Inclusion, Respect and Code of Conduct Policy

Purpose. This policy sets the standard of behaviour for everyone at the hub and explains how the hub makes sure every person is welcome, respected and safe, including children and young people.

1.Our commitment

The hub will welcome everyone regardless of age, gender, culture, language, religion, disability or background. Everyone will be treated with respect and patience, especially people who are learning something new. Discrimination, bullying and harassment are not accepted.

2.Code of conduct

Staff, learners and volunteers must be honest, polite and reliable, arrive on time for shifts and classes, follow the procedures for their area and ask for help when they are unsure. Everyone must keep other people's information private and must not use alcohol or drugs while at the hub.

• Be on time and let your coordinator know if you cannot come
• Speak respectfully to customers, visitors and each other
• Follow the procedure and ask if you are unsure
• Keep personal information private
• Report anything unsafe or unkind

3.Child safety

The hub is a child safe organisation and must meet the Victorian Child Safe Standards. Staff and volunteers who work with children or young people under 18 must hold a Working with Children Check. Any concern about the safety of a child must be reported to the Centre Manager the same day, and the Centre Manager will report to the authorities as the law requires.

4.Language and access

The hub will use plain language in signs, forms and notices and will provide interpreters or bilingual volunteers where it can. Rooms, toilets and the cafe are accessible, and the hub will make reasonable adjustments so that people with disability can learn, work and volunteer.

5.Dealing with difficult behaviour

Where a visitor, learner or customer is aggressive or distressed, workers must stay calm, keep a safe distance, call the coordinator and never argue or touch the person. The person will be asked to leave if the behaviour continues and the incident recorded in the Incident and Hazard Register.

6.Complaints and breaches

Anyone who feels this policy has been broken will be able to tell any coordinator or the Centre Manager, in person or in writing. The hub will respond within five working days. Breaches by staff or volunteers will be dealt with under the hub's disciplinary process and the Fair Work Act 2009.