We are committed to providing a platform that is safe for all children where child abuse and harm are not tolerated. Child protection is a priority for Alumnly and the prevention and reporting of abuse is supported and encouraged. All staff, volunteers and contractors are responsible for promoting the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children. Alumnly recognises that the rights of the child are paramount and children should be treated with dignity and respect.
This Code of Conduct sets expectations for how staff, volunteers, contractors and users of the Alumnly platform at Alumnly should behave in relation to children. This helps children participate safely on our platform and have enjoy their user experience.
Alumnly is an online platform which enables communication and interaction between alumni networks, so having behavioural standards to manage the risks to children is important. This Code of Conduct identifies positive child safe behaviours that we ask staff, volunteers, contractors and users of the Alumnly platform to demonstrate. It also identifies behaviours that we consider unacceptable and not permitted on the Alumnly platform.
Not following standards of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is a breach of this Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action and/or reporting of any illegal or inappropriate conduct to the relevant legal authorities. Some behaviours on their own may not be a serious breach of the Code of Conduct but together may indicate a concerning pattern of behaviour that poses a risk to the safety of children.
All Alumnly staff, volunteers, contractors and users of the Alumnly platform must always follow these standards of behaviour, including when using, posting content or engaging with other alumni on the Alumnly platform:
I WILL:
- take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse
- take disclosures of harm or abuse made by a child seriously
- raise concerns with Alumnly if risks to child safety are identified. Report and act on any concerns or observed breaches of this Code of Conduct
- (in the case of employees of Alumnly) participate in all compulsory training and professional development including training on child safety and wellbeing
- treat all children and young people with respect, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, cultural background, financial situation, disability or other characteristics
- make Aboriginal children and families feel included and welcome on the Alumnly platform and support Aboriginal children to express their culture and enjoy their cultural rights
- never be racist towards anyone on the Alumnly platform and report any instances of racism I become aware of
- help Alumnly to be a platform where people of all cultures feel safe and included
- listen to children and respond to them if they feel unsafe
- value children and young people’s ideas and opinions
- promote friendships and encourage children and young people to support their peers
- involve children and young people in decisions about the activities they participate in on the Alumnly platform and welcome the participation of parents and carers in these decisions
- respect the privacy of children and their families, including keeping all personal information confidential unless required by law to share it
- ensure breaches of this Code are reported to our Child Safety Person immediately
- comply with all relevant Australian and Victorian legislation and our child safe policies and procedures
- uphold the rights of the child and always prioritise their needs.
I WILL NOT:
- condone or participate in illegal, unsafe, abusive or harmful behaviour towards children – this includes physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, grooming, neglect or sexual misconduct
- ignore or disregard any concerns, suspicions or disclosures of child abuse or harm
- exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues
- use hurtful or offensive behaviour or language with children
- fail to report information to police if I know a child has been abused
- persistently criticise and/or denigrate a child
- share pornographic images through the Alumnly platform
- share details of sexual experiences with a child
- use sexual language when interacting with children on the Alumnly platform
- develop ‘special’ relationships with specific children or show favouritism through the provision of gifts or unnecessary or unsuitable attention
- have unauthorised contact with children and young people online, on social media or by phone
- take photographs, screenshots or share images of children involved in activities that are not authorised by Alumnly
If I suspect that this Code of Conduct has been breached by another person in the organisation:
I WILL:
- act to prioritise the best interests of the child or children
- promptly take actions to ensure the child or children are safe
- as soon as possible report the incident or concerns using the Alumnly complaints process
- maintain the privacy of those involved, following Alumnly record keeping, privacy and information sharing guidelines.
Complaints about a breach of this Code of Conduct must be reported to our Child Safety Person, Prashaant. Prashaant can be conducted on +61 3 5221 6994, or via email: support@alumnly.com.
Some breaches of this Code of Conduct may need to be reported to the Victorian Police, or to the Commission for Children and Young People.
Staff and volunteers who breach our Code of Conduct may also be subject to disciplinary action. This can include increased supervision, appointment to an alternative role, suspension or termination from the organisation.
PLEASE NOTE:
If any person in a position of authority within our organisation becomes aware of a substantial risk that a child may become the victim of a sexual offence committed by an adult associated with the organisation (for example, an employee, contractor or volunteer), and they have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, then they must take all reasonable steps to do so. A person in authority who negligently fails to take appropriate action to address the risk may be charged with the criminal offence of ‘failing to protect’ and may face a term of imprisonment.
If an adult reasonably believes a sexual offence has been committed by an adult against a child under the age of 16, they must report it to Victoria Police by calling 000 or going to their local police station. Failure to disclose the information may be a criminal offence.