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Code of conduct

This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure everyone who takes part in the Cambridge Access Programme gets the most out of the experience, knows what is expected of them, and feels safe and respected during all online elements of the Programme, and if applicable, the one day visit. All mentees must sign up to the expectations outlined in the Code of Conduct in order to confirm your participation in the Programme.

Failure to meet the expectations outlined below will result in an individual being removed from the Programme (see below for more information).

During the Cambridge Access Programme, you should:

• Treat all participants, Mentors, other volunteers and staff with respect.
• Engage with your mentor weekly, and attend webinars and seminars where possible.
• Take responsibility for your own behaviour.
• Talk to your Mentor and/or SU staff member about any thing that worries or concerns you.
• During the one day visit, treat College facilities with respect and ensure they are left in a clean and tidy condition.
• Follow this code of behaviour and other rules (including the law and Cambridge SU and University Policies).
• Use the accounts assigned to you to participate in the Cambridge Access Programme only for the purposes of the scheme.
• Report any concerns about inappropriate or abusive behaviour, including use of inappropriate language, discrimination, harassment or bullying to Cambridge SU at www.cambridgesu.co.uk/safeguarding

Behaviours during the Cambridge Access Programme:

• Do not be disrespectful, harass, use inappropriate language or behaviour, bully or behave in a way that could be intimidating to anyone else, including your Mentor or any other volunteers/staff member.
• Do not contact your Mentor or any other volunteer on the Programme outside of the platforms specified for use in the Cambridge Access Programme.
• Do not share your contact or social media details, or details of any other participant or volunteer, including full names.
• Do not comment on social media posts relating to the Cambridge Access Programme
• Do not share details of how to access Cambridge Access Programme events or activities to allow others who are not participating to access events themselves.
• Do not cause deliberate damage to College or University facilities if attending the one day visit. 

What happens if I break this Code of Conduct?

• Minor or first-time incident
  • If you behave in a way that doesn't follow our Code of Conduct, our staff and volunteers will remind you about it and ask you to change your behaviour.
  • This gives you the chance to think and to plan how you could behave differently, with support from SU staff.
• Formal warning
  • If you continue not to follow the Code of Conduct after your first reminder, or if your behaviour is more serious, you will be given a formal warning by SU staff.
  • A record will be made about what happened and inform your school and parents, guardians or carers if it is inappropriate. The SU staff member will also talk with you about what happened and agree what support you need to improve your behaviour moving forward.
  • We might also decide that further steps should be taken, such as restricting you from further participation in the Programme.
• Final warning
  • If the support we have put in place isn't helping you to change your behaviour, we might need to give you a final warning. Again, this will be recorded and we'll inform your school and parents, guardians or carers as appropriate.

If the behaviour is more serious it may result in your immediate removal from the Cambridge Access Programme.

Child protection procedures

If any member of staff or volunteer becomes concerned that your behaviour suggests you might be in need of protection or that you might present a risk of harm to others, they will follow our child protection procedures. This might result in a referral to the local authority.

If child protection procedures are necessary we will talk this through with you and your parents or guardians as soon as possible, unless doing so would put you in danger or interfere with a police investigation.

If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct please email access@cambridgesu.co.uk