

Minor or first-time incident

• If you behave in a way that doesn’t follow our code of behaviour, our team will remind you about it and ask you to change your behaviour.
• This gives you the chance to think and to plan how you could behave differently, with support from our team.
   

Formal warning

• If you continue not to follow the code of behaviour after your first reminder, or if your behaviour is more serious, you will be given a formal warning by your group lead.
• They will make a record about what happened (and inform your parents or carers if you are under 18 and it is appropriate to do so). They will also talk with you about what happened and agree what support you need to improve your behaviour in the future.
• We might also decide that further steps should be taken, such as restricting you from taking part in some activities.

Final warning

• If the support we have put in place isn’t helping you to change your behaviour, we might need to give you a final warning. Again, this will be recorded (and we’ll inform your parents or carers if you are under 18 and if it is appropriate to do so).
• At this point, we might need to talk with you (and your parents or carers) about other services that might be more able to give you the support you need.

Safeguarding procedures
If any member of our team becomes concerned that your behaviour suggests you might be in need of protection or that you might present a risk of harm to others, they will follow our safeguarding policy (and child protection procedures if you are under 18). This might involve making a referral to the local authority. If this is necessary, we will talk this through with you (and your parents if you are under 18) as soon as possible, unless doing so would put you in danger or interfere with a police investigation.

The role of parents and carers for under 18s
We see parents and carers as important in encouraging positive behaviour and will involve them as appropriate. We will always inform and involve your parents or carers if you receive a formal warning about your behaviour, unless doing so would put you in danger.

Who should I talk to if I need help?
The best person to talk to would be your Group Lead, or one of the other team members at your group. They will help guide you or raise the issue as necessary with other members of the team or group.