Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct defines the standards of behaviour expected of everyone participating in STEM Camp programs and activities. It applies to all STEM Camp employees, contractors and volunteers engaged in child-related work, as well as children and their parents/guardians, to ensure that every interaction upholds respect, professionalism, safety, and a supportive learning environment.

1.1 Who this Code Applies To

This Code applies to everyone participating in STEM Camp programs and activities, including:

STEM Camp officers, employees, contractors and volunteers (STEM Camp staff).
Children enrolled in STEM Camp programs and activities.
Parents and legal guardians of enrolled children, when interacting with STEM Camp staff and participants.

1.2 Activities Covered

This Code applies to (but is not limited to) the following activities:

Educational excursions and tours to museums, science centres, events, camps, and public or private institutions.
Transport and supervision of children to and from base and learning venues.
Workshops, demonstrations, and science experiments.
Online or digital learning environments (when applicable).
Any photography, media, or promotional content involving children (with prior parental/guardian consent only).

2. Staff & Volunteer Code of Conduct

2.1 Duty of Care

All STEM Camp staff and volunteers have a legal and moral duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to children. Everyone is responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.

2.2 Expected Standards

All STEM Camp staff and volunteers must:

Treat every child with respect, fairness, dignity, and courtesy.
Use positive, encouraging, age-appropriate language and a calm, respectful tone.
Listen actively and value children’s opinions and contributions.
Act as positive role models at all times.
Maintain clear professional boundaries and allow appropriate personal space.
Ensure at least two (2) adults are present during all group activities wherever practicable.
Follow all supervision, transport, communication, and safety rules set out in STEM Camp policies.
Be vigilant for any actual and potential inappropriate behaviour, misconduct, bullying, or safety issues.
Immediately report any suspicion, disclosure, or allegation of child abuse to the Program Director.
Respect confidentiality and privacy, only sharing information with those who need it to perform their role.
Wear approved STEM Camp identification or uniform when on duty.
Use internet and mobile devices for work-related purposes only when on duty.
Explain behavioural expectations to children at the start of each program.
Empower children to look after themselves and their peers, including encouraging them to speak up about safety concerns.
Comply with all STEM Camp policies and procedures, including the Child Safety Policy, Child Safety Commitment Statement, Privacy Policy and this Code.

2.3 Prohibited Conduct

STEM Camp staff and volunteers must never:

Insult, criticise, threaten or name-call a child or parent/guardian.
Use inappropriate, discriminatory or offensive language, or jokes or discussions of a sexual nature.
Engage in any form of bullying, humiliation, or emotional abuse.
Engage in physical punishment, rough handling, or violent behaviour (including hitting, kicking, slapping or pushing).
Kiss or touch a child in a sexual or otherwise inappropriate manner.
Have one-on-one unsupervised contact with a child where it can be reasonably avoided.
Develop personal relationships with children outside official STEM Camp activities.
Exchange personal contact details, gifts, or social media connections with children.
Contact children directly outside of work through personal phone, email or social media.
Consume alcohol or drugs before or while supervising or transporting children.
Wear inappropriate or revealing clothing when on duty.
Photograph or film children without written consent from parents/guardians for approved STEM Camp purposes.
Use personal mobile phones or cameras for non-work purposes while supervising children.
Leave children unattended or leave a child alone with a single adult where it can be reasonably avoided.
Ignore or fail to report any suspicion, disclosure, or reasonable concern regarding child harm or abuse.

2.4 Breach of Conduct

Breaches of this Code will be treated seriously. Possible consequences include:

Formal or informal warnings.
Additional training or increased supervision.
Suspension or termination of employment, engagement, or volunteering.
Reporting concerns to the Department of Communities and/or Western Australia Police.

3. Child Safety Framework

3.1 Creating a Safe Environment

STEM Camp maintains a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment through proactive planning and continuous supervision. We ensure that:

All staff hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) before commencing work.
Children are not left unattended or placed in unsupervised one-on-one situations with an adult where avoidable.
Behavioural expectations are clearly explained to children at the start of each program.
Children feel empowered to protect themselves and others and are encouraged to raise safety concerns.

