The Willows occasionally works with volunteers, student placements, observers, or other additional adults who may be present during sessions. This code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour and professional conduct expected of anyone in this role.

All volunteers and additional adults must read, understand, and agree to this code of conduct before attending any session at The Willows. By attending, they confirm their acceptance of these expectations.

This code of conduct sits alongside — and does not replace — The Willows' Safeguarding Policy, Child Protection Policy, and any other relevant policies. All volunteers and additional adults are expected to be familiar with those policies too.

Safeguarding the young people in our care is the highest priority at The Willows. All volunteers and additional adults must:

• Never be alone with a young person at any time. Sessions at The Willows are delivered on a 1:1 basis by Nicola Bevan. Additional adults must remain within sight and earshot of the lead practitioner at all times.
• Never make physical contact with a young person except in an emergency situation where the safety of the young person or others is at immediate risk.
• Never share personal contact details (phone number, email, social media) with a young person or their family.
• Never communicate with a young person or their family outside of The Willows' sessions or official channels.
• Report any concerns about a young person's welfare immediately to Nicola Bevan. If a young person makes a disclosure, listen calmly, do not promise confidentiality, do not ask leading questions, and report it to Nicola as soon as possible.
• Be aware that all safeguarding concerns will be recorded and may be referred to statutory agencies.

All volunteers and additional adults are expected to:

• Treat every young person with dignity, respect, and patience — regardless of their behaviour or presentation on the day.
• Use positive, calm, and encouraging language at all times. Raised voices, sarcasm, criticism, or any form of humiliation are not acceptable.
• Follow the lead of Nicola Bevan at all times. Do not intervene in sessions, redirect young people, or make decisions about activities without instruction from the lead practitioner.
• Respect the confidentiality of all young people. Information about a young person's needs, background, or behaviour must not be discussed outside of The Willows, shared with anyone not directly involved in their care, or posted on social media in any form.
• Not share photographs or videos of young people under any circumstances. Photography at The Willows is strictly controlled and requires explicit consent.
• Arrive on time and notify Nicola as early as possible if unable to attend.
• Dress appropriately for an outdoor, working environment — closed-toe shoes, practical clothing, and no jewellery that could present a risk around animals.

Animals are central to the work of The Willows and their welfare is taken seriously. All volunteers and additional adults must:

• Follow all instructions from Nicola Bevan regarding safe behaviour around horses and other animals.
• Never approach, handle, or interact with any animal without explicit permission from Nicola.
• Move calmly and quietly around the yard and paddocks. Sudden movements, loud noises, or running near horses is not permitted.
• Report any concerns about an animal's welfare or behaviour to Nicola immediately.
• Accept that sessions may be adapted or paused at any time if an animal's behaviour presents a risk.

• Mobile phones must be kept on silent during sessions and used only in an emergency or with explicit permission from Nicola.
• Photographs, videos, or audio recordings of young people, staff, or animals must never be taken without explicit written consent.
• Social media posts referencing The Willows, its young people, or its sessions are not permitted without prior agreement with Nicola Bevan.

• All volunteers and additional adults must follow The Willows' health and safety procedures, including those relating to animals, outdoor activities, and first aid.
• Any accident, injury, or near-miss must be reported to Nicola immediately and recorded in the incident log.
• Volunteers and additional adults must not attend sessions if they are unwell, particularly with any infectious illness.
• Smoking, vaping, and the consumption of alcohol or any controlled substance on site or during sessions is strictly prohibited.

All volunteers and additional adults who have regular or unsupervised contact with young people at The Willows are required to hold a current enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Where a DBS check is not yet in place, the individual must not be left unsupervised with any young person at any time.

Volunteers and additional adults must disclose to Nicola Bevan any cautions, convictions, or other information that may affect their suitability to work with young people, both before commencing and during their time at The Willows.

Any breach of this code of conduct will be taken seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, this may result in:

• An immediate request to leave the site.
• Removal from the volunteer or additional adult role at The Willows.
• A referral to the relevant statutory agency where a safeguarding concern is involved.
• A referral to the individual's employer, training provider, or professional body where applicable.

All volunteers and additional adults are asked to sign a copy of this code of conduct before attending their first session. A signed copy will be retained by The Willows. By signing, the individual confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this code of conduct.

This code of conduct will be reviewed annually. The policy owner is Nicola Bevan.