Professional Boundaries Policy

Effective from 4th November 2024

Purpose

To set what is and is not acceptable behaviour by Code Your Future community members. Please read alongside the Code of Conduct and our Values and Working Principles.

Clear boundaries help to develop trusting relationships. Learners and trainees tell us they learn much better in a safe space.

Boundaries help to develop professionalism and consistency. For example, boundaries should clarify differences in relationships. Such as the difference between befriending someone as part of CYF and in a social sense. 

The first example is a professional relationship. The second is a more personal relationship. Boundaries can help reduce stress by separating CYF activities from private lives. 

If you are a learner or trainee at CodeYourFuture, practising professional boundaries will prepare you for your tech career, as professional boundaries are recommended in many workplaces. 

Definitions

Boundaries are the lines that separate professional from non-professional relationships. If somebody crosses a boundary, the relationship moves from being professional to personal.

Professional boundaries are the limits to the relationship of community members. These allow for a safe connection between the parties, offering protection to all.

We understand sometimes these lines may blur. For instance, somebody you meet at Code Your Future could become a close friend. If that is consensual, on both sides, then that is OK. This policy does not apply to any disagreements as friends. 

‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’

These outline what community members need to consider during their time with CYF. We have provided information on why the activity crosses boundaries. As well as possible exceptions where the activity may be permissible.

Do: Challenge others when somebody has crossed a boundary. Remember to challenge the person’s action rather than the person themselves. Focus on the specific behaviour that caused the problem. If you feel uncomfortable, or there is a breach of the Code of Conduct, report it to a member of staff. If you witness somebody crossing a boundary, please report it.

Your own personal information

Do: Keep your own information safe.

Don’t: Disclose any personal information that you are not comfortable sharing.

Other People’s Information

Do: Respect people’s rights to have their personal and sensitive data held in confidence. Handle people’s personal and sensitive data as you would want your own to be.

Don’t: Give out personal information about other community members.

You will be in breach of the data protection act and may place a vulnerable person at risk of harm. You may also damage the trust in your relationships with other community members.

Remember: It may be necessary to override the above. This could be due to legal proceedings, safeguarding concerns or if someone is at risk of harm. Please contact the Community Safety team for more information.

Social Media

Do: Consider who from CYF you allow on your personal social media accounts. Think about the implications to your role with CYF with what you write on social media.

Don’t: Use CYF social media accounts to share or spread inappropriate content. Nor to take part in any activity that could bring the charity’s name into disrepute. Do not share political posts on Code Your Future social media.

Borrowing/Lending

Do: Adopt caution when lending to or borrowing from other community members.

Don’t: Borrow or lend money to/from community members, particularly to cover CYF expenses. CYF cannot reimburse expenses into a friend or family member’s bank account. Nor can somebody make a claim on behalf of another community member.

Buying/Selling

Don’t: Buy goods for another community member with their money or credit card.

This could lead to allegations of financial abuse. It also removes choice and control from individuals.

Alcohol and Drugs

Don’t: Take part in CYF activities, under the influence of non-prescribed drugs or alcohol.

Certain social events may allow alcohol consumption in modest amounts.

Concerns

If you have any queries about this guidance, contact the Community Safety Team.

If you are aware of a breach of this policy, please discuss it with a member of staff.