3.2 Supervision and Contact

Supervision arrangements must ensure:

At least two (2) adults are present during all group activities where practicable.
Staff avoid unnecessary physical contact unless required for safety or first aid.
Private conversations with children take place within line-of-sight of another adult.
No staff member transports a child alone in a vehicle.

If a child requires first aid, staff will:

Provide care in the presence of another adult where practicable.
Document the incident as soon as practicable.
Notify parents/guardians as soon as practicable.

3.3 Expected Behaviour of Participants

STEM Camp has zero tolerance for bullying and persistent unacceptable behaviour.

We promote positive behaviour through encouragement, clear expectations, and role modelling. We expect all participants (children) to:

Be respectful and courteous, treating others as they would like to be treated.
Communicate respectfully: no swearing, yelling, name-calling, hurtful language, emotional violence, or threats.
Refrain from violence or aggression, including hitting, kicking, slapping, pushing, or intimidation.
Avoid any behaviour with a sexual element that is unwelcome, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to others (including unwelcome physical contact, sexual comments, or jokes).
Listen to and follow instructions from STEM Camp staff and venue partners.
Respect others’ personal property and STEM Camp/venue property and equipment.
Respect the environment (no littering or damage to plants or natural surroundings).

At the start of each program, groups are advised of STEM Camp’s zero tolerance policy on bullying and serious misbehaviour. Children are encouraged to speak to staff or tell their parents/guardians if they experience or witness bullying or unsafe behaviour.

We also expect parents/legal guardians to model respectful behaviour when interacting with STEM Camp staff and participants.

3.4 Disciplinary Steps for Children

If a child does not meet expected behavioural standards, remedial steps may include:

Verbal reminder of expectations and clear warning.
Temporary removal from an activity or “time-out” in a supervised area.
Contacting the parent/guardian if behaviour persists or endangers others.
Suspension or removal from the program.
Refusal of enrolment in future programs.

Unacceptable disciplinary responses by staff include physical punishment, verbal abuse, ridicule, humiliation, discrimination, or exclusion.

3.5 Managing Online Interaction

When online communication is part of a program, STEM Camp will ensure that:

Only official STEM Camp email accounts or approved platforms are used.
Private direct messaging with children outside of group forums is not permitted.
Staff do not connect with children via personal social media accounts.
Photos or videos used in online materials have prior written parental/guardian consent.

3.6 Identifying and Responding to Risk

All staff must remain alert to:

Unusual behaviour or signs of distress in a child.
Inappropriate relationships or possible grooming behaviours.
Unsafe environmental conditions (venues, vehicles, or weather).
Bullying, exclusion, or peer aggression.

All staff and volunteers must complete child safeguarding training. Any concern must be reported immediately to the Program Director and documented using the Incident Report Form.

4. Photography & Media

4.1 Purpose

This section ensures that any photography, filming, or use of children’s images for educational or promotional purposes is handled ethically, respectfully, and lawfully.

4.2 Parental Consent

No photograph, video, or recording of a child will be taken, published, or shared without prior written consent from a parent or guardian. Parents/guardians may withdraw consent at any time in writing.

4.3 Use of Images

Images may only be used for:

Internal: Educational documentation, reporting to parents/guardians, and internal STEM Camp materials.
External: STEM Camp promotional materials, social media, or website content.

All imagery must portray children in a safe and positive learning context.

4.4 Storage and Retention

All digital files are stored in secure cloud drives with restricted access. Photographs and videos are retained only as long as reasonably necessary for their purpose and are then securely deleted, unless further consent is granted.

5. Complaints

5.1 Principles

Complaints and incident reports concerning STEM Camp staff are managed in a fair, confidential, and supportive manner. Children and parents are encouraged to voice concerns without fear of retribution.

5.2 Complaints Pathway

The complaints process generally includes:

Complaint (verbal or written) received and reported to the Program Director.
Investigation conducted, with all relevant parties given the opportunity to provide their version of events.
Outcome decided and communicated to all concerned parties.

Possible outcomes may include:

Reinforcing or clarifying relevant policies.
Offering a credit or other remedy where appropriate.
Reviewing and updating policies and procedures.

6. Child Safety Reporting

The safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all participating children is STEM Camp’s priority. Staff receive training to identify and respond to indicators of child abuse.

6.1 Process for Reporting Child Abuse

Where there is any concern or reasonable belief of child abuse:

Any reasonable belief or concern of child abuse is reported immediately to a STEM Camp staff member.
If the concern involves a staff member, it must be reported directly to the Program Director.
STEM Camp will notify parents/guardians when a concern relates specifically to their child, unless advised otherwise by authorities.
Reports are made to relevant external authorities where required.
Where there is a reasonable belief of child abuse, neglect, or grooming, reporting must be made to:
- Department of Communities – Child Protection and Family Support
- Western Australia Police (Triple Zero) – where there is immediate danger to a child

6.2 STEM Camp’s Approach to Reporting

STEM Camp’s approach includes the following commitments:

All persons are encouraged to report concerns about child safety.
People making reports in good faith will be supported by STEM Camp and their concerns taken seriously.
If a concern is made against a staff member, STEM Camp will take steps to ensure the child’s safety (e.g. removing the person from shifts, reassigning duties, closer supervision during any investigation).
If a concern is made against a participant, STEM Camp may take disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from programs.
STEM Camp will cooperate with directions from relevant authorities during investigations.
STEM Camp will maintain a register of concerns regarding inappropriate conduct.

6.3 Process for Staff Receiving Reports

When a staff member receives a report or disclosure, they must:

Find a private and safe place to talk with the child or person making the report.
Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling you and explain that you must share the information with someone who can help.
Not conduct their own investigation; concerns must be referred to appropriate authorities.
Record the concern as soon as possible in an Incident Report Form and notify the Program Director promptly.

7. Disciplinary Matters (Staff & Volunteers)

7.1 Principles

This section outlines disciplinary actions applicable to STEM Camp staff and volunteers for breaching this Code of Conduct. Disciplinary matters will be managed in a fair, confidential, and supportive manner.

7.2 Disciplinary Process

The disciplinary process generally includes:

All concerned parties will be given the opportunity to provide their version of events.
The Program Director (or delegate) will decide on appropriate outcomes.
Outcomes will be communicated to all concerned parties.

Depending on the nature and seriousness of the incident, outcomes may include:

Reinforcing relevant policies and expectations.
Additional education, training, or coaching.
Closer supervision or change of duties.
Termination of employment or engagement.
Not re-engaging the person in future.
Reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
Reporting to external authorities where required by law.

8. Work Health and Safety (WHS)

8.1 Purpose

This section ensures that STEM Camp provides and maintains a safe and healthy working and learning environment in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and associated regulations.

8.2 WHS Commitments

STEM Camp is committed to:

Providing a safe workplace that prevents injury and illness.
Identifying, assessing and controlling risks to health and safety.
Consulting and communicating with staff and volunteers on WHS matters.
Ensuring all individuals understand their safety responsibilities.
Complying with relevant WHS laws, standards and codes.

8.3 Responsibilities

Management will:

Provide safe systems of work and maintain safe equipment and environments.
Conduct regular risk assessments and safety inspections.
Ensure staff and volunteers receive WHS induction and training.
Investigate incidents promptly and implement corrective actions.
Maintain emergency and first-aid procedures.

Staff and volunteers must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training.
Report hazards, incidents, or near misses immediately to their supervisor.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Participate in safety consultation and training sessions.

8.4 Hazard and Incident Reporting

All hazards, near misses, injuries and illnesses must be reported to the Program Director as soon as possible using the Incident Report Form. Reports will be reviewed promptly and corrective actions implemented.

8.5 Risk Management

STEM Camp applies a risk management approach to:

Identify potential hazards in all environments and activities.
Assess the likelihood and consequence of each risk.
Implement controls to eliminate or minimise risks.
Monitor and review controls regularly.

8.6 Consultation and Continuous Improvement

STEM Camp encourages open communication about health and safety. Staff and volunteers are invited to raise WHS issues at meetings or directly with the Program Director. This section and associated WHS procedures are reviewed annually or after any major change or incident.

9. Legislative References and Related Policies

This Code of Conduct should be read in conjunction with the following legislation, frameworks, and STEM Camp policies:

Legislation (Western Australia):
- Children and Community Services Act 2004 (WA)
- Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
National Frameworks:
- National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (Australian Human Rights Commission)
STEM Camp Policies:
- Child Safety Commitment Statement
- Child Safety Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Terms and Conditions