Staff & Volunteers Code of Conduct

Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and requires all staff and volunteers[1] to honour Sport and Special Olympics Mission and Philosophy. All Special Olympics GB staff and volunteers are required to demonstrate high standards of personal and professional conduct, adhere by Special Olympics GB policies and procedures and agree to observe the following code:

Respect for Others

  • I will respect the rights and dignity of all involved Special Olympics.
  • I will treat everyone equally regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or ability.
  • I will be a positive role model at all times setting good examples of behaviour and conduct.

Ensure a positive experience for all

  • I will ensure time spent with Special Olympics GB and its members is positive.
  • I will respect the ability, goals and achievements of each member of staff, volunteers and the athletes/unified partners.
  • I will be fair, considerate and honest with all staff, volunteers, athletes and unified partners and communicate using, clear language that everyone can understand.
  • I will use independent interpreters or signers where possible and necessary

Act professionally and take responsibility for my actions

  • My language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation will demonstrate high standards.
  • I will display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved including athletes, unified partners, coaches, opponents, officials, families/carers, spectators, media, etc).
  • I will encourage all staff,volunteers and athletes/unified partners to demonstrate the same qualities.
  • I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics GB at training sessions or during competition or whilst I have duty of care for any Special Olympics GB athlete or unified partner.
  • Physical restraint will not be used unless there is reason to think that they pose a risk to themselves or others.
  • Where possible I will avoid, the time spent out of sight/alone with a child or vulnerable adult.

Personal Conduct (outside of Special Olympics GB activity)

  • I will not engage in any conduct outside of Special Olympics GB which could damage the reputation and standing of the organisation. In particular, criminal offences that involve violence or possession or use of illegal drugs or sexual misconduct.
  • I will exercise caution when using information technology and be aware of the risks to myself or others.
  • I will comply with Special Olympics GB’s policies and guidance on data protection (LINK)
  • I will not engage in inappropriate use of social media (please refer to the Special Olympics GB Social Media policy LINK) sites which may bring myself or the organisation into disrepute.

My Responsibilities as a Head Coach and/or Coach (where appropriate)

  • I will seek continual improvement of my athletes through performance evaluation and ongoing coach education.
  • I will ensure each athlete/unified partner competes in events that challenge their potential and are appropriate to their ability.
  • I will be knowledgeable about the Special Olympics Sports Rules and skills of the sport(s) I coach.
  • I will provide a planned training programme for my athletes.
  • I will follow the Special Olympics, the International Federation and the National Federation/Governing Body rules for my sport(s).
  • I will ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry of an athlete/unified partner into any event.
  • I will instruct each athlete/unified partner to perform to the best of their ability at all preliminary and final competition in accordance with the Special Olympics Sports Rules.

Safeguarding & Welfare

  • I will uphold my duty to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and be alert to any indicators of abuse.
  • I will adhere by Special Olympics GB’s Vulnerable Adults and Child Protection Policies & Procedures
  • I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes/unified partners and others, including verbal, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
  • I will report any concerns immediately to the designated Safeguarding & Welfare Officer within my Special Olympics GB club or in their absence, to the Special Olympics GB National Safeguarding & Welfare team.
  • In an emergency I will contact the out of hours Social Care Team or The Police.
  • If the designated Safeguarding & Welfare Officer/s are unavailable, I will make appropriate referrals to statutory agencies (Children’s Social Care, or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in the area where a child lives (https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council directs you to your local children’s social care contact number or for Adult Social Care (please visit your local area adult social care website for contact details).
  • If I have concerns about the conduct of any member of Special Olympics GB, I will refer the concern to the Special Olympics GB Chief Executive and consult Special Olympics GB’s Managing Allegations statement.

Health & Safety

  • Report all incidents or accidents that occur during Special Olympics GB activity plus any outside of that activity if there is a potential threat to the health, safety, welfare and well-being of registered athletes, unified partners, volunteers, coaches, officials, family members plus any paid personnel who are fulfilling a role on behalf of the organisation.
  • I understand that I have to show a Duty of Care towards all for whom I am responsible.
  • I will ensure that the equipment and facilities are safe to use, risk assessed with appropriate control measures (LINK).
  • I will ensure that the equipment, rules, training and the environment are appropriate for the age and ability of the children and vulnerable adults for whom I am responsible.
  • I will review each Special Olympics GB athlete's/unified partners health information & medical form particularly prior to a competition and be aware of any limitations on their participation noted.
  • I will advise athletes/unified partners and where appropriate, volunteers to seek medical advice when required.

Confidentiality

  • Where I have access to confidential information I will share it only on a ‘need to know’ basis in order to protect a child or vulnerable adult or the public at large. I will never promise to keep secrets when safety or safeguarding issues are divulged.

Acknowledgment

I, the undersigned, have read and understand the Staff & Volunteers Code of Conduct herein and understand, that if I breach this Code of Conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from Special Olympics GB.

Please use BLOCK capitals:

Full Name
Date
Signature
S.O. Club/Region
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION NO. (please insert ONLY if already registered) / V: ______

Please return this page either by email scanned or with digital signature to:

OR;

Please print this page only, sign and return to: Special Olympics GB, National Volunteer Office, Jeffersons Business Centre, 6 South Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9AA

DATA PROTECTION

The information given in this form will be kept by Special Olympics GB in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Special Olympics GB may, from time to time, make this information available to a third party to enable us provide you with the information, service or goods you need. Such a third party would be either an international Special Olympics programme, or an organisation endorsed by and authorised to act on behalf of Special Olympics GB.

Page 1 of 3Staff & Volunteer Code of Conduct last updated: 210916

[1] Staff & Volunteers refers to anyone providing a service to the charity regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid (Special Olympics GB employees, athletes, unified partners, coaches, volunteers, officials)