Staff Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

This Staff Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for professional behaviour and safer working practice at The Independent School of Jakarta (the School). It applies to all adults working with or on behalf of the School and reflects English statutory safeguarding guidance as a model of best practice within an international context.

The policy supports a culture of safeguarding, transparency and accountability and must be read alongside the School's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Whistleblowing Policy, Behaviour Policy, and Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.

2. Policy Aims

This policy aims to:

• safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils
• confirm and reinforce the professional responsibilities of staff
• provide clear guidance on appropriate conduct and professional boundaries
• reduce the risk of harm to pupils and of false allegations against staff
• ensure compliance with English statutory safeguarding expectations

3. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all staff working for or on behalf of the School, whether paid or unpaid. This includes:

• employees
• governors and board members
• volunteers
• contractors and peripatetic staff

All staff are required to comply with this Code of Conduct and to report concerns in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

4. Guiding Principles

All staff must:

• place the welfare and safety of pupils above all other considerations
• act in accordance with their position of trust
• maintain professional boundaries at all times
• treat pupils with dignity, respect and fairness
• model appropriate behaviour
• be familiar with and follow safeguarding procedures
• know the identity and contact details of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs

Staff must never use their position to intimidate, bully, humiliate, coerce or exploit pupils.

5. Additional Principles for Teachers

Teachers must:

• meet the professional standards applicable to their role
• maintain high standards of teaching and classroom management
• provide balanced and impartial teaching, particularly where political or controversial issues arise
• maintain appropriate behaviour inside and outside school
• uphold public trust and confidence in the School

6. Staff–Pupil Relationships and Positions of Trust

Sexual conduct

Staff must not:

• engage in any sexual activity or relationship with a pupil
• make sexual comments, jokes or remarks
• engage in sexually suggestive communication
• discuss their own sexual relationships with pupils

Sexual relationships with pupils constitute a serious breach of trust and may result in dismissal and referral to external agencies. Sexual activity with pupils under 18 is a criminal offence.

Inappropriate relationships

Forming inappropriate relationships with pupils at this or any other school is unacceptable and may constitute gross misconduct, regardless of the age of the pupil.

7. General Conduct and Professional Behaviour

Staff must:

• act honestly and with integrity
• follow all school policies and procedures
• maintain appropriate professional relationships with colleagues, parents and pupils
• avoid behaviour that may bring the School into disrepute

Use of school property

School property must be used responsibly and only for authorised purposes.

Outside employment

Staff must not undertake outside employment during term time without the prior written consent of the Academic Director.

8. One-to-One Working and Meetings with Pupils

Where one-to-one working is necessary, staff must:

• inform the DSL in advance where this is a regular requirement
• use rooms with visibility or keep doors open
• avoid unnecessary physical proximity
• keep sessions time-limited and purposeful
• record and report any concerns

Pre-arranged meetings outside school and home visits require parental consent and DSL approval.

9. Language, Dress and Appearance

Language

Staff must:

• use respectful, age-appropriate language
• avoid sarcasm, humiliation or derogatory comments
• avoid over-familiarity

Dress

Staff must dress professionally and in accordance with the Staff Handbook. Clothing must not be revealing, offensive or display political or discriminatory messages.

10. Use of Reasonable Force and Physical Restraint

The use of reasonable force is permitted only where necessary to prevent harm, damage or serious disruption and must always be proportionate.

All incidents involving physical restraint must:

• be reported immediately to the Academic Director or DSL
• be recorded in writing
• be communicated to parents where appropriate

11. Physical Contact in Other Circumstances

Physical contact may be appropriate where necessary for:

• instruction (e.g. PE, music)
• first aid
• comfort of a distressed pupil

Such contact must be:

• appropriate, minimal and justified
• explained to the pupil
• recorded where it gives rise to concern

12. Contact Outside of School

Staff should avoid unnecessary contact with pupils outside school. Staff must not:

• give lifts without approval
• invite pupils to their homes without DSL consent
• meet pupils socially outside authorised school activities

Any unavoidable contact must be recorded and reported.

13. Communication with Pupils and Use of Technology

All communication with pupils must:

• be professional and transparent
• use school-approved platforms and equipment
• comply with the Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

Staff must not:

• communicate with pupils via personal social media accounts
• share personal contact details without approval

14. Photographs, Videos and Images of Pupils

Images of pupils may only be taken where:

• parental consent is in place
• the purpose is clear and appropriate
• images are stored securely

Images must never be taken secretly or in one-to-one situations.

15. Gifts, Rewards and Hospitality

Staff must:

• declare gifts over an agreed nominal value
• decline gifts that could be perceived as inducements

Rewards must be part of an agreed and transparent system.

16. Low-Level Concerns and Allegations Against Staff

Low-level concerns

In line with KCSIE, all staff are encouraged to report low-level concerns about adult behaviour that may not meet the threshold for an allegation but could indicate a risk.

Low-level concerns must be reported to the DSL or Academic Director and will be recorded, reviewed and addressed appropriately.

Allegations against staff

All allegations that a member of staff may have harmed a child or behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk will be managed in accordance with the School's Allegations Management Procedure and safeguarding policy.

17. Obligations, Reporting and Enforcement

Compliance with this policy is a contractual requirement. Breaches may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal, and referral to external agencies where required.

Safeguarding concerns will be investigated regardless of resignation or termination of employment.

This policy is reviewed annually and reflects the School's commitment to safeguarding and safer working practice.