“The duty which rests on an organisation or individual to make sure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of any person involved in any activity for which that organisation or individual is responsible” (Amans, 2008). Therefore I shall complete a Code of Conduct that I will adhere to throughout my practice, which is set out below based on Bartlett, K. & Stenton, C. (2009).
Code of Conduct:
- Professional Competence
As a teacher and artist within the dance community, I strive to bring the best training and teaching possible to participants of all ages and abilities. My responsibilities are to all stakeholders involved in my practice, to provide high standards in every aspect of my company. This includes the profession and the people within it. Every class I provide will be taught to the best of my ability, as I commit to continuous training and development, in order to keep increasing standards. I will always remain within the outlined legislative frameworks and government directives.
- I occupy the skills, training and knowledge needed to provide my chosen range of classes
- I understand my professional competence, am clear of the boundaries and will remain within them throughout my work
- I am honest and open when displaying my experience and qualifications
- I practice in a skilled manner and ensure I am competent to engage in the work I do
- I will complete ongoing training to improve my skills, knowledge and abilities
- I stay informed of any developments, training, legislation or agendas which may affect my work
- I take it upon myself to help people understand what I do
- I will always follow the required health and safety legislation
- I will always work to provide equal opportunities and follow all appropriate human rights acts.
- Responsibility
As a teacher and artist within the dance community I will present myself and my work as being open, dependable, genuine and consistent. This will be continued in my professional relationships. I shall conduct my work in a responsible and thorough manner. I wish to give credit to community dance, my employers and participants.
- I will commit to what I say I will do, and take full responsibility for this
- All relationships, including business and professional, will be consistent and conducted in a sincere and open manner
- I will collaborate and work in a cooperative manner with all stakeholders to maintain effective communication and smooth running of the company
- The aims and outcomes of my work will be outlined, along with who I will be working with, where and how; this will be prepared through relevant research and discussion
- Any support needed will be outlined in advance to ensure efficiency
- All relevant paper work required by my employers and colleagues will be provided in good time
- Fee’s are relevant and appropriate for the work I conduct
- In my absence guest teachers will be informed thoroughly about the session and have appropriate levels of competence
- I am always on time or give good notice if this is not possible
- The context of my work is always taken into consideration when thinking about my appearance and behaviour
- Feedback from all stakeholders is encourages to ensure continued quality within my work
- I improve my work and performance through reflection
- With regard to health and safety, equal opportunities and human rights, I will complete all requirements.
- Safety
As a teacher and artist in the dance community, the mental and physical well being of my participants is of high concern. I will ensure the best environment is obtained to encourage enjoyment throughout classes. All statutory and legal requirements will be complied with, in order to safeguard my own and others’ legal, civil and human rights.
- I ensure I am informed of any statutory or legal requirements relevant to my work
- I will outline all professional responsibilities and liabilities in relation to my work
- I will comply with the current legislative framework and current safe dance practice guidelines in all activities
- Policies, processes, roles and responsibilities will be confirmed with employers in advanced to ensure all classes are delivered in a safe manner
- I provide relevant insurance to comply with statutory requirements affecting health and safety
- I have DBS disclosure and understand legal obligations when working with children and vulnerable people
- I have relevant insurance from an accredited broker
- Risk assessments are carried out prior to each class and managed accordingly
- I will do everything in my power to keep participants health, safety and well-being at the highest standards
- If I cannot do work safely I will not continue and report to the appropriate person
- Participants are encouraged to be responsible for their own welfare, behaviour and actions
- I maintain a safe environment by completing required monitoring, record keeping and reporting with relation to consent and confidentiality
- Integrity of relationships is maintained with set, agreed and clear personal boundaries.
- Working with people
As a teacher and artist in the dance community, I will maintain the dignity of all participants and recognise them as independent and equal. I aim to enhance individual experience by supporting diversity. I do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, national or social origin or other status.
- I am sensitive in encouraging participants to share experiences, abilities and interests
- I acknowledge and respect individual differences, perceptions and needs allowing them space and time
- I share ownership of the dance activity, encouraging feedback, input and contributions
- I encourage individuals to be independent in decision making and choices
- The language used can be understood by all participants and is culturally appropriate
- I respect and acknowledge the position, experience and expertise of other specialists and support staff
- I am aware of, and am able to take responsibility for my own well-being, and encourage other people to take responsibility for their behaviour and relationships with others.
- Commitment to the Code of Conduct
The code of conduct sets out what you can expect of me as a teacher and artist in the dance community. If you feel that I have not fulfilled this code in spirit or action, I will commit:
- I will do my utmost to listen, reflect and respond to feedback appropriately
- If there are any concerns I will have an open and constructive discussion
- I will review and change where appropriate, my actions, behaviours and conduct, and take responsibility.
Bibliography
Amans, D. (2008) An Introduction to Community Dance Practice, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. 51 – 60.
Bartlett, K. and Stenton, C. (2009) Definitions, core values and a code of conduct for community dance. Animated the community dance magazine; winter, 35-38.