Appendix C - Participant Code of Conduct

Northern Ballet aims to create a positive, friendly and happy environment for everyone to dance and learn in, that fosters good relationships, encourages effective learning for all and creates the opportunity for all participants to thrive, enjoy dancing, gain resilience and confidence.

We expect participants to comply with all the below expectations that are applicable to the event they are participating in.

All participants are expected to

• Act in a considerate and courteous manner to staff and fellow participants at all times
• Avoid aggressive or bullying behaviour
• Provide an example of good conduct for others to follow that includes:
  • being polite and respectful of others
  • using appropriate and inoffensive verbal and physical language
  • participate in classes/events with professionalism, care for others, and respect the environment and premises
• Respect each other’s right to personal privacy
• Apply themselves in class, listen and pay attention, take corrections and try hard the first time
• Be accepting of and open to expectations with regards to individual learning and be willing to accept constructive criticism or correction
• Develop resilience to adverse situations
• Take responsibility for their own actions
• Put their point of view across sensibly and sensitively
• Speak with their teacher if they have any questions or concerns regarding class work
• Speak with any member of staff if they have concerns relating to issues with other participants or issues away from their class work
• Inform the project/programme manager, members of Student Support (where applicable) and teachers of any injury or illness prior to the beginning of a class or immediately during class. It is the participant’s responsibility to stop, notify staff and seek help
• Do any assigned homework and practice corrections at home
• Arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to the published class/event time for registration, ensure you sign in and out of the building
• Wear clothing appropriate to the event/class and have all necessary equipment with you
• Inform staff before class, if you need to leave early
• Travel around the building with a member of staff, if under the age of 18
• Ensure anything relating to their course and peers they post on social media platforms is appropriate and kind in terms of both language and image

All participants are expected not to

• Use their mobile phone/technology when learning and observing. This extends to using their phone whilst in the building, if under the age of 18
• Use any equipment or sets in the studios without supervision from your teacher
• Eat or drink anything other than water in the studios
• Run or shout in either the corridors or studio spaces unless instructed to by a member of staff
• Lean over the barriers looking over the atrium on each floor
• Use the lift without supervision, if under the age of 18

Dealing with Incidents

Northern Ballet reserves the right to take action if we consider that any individual is not acting in an appropriate manner or complying with the above terms.

• Any incidents relating to unacceptable behaviour should be reported directly to the Programme Manger
• Incidents will be recorded on a secure system which is in line with current GDPR guidelines
• Dependant on individual cases Northern Ballet will carry out a full investigation into any incidents concerning behaviour that does not meet the principles outlined in this Code of Conduct, resulting in an appropriate course of action which may include one or more of the following
  1. A participant being temporarily removed from their class and where necessary being asked to observe an alternative class - if under the age of 18
  2. A participant being temporarily removed from their class and where necessary asked to leave the building - if over the age of 18
  3. A meeting with participant (and carer when appropriate) with the appropriate Programme Manager to discuss the issues raised
  4. A verbal warning
  5. An email/formal written warning should it be decided that there has been enough evidence to suggest behaviour falls short of adhering to the Participant Code of Conduct.
  6. A Positive Behaviour Agreement, based on discussions with the participant (carer when appropriate) may be put in place
  7. For those under the age of 18 on training programmes, an internal exclusion from classes, where the participant will observe and note take in a different class
  8. Permanent exclusion following a thorough investigation carried out by the Designated Safeguarding Lead/s, in conjunction with support from Northern Ballet’s Board of Directors. All exclusions must be approved by the Artistic Director and a Board Level Representative

Corporal punishment is never used at Northern Ballet in any circumstances.

Bullying

Northern Ballet takes issues around bullying extremely seriously and will deal with any such issues using the full possible range of actions outlined in this policy, up to and including permanent exclusion.

Bullying is discussed in the Anti-Bullying Policy, Appendix G.

Complaints Procedure

Any person wishing to complain about any issue dealt with under the Participant Code of Conduct should report concerns to the Programme Manager or the Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Equalities

Northern Ballet has a duty to ensure that all participants are treated fairly, in line with the Equalities Act 2010. Where a participant is considered at risk, this will be given due and appropriate regard when assessing an incidence of poor behaviour. No participant will be sanctioned when their behaviour is the result of a disability, mental health condition or other protected characteristic. However, there may be occasions where actions need to be taken to assure the safety of the individual concerned or the wider community; this may include creating a bespoke behavioural contract which specifically details expected behaviour and the support package in place.