1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct describes the standards of behaviour expected across Hagan Institute of Leadership (HIL). It applies to Board members, staff, facilitators, mentors, guest speakers, volunteers, interns, contractors and partner representatives when acting on behalf of HIL, and — in section 8 — to programme participants. It should be read alongside our Safeguarding Policy and Governance Policy.

2. Our core standards

Everyone who represents HIL is expected to demonstrate:

• Integrity — honesty in word and action, and consistency between what we teach and how we behave.
• Respect — treating every person with dignity, courtesy and fairness.
• Responsibility — doing what we say we will do, owning our mistakes and putting them right.
• Care — putting the safety and wellbeing of participants first.
• Excellence — preparing well, delivering well and continuing to learn.
• Accountability — welcoming feedback and accepting appropriate oversight.

3. Working with young people

Adults working with children and young people on behalf of HIL must:

• Follow the Safeguarding Policy at all times;
• Maintain clear professional boundaries and avoid favouritism;
• Avoid being alone with a child out of sight of others;
• Communicate with under-18s only through HIL-approved channels, with parents or guardians included or informed;
• Never use language, humour or behaviour that is sexual, demeaning, threatening or discriminatory;
• Never use physical punishment or humiliation as discipline;
• Never give gifts, money or personal favours to individual participants outside HIL-approved arrangements;
• Never photograph or film participants on personal devices without authorisation and consent;
• Never supply or permit alcohol, tobacco or drugs in connection with any programme.

4. Professional conduct

• Arrive prepared, punctual and appropriately dressed for the setting.
• Deliver content that is accurate, respectful and consistent with the HIL Model.
• Do not bully, harass, intimidate or discriminate against anyone, whether participant, colleague or partner.
• Do not work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Use HIL resources, materials and funds only for legitimate HIL purposes.

5. Integrity & conflicts of interest

Representatives of HIL must avoid situations where personal interests could improperly influence decisions, disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest promptly, and never offer, request or accept bribes or improper benefits. Gifts or hospitality that could compromise independent judgement must be declined or declared, in line with the Governance Policy.

6. Information & confidentiality

Personal information about participants, families and colleagues must be handled confidentially and only for legitimate purposes, in line with our Privacy Policy and Data Protection policy. Confidential information must never be used for personal advantage or shared without authority. Safeguarding concerns are the exception: they must always be reported.

7. Representing HIL

Only authorised persons may make public statements or commitments on behalf of HIL. On social media and in public, representatives should take care not to present personal views as HIL positions, and must not use HIL’s name, logo or materials for unauthorised purposes.

8. Participant conduct

HIL programmes are places of learning, respect and safety. We ask every participant to:

• Treat fellow participants, facilitators and hosts with respect;
• Participate honestly and wholeheartedly in activities and reflection;
• Follow the instructions of facilitators and supervisors, especially during service activities;
• Respect the privacy of others, including not recording or sharing images of others without permission;
• Refrain from bullying, harassment, discrimination, violence or any unsafe behaviour;
• Tell a facilitator if they or anyone else feels unsafe.

Where a participant’s behaviour puts others at risk or seriously disrupts a programme, HIL may, after informing parents or guardians where the participant is under 18, ask the participant to leave the programme.

9. Raising concerns

Anyone who believes this Code has been breached should raise it through our Complaints & Feedback process, or — for anything affecting the safety of a child — immediately under the Safeguarding Policy. Concerns raised in good faith will be protected from retaliation.

10. Breaches

Breaches of this Code will be taken seriously and addressed proportionately. Depending on the circumstances, outcomes may include guidance, additional supervision, removal from a programme or role, termination of an engagement or agreement, and referral to the relevant authorities. No person’s seniority, status or relationship with HIL places them above this Code.