Code of Conduct for Leaders

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1. Purpose 

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all leaders who work with, or on behalf of, Second Saintfield Presbyterian Church.  Its purpose is to ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk who participate in church life.  All leaders and helpers must read, understand, and agree to follow this Code as a condition of their role.

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2. Core Principles 

All leaders must: 

    • Prioritise the welfare and protection of children and adults at risk

    • Treat every person with respect, fairness, and dignity 

    • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries 

    • Act with integrity, honesty, and accountability 

    • Follow the church’s safeguarding policies and procedures 

    • Promote an environment that is safe, inclusive, and free from harm 

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3. Expected Behaviour 

Leaders must: 

    • Use language that is respectful, encouraging, and appropriate 

    • Model positive behaviour and attitudes 

    • Challenge unsafe or inappropriate behaviour 

    • Ensure activities are well-planned, supervised, and risk-assessed 

    • Report safeguarding concerns immediately to the individuals detailed in the Safeguarding Children Procedures and Adult Safeguarding Procedures for the congregation. 

    • Report concerns directly to statutory authorities where appropriate 

    • Respect privacy while recognising that confidentiality cannot be promised in safeguarding situations 

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Leaders must not: 

    • Use physical punishment, intimidation, or degrading treatment 

    • Engage in shouting, humiliation, or bullying 

    • Use sexualised language, jokes, or behaviour 

    • Show favouritism or form exclusive relationships

    • Give alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances to children or adults at risk

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4. Physical Contact 

Physical contact must always be: 

    • Appropriate, non-intrusive, and in response to a genuine need 

    • For reassurance, safety, or practical assistance only 

    • Avoided where possible, especially in one-to-one situations

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Leaders must never: 

    • Touch someone in a sexual or intrusive manner 

    • Engage in rough physical play 

    • Initiate unnecessary physical contact 

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5. One-to-One Situations 

To reduce risk leaders should: 

    • Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk 

    • Keep doors open or meet in visible, accessible areas 

    • Inform another worker if a private conversation is necessary 

    • Ensure parents/carers are aware of pastoral meetings involving children Leaders must not: 

    • Invite a child or adult at risk to their home alone 

    • Meet privately in a vehicle unless unavoidable and recorded 

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6. Digital and Online Conduct 

Leaders must: 

    • Use only approved church communication channels 

    • Keep communication transparent, professional, and purposeful 

    • Copy parents/carers into messages to children 

    • Obtain written consent for photos or videos 

    • Store and share digital media securely 

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Leaders must never: 

    • Engage in private messaging with children 

    • Send or respond to inappropriate content 

    • Post images of children without consent 

    • Use personal social media to build private relationships  

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7.  Transporting Children or Adults at Risk 

Leaders must: 

    • Obtain parental/carer consent 

    • Ensure another adult is present where possible 

    • Follow all safety laws, including seatbelt use 

    • Record any unavoidable one-to-one transport situations

    • Ensure they have insurance cover 

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Leaders must not: 

    • Offer lifts in exchange for favours 

    • Transport individuals without prior permission 

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8. Gifts, Favouritism, and Boundaries 

Leaders must: 

    • Maintain professional boundaries 

    • Treat all individuals fairly and consistently 

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Leaders must not: 

    • Give personal gifts without approval 

    • Accept expensive or inappropriate gifts 

    • Form exclusive, secretive, or dependent relationships 

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9. Responding to Concerns or Disclosures 

Leaders must: 

    • Listen calmly and without judgement 

    • Reassure the person they have done the right thing 

    • Record the concern factually and promptly 

    • Report immediately to the Designated Person, Adult Safeguarding Champion or Minister 

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Leaders must not: 

    • Promise confidentiality 

    • Investigate or confront the alleged abuser 

    • Delay reporting 

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10. Breaches of the Code 

Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in: 

    • Suspension from duties 

    • Disciplinary action by the Kirk Session 

    • Referral to statutory authorities where necessary

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Adopted by Kirk Session: 

Date: 30th June 2026

Date for review: on or before June 2029

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