Our relationships, our responsibilities
Code of Ethics
Ethical practice begins with how we treat people.
This code sets out the principles intended to guide our relationships with young people, families, carers, students, colleagues and partner organisations.
Respect, Dignity & Individual Choice
We respect each person’s experiences, preferences and aspirations. We support meaningful participation in decisions affecting care, learning and wellbeing, listening to the individual’s voice and recognising their right to be treated with dignity.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We promote fair treatment and challenge discrimination. We recognise cultural differences, disabilities, communication needs and individual circumstances, and seek to make our interactions inclusive rather than expecting everyone to engage in the same way.
Confidentiality & Responsible Information Handling
We respect privacy and handle personal information responsibly, sharing it only for an appropriate purpose and through appropriate channels. Confidentiality has limits where safeguarding concerns or applicable legal obligations require information to be shared; these limits should be explained clearly.
Safeguarding & Duty of Care
We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our responsibilities include recognising concerns, reporting them through established procedures and responding appropriately, rather than overlooking signs that someone may be at risk.
Professional Boundaries
We maintain appropriate relationships and do not use our roles to exploit others. We recognise the power and responsibility involved in supporting or teaching someone, and identify and manage conflicts of interest transparently.
Competence, Supervision & Continuing Development
We work within the limits of our training, experience and role. We seek appropriate supervision, maintain and develop our knowledge, and involve or refer to other professionals when a person’s needs fall beyond our competence or responsibilities.
Person-Centred & Collaborative Practice
We listen to individuals and agree meaningful goals rather than making assumptions about what matters to them. We work with families, carers and relevant professionals where appropriate, respecting consent, confidentiality and the person’s participation in decisions.
Integrity in Education & Communication
We describe programmes, qualifications, services and professional credentials accurately. We communicate clearly about assessment, placement requirements and the recognition of awards, without implying an endorsement, professional status or outcome that has not been confirmed.
Accountability & Raising Concerns
We encourage feedback and take ethical concerns seriously. We aim to respond respectfully, without dismissive or punitive treatment, and to learn from concerns raised. Our contact page provides a starting point for asking a question or requesting the appropriate route for a concern.
Questions and concerns deserve to be heard.
Use our contact page to raise an ethical question or ask how to share a concern appropriately. Do not send detailed clinical histories or sensitive documents in an initial enquiry.