Safeguarding Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct outlines the conduct expected of all of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music employees, casual workers, freelancers and volunteers.
The underpinning principle is that the welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount and it is the responsibility of all employees to behave with integrity, maturity and good judgement. You should not behave in a way that would undermine The Glasshouse’s reputation, in a personal or professional capacity.
Working with children and adults at risk
- Treat everyone fairly, without prejudice or discrimination and avoid favouritism;
- Behave in a calm, positive and encouraging way;
- Ensure that relationships remain professional and do not develop into a friendship;
- Plan activities so: more than one adult is present (or in sight of others); held in suitable venues; appropriate travel arrangements and health & safety measures are in place;
- If 121 activity does take place, make sure another employee knows where you and the child or adult at risk will be and the meeting purpose;
- Never agree to keep any information relating to the harm of a child or adult at risk confidential.
- Follow the recommended adult-to-child/adults at risk ratios for the activity;
- If physical comfort is required, it is done in a way that is age appropriate and respectful of personal space;
- Check people are comfortable before any physical contact, it should not be hidden or secretive;
- Physical contact should be limited to a sideways hug or touch of the arm or hand unless it is a necessary part of tuition;
- Physical support should only be provided if in relation to the activity and that another colleague can observe whenever possible.
Employees must not:
- Conduct a sexual relationship (in person or online) or indulge in any form of sexual contact regardless of the age of consent. This would constitute a breach of a position of trust and is never acceptable even if the young person is aged 16 years or above and can legally consent to a sexual relationship;
- Physically, emotionally or sexually abuse, maltreat or exploit any child or adult at risk or neglect their basic physical or psychological needs;
- Discuss personal or sexual relationships in front of, or with, children or adults at risk;
- Swear, make sarcastic, derogatory or sexually suggestive comments or gestures;
- Work under the influence of alcohol or drugs; smoke or vape;
- Give or receive gifts or substances such as drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes;
- Use any type of physical punishment to discipline;
- Do things of a personal nature that the child or adult at risk can do for themselves;
- Travel alone with a child or adult at risk in a car unless it has been risk assessed and is in line with the lone working and transport policies and appropriate insurance cover;
- Photograph or film children or adults at risk without first obtaining written consent;
- Broadcast or show any audio or visual material (CDs, DVDs, videos, photos, films, computer or games etc.) that has inappropriate content for children;
- Invite, or allow a child or adult at risk met through work into your home;
- Arrange to meet a child or adult at risk outside of your work role or activity;
- Stay alone overnight, share a bedroom or a bed with children or adults at risk;
- Use your personal phones or have CYP/adults at risk numbers in a personal phone.
- Use personal devices to photograph or film children or adults at risk without first obtaining written consent.
See The Glasshouse’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for full guidance and protocols.
Physical Touch in 1-2-1 Sessions
- Respect personal boundaries: Every student has a right to feel safe and respected. Tutors must be sensitive to individual comfort levels and cultural or personal preferences regarding touch
- Use alternatives first: Wherever possible, use verbal instruction, demonstration, imagery, or mirrors to correct posture, hand position, or technique
- Seek consent: If physical guidance is deemed necessary for educational reasons, always ask the student for permission before any contact. A simple question such as “Would it be okay if I guide your hand?” is essential
- Minimal and purposeful: Any physical touch must be limited to what is strictly necessary for instruction, brief in duration, and clearly related to the learning goal
When Touch May Be Appropriate
Physical touch might be appropriate in the following limited circumstances:
- Correcting hand or finger placement on an instrument when verbal instruction is insufficient
- Assisting with posture or alignment, particularly with younger or beginner students
- Providing tactile feedback to enhance physical awareness during playing (e.g., gentle guidance for breath support or bow hold)
Always:
- Explain why touch is needed
- Use open gestures and approach from the front
- Touch only neutral areas lightly (e.g., hand, wrist, shoulder)
- Be mindful of your body language, proximity and tone to maintain a professional and supportive atmosphere
- Encourage students to speak up if they are uncomfortable
- Offer consistent reassurance that learning can proceed without any physical contact if preferred
Never:
- Touch a student out of frustration, to discipline, or in any non-educational context
- Use touch that could be perceived as intimate or ambiguous
- Make sudden or unexpected contact
Summary
The use of physical touch in music teaching should always be intentional, respectful, and secondary to verbal and visual communication. When in doubt, don’t touch. Prioritise the student’s dignity and comfort at all times.
Digital Communication with children and adults
It is essential there is transparency in all engagement with children and adults at risk so that it is auditable as this protects both employees, children and adults. Use of social media platforms must be approved and belong to The Glasshouse.
When working or engaging children and adults at risk online:
- Observe the same rules of behaviour as if in-person by being professional (in dress and manner), polite and respectful.
- Do not swear or say anything (using the written word, images or icons) that could be regarded as sexual innuendo, bullying or discrimination.
- Only make contact for work purposes, through The Glasshouse channels and using The Glasshouse equipment;
- Follow the Safeguarding Procedures if you are made aware of abuse online, or observe other employees uploading or posting any defamatory, obscene, abusive or harmful content.
You must not:
- Use text speak, abbreviations or symbols/emoticons as these can be open to misinterpretation;
- Disclose confidential information about The Glasshouse, its employees/volunteers or the children or adults at risk we are working with;
- Upload, exchange or post any defamatory, obscene, abusive or harmful content (including self-generated sexual images or messages);
- Respond to approaches or communications from children or adults on personal social media;
- Ask to become an online friend or contact of a child or adult at risk or add or allow a child or adult to join personal contacts/friends list on social media.
Messaging
Texts should only be used for information purposes: all bulk text messages sent should be sent through approved channels and recorded for audit purposes; individual text messages should only be sent regarding a specific question or immediate request. Employees who work with children and adults at risk must use a The Glasshouse phone as this allows for data security, monitoring and separation between work and home life.
Phone contact
Children (or parents) or adults at risk should only be called in relation to The Glasshouse related activities. Employees who have sporadic contact with children and adults must refer to The Glasshouse IT Acceptable Use Policy.