Child Protection Code of Conduct

Synergy Effect staff and all parties undertaking business on behalf of Synergy Effect that involving working or contact with children are expected to adhere to the following behaviours while they are performing those duties:

• Treat all children with respect;

• Do not use language or behaviour towards children that is inappropriate, harassing, abusive, sexually provocative, demeaning or culturally inappropriate;

• Do not engage children under the age of 18 in any form of sexual intercourse or sexual activity, including paying for sexual services;

• Wherever possible, ensure that another adult is present when working near children;

• Do not invite unaccompanied children into private residences unless they are at immediate risk of injury or in physical danger;

• Do not sleep close to unsupervised children unless absolutely necessary, in which case the supervisor’s permission must be obtained and ensuring that another adult is present if possible (noting that this does not apply to an individual’s own children);

• Never use any computers, mobile phones, video cameras, cameras or social media to exploit or harass children, or access child exploitation material through any medium;

• Do not use physical punishment on children;

• Do not hire children for any labour (including domestic duties) which is inappropriate given their age or developmental stage; which interferes with their time available for education and recreational activities; or which places them at significant risk of injury;

• Always comply with all relevant Australian and local legislation including labour laws in relation to child labour;

• Immediately report concerns or allegations of child exploitation and abuse and policy non-compliance in accordance with appropriate procedures below;

• Immediately disclose all charges, convictions and other outcomes of an offence that relates to child exploitation and abuse, including those under traditional law, which occurred before or occurs during association with Synergy Effect;

• Be aware of behaviour and avoid actions or behaviours that could be perceived by others as child exploitation and abuse. These behaviours are not intended to interfere with normal family interactions.

When photographing or filming a child or using children’s images for event related purposes:

• Take care to ensure local traditions or restrictions for reproducing personal images are adhered to before photographing or filming a child;

• Obtain informed written consent from the child and parent or guardian of the child before photographing or filming a child. An explanation of how the photograph or film will be used must be provided;

• Ensure photographs, films, videos and social media present children in a dignified and respectful manner and not in a vulnerable or submissive manner. Children should always be adequately clothed and never in poses that could be seen as sexually suggestive;

• Ensure images are honest representations of the context and the facts;

• Ensure file labels, meta data or text descriptions do not reveal identifying information about a child when sending images electronically or publishing images in any form;

Synergy’s partners must use this Child Protection Code of Conduct and embed those behaviours into their existing policies and processes.

Training

All staff are to undergo initial training provided online by The Code.  Please see http://www.thecode.org/e-learnings-login/.  Your manager will provide log in details.  You are to advise your manager on completion of each module.

Reporting

These guidelines explain Synergy’s child protection reporting requirements. It is mandatory for all Synergy Effect staff and event partners to immediately report any suspected or alleged case of child exploitation, abuse or policy non-compliance by anyone within scope of this Child Protection Policy in connection with official duties or events. All reports should be made to compliance@synergyeffect.com.au