Our behaviour agreement

We work collaboratively to make sure that everyone knows what is expected of them and feels safe, respected and valued. This includes Offset staff, freelancers, volunteers and the 25s we work with. This agreement outlines behaviour that is essential from all of us in making this happen and sets out what will happen if there is inappropriate behaviour.  It also applies to behaviour that takes place outside of Offset and behaviour that takes place online.

We also work to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this agreement in order to:

  • encourage cooperation, honesty, fairness and respect

  • create an environment where everyone’s self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence will grow

  • encourage everyone to recognise and respect the rights of others

  • encourage everyone to take responsibility for their own behaviour

  • agree acceptable and unacceptable behaviour

  • help resolve conflicts and decide what will happen if someone chooses not to follow the agreement.

We will all:

  • be supportive, friendly and kind to each other

  • listen to each other

  • treat everyone with respect

  • take responsibility for our own behaviour

  • follow this agreement and other rules (including the law)

  • enjoy our time working with together!

No one will:

  • be disrespectful to anyone

  • bully other people (online or offline)

  • behave in a way that could be intimidating

  • be abusive towards anyone.

  • This agreement helps make sure that everyone gets the support they need.

    If someone behaves in a way that doesn’t follow the agreement, we’ll start with a conversation. This gives them the chance to think and to plan how they could behave differently.

    If they continue not to follow the agreement after this conversation, or if their behaviour is more serious, a record will made of what happened and parents/carers will be contacted, if it is appropriate. A conversation about what happened and what support might be needed to improve the behaviour in the future will take place. Next steps will be agreed together.

    If the support put in place doesn’t help their behaviour to change, a final warning may need to be given. Again, this will be recorded and parents/carers will be informed, if it is appropriate. There may be a discussion about other services that might be more able to give them the support they need and next steps will be agreed together.

  • If someone becomes concerned that another person’s behaviour suggests they might be in need of protection, or that they might present a risk of harm to others, our child protection procedures will be followed. This might involve making a referral to the local authority. If child protection procedures are necessary, we will will discuss this with the individuals involved and their parents/carers as appropriate, unless doing so would put them in danger or interfere with a police investigation.

If you have a concern or worry

If you have a concern, please talk to Offset’s Directors, Tara Page or Victoria Gibb, straight away. If you are in immediate danger, you should contact the police on 999.

If your concern is about Offset’s Directors, you can contact:

Childline

You can talk to Childline about anything. It’s free, confidential and no problem is too big or too small. Through Childline, anyone under 19 can access a range of support including information and advice; online and telephone counselling; peer support message boards; and therapeutic tools.

You can contact them:

Milton Keynes Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

The MASH has a core team of representatives from Children’s Social Care, police, health and adult safeguarding. They receive information from professionals and members of the public raising concerns or requesting advice or support.

You can contact the MASH by:

More Support

Online safety

The online world provides many opportunities however it can also present risks and challenges. We aim to support those working with us to use the internet, social media and mobile phones in a way that keeps them safe and shows respect for others. The following links provide relevant information and advice on topics such as socialising online safely and reporting harmful content.

Thinkuknow - www.thinkuknow.co.uk

UK Safer Internet Centre – www.saferinternet.org.uk

Childline - www.childline.org.uk

Bullying

Bullying includes a range of abusive behaviour that is repeated and intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally. This can happen face to face or online. Everyone has a role to play in preventing all forms of bullying and putting a stop to bullying. The following links offer information and support including overcoming bullying and how to stop bullying others.

Ditch The Label - www.ditchthelabel.org

Childline - www.childline.org.uk

Mental Health

We take a number of approaches to safeguarding the mental health & wellbeing of ourselves and the young people we work with. You can read more about Offset’s culture here. The following organisations can offer support if you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing.

Young Minds -  www.youngminds.org.uk

The Mix - www.themix.org.uk

Ditch The Label - www.ditchthelabel.org

Childline - www.childline.org.uk

These resources listed are for information only. Though every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Offset Projects cannot accept responsibility for changes to details made by other organisations